Introduction
Building a structure is a complex and challenging process, and one of the most crucial components of any construction project is the foundation. Without a proper foundation, a building is at risk of structural failure and damage or collapse, which can lead to safety hazards and costly repairs. The importance of a foundation cannot be overstated. In this article, we will explore what a foundation is, the various types of foundations available, and important factors to consider when selecting a foundation for your construction.
Foundation
A foundation is the structural base upon which a building is constructed. It is an essential component of any building, whether it is a residential or commercial structure. It is a solid base for the entire structure of the building and distributes the building’s weight evenly across the soil, in order to provide stability and prevent damage from soil movement or subsidence. There are various types of foundation based on the types of structures, depth and soil condition of the building.
Types of Foundation
There are two broad categories of foundation – shallow and deep foundation .
SHALLOW FOUNDATION:
A shallow foundation is a type of foundation that is used to transfer the loads of a structure to the underlying soil. Shallow foundations are typically used when the soil is strong enough to support the loads of the structure within a shallow depth (less than or equal to the width of the foundation). There are various types of shallow foundation:
Individual/ Isolated Footing:
Individual footing, also known as isolated footing, is a type of shallow foundation that is used to support individual columns or pillars. The individual footing consists of a concrete pad that is placed directly beneath the column or pillar, and it is typically square or rectangular in shape. The size of the individual footing depends on the load-bearing capacity of the soil and the weight of the column or pillar it supports.
Combined Footing:
A combined footing is a type of shallow foundation that is used when two or more columns are located close to each other, and their individual footings would overlap. The combined footing is a single, continuous concrete pad that is used to support multiple columns. The shape and size of the combined footing depend on the load-bearing capacity of the soil and the weight of the columns it supports.
Strip/ Spread / Wall Footing:
Strip foundation, also known as spread or wall footing, is a type of shallow foundation that is used to support a load-bearing wall.They are constructed as a continuous strip of concrete, spreading the weight of the building over the soil. They are the most common type of shallow foundation typically used for small to medium-sized structures. The width and depth of the strip foundation depend on the load-bearing capacity of the soil and the weight of the wall it supports.
Raft / Mat Foundation:
A raft or mat foundation is a type of shallow foundation that is used to support a large, heavy structure. They are used when the soil is weak or has a low bearing capacity, and it distributes the weight of the structure over a larger area to reduce the pressure on the soil. They consist of a thick, flat slab of concrete that sits on top of the soil and supports the entire building.
DEEP FOUNDATION:
Deep foundations are used when the soil near the surface is weak or does not have enough bearing capacity to support the loads of a structure. Deep foundations are designed to transfer the loads of the structure to deeper, stronger soil layers or rock formations. The two main types of deep foundations are pile foundations and drilled shafts or caissons.
Pile Foundations:
A pile foundation is a type of deep foundation driven or installed into the ground to transfer the loads of the structure to deeper soil layers. This type of foundation is generally used in areas where the soil conditions cannot withstand heavy loads.
Drilled Shafts or Caisson Foundation:
Drilled shafts or caissons are deep foundation elements that are created by drilling a hole into the ground and filling it with concrete or other material. They are similar to pile foundations but can withstand higher capacity load. The shafts are typically larger in diameter than piles and can support heavier loads. They are commonly used in areas with rock formations or hard soils.
Factors to Consider when Selecting Foundation
All foundations are not a one size fit solution. Selecting the right building foundation is crucial for ensuring the stability and safety of any structure. The foundation must be able to support the weight of the building and resist external forces such earthquakes or soil movements. There are several factors that need to be considered in order to ensure the foundation is appropriate for the building’s size, weight, and the site’s soil conditions. Some of the essential factors to consider are:
Soil Condition: The type of soil and its properties are critical factors that influence the selection of a building foundation. The soil must be able to support the weight of the building and resist external forces. Factors to consider include soil type, soil bearing capacity, soil settlement, and soil water content
Building Height: The height of the building will determine the type of foundation needed to support the structure. For instance, a single-story residential home may require a simple shallow foundation, while a high-rise commercial building may require a deep foundation that provides additional support and stability.
Bearing Loads: The weight of the building and the loads it carries must be considered when selecting a foundation. The foundation must be able to support the total weight of the building, including any structural elements, furnishings, and people.
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and groundwater levels can affect the selection of a foundation. If the groundwater level is high, a deep foundation system may be required to prevent water from seeping into the foundation
Conclusion:
Foundation is a critical component of any building structure. It provides support and stability of the structure. There are two broad categories of foundation with various sub-categories based on various features such as depth, strength, soil condition and design of the foundation. Therefore, it is essential to carefully evaluate the various conditions and types of foundation while selecting a foundation for your structure. A qualified engineer or geotechnical expert is highly recommended to ensure the proper selection of foundation and its installation to guarantee the structural integrity and longevity of the building. In case you want assistance with your building foundation, consult with a structural engineer or architect at Builders9 can help ensure the right foundation type is selected for the building.