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Learn about the most important types of foundations used in building construction. From shallow to deep foundations, Stonedge Construction explains what you need to know to build strong, safe, and lasting structures in Assam and Northeast India.
What is Foundation?
Foundation, Part of a structural system that supports and anchors the superstructure of a building and transmits its loads directly to the earth. To prevent damage from repeated freeze-thaw cycles, the bottom of the foundation must be below the frost line.
Foundation is the lowest portion of the structure which exists below the earth surface. It refers to the material whose behaviour the civil engineer has analysed in order to provide satisfactory and economical support to the structure. Although out of sight, the foundation is nonetheless important because if it is deficient in design or construction, the entire building is at risk, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy, is a classical example.
Why a Foundation is Provided ?
Load Distribution:
The base spreads the weight of the structure uniformly on the ground to avoid uneven settling or tilting.
Stability:
It provides stability to the building by avoiding displacements due to external forces such as winds, earthquakes, or soil movement.
Moisture Resistance:
Foundations help protect the structure from water damage by preventing moisture from seeping into the building, especially in areas with high groundwater.
Preventing Settling:
A well-designed foundation helps to prevent the building from settling unevenly over time, which could cause cracks or other structural problems
What is a foundation type in construction?
In terms of construction, foundations are broadly divided into shallow and deep foundations, each with different subtypes. They are –
1. Shallow foundation :
Shallow foundations are a type of building foundation that transfers structural loads to the earth near the surface, typically less than their width in depth. They are generally used for lighter, smaller structures like houses, garages, and sheds where the soil near the surface can adequately support the load.
As discussed, shallow foundations are used in construction, typically located near the ground’s surface and spread over a large area to support structures. Here are a few types of them:
Shallow foundations are of various types depending upon their load-bearing capacity, size of the foundation, soil conditions, and construction procedure. Some of the common types of shallow foundations. Here are a few types of them:
a)Individual Footing or Isolated Footing or Spread footing:
It is the most commonly used type of foundation. An isolated footing is a type of foundation that is used to support a single column or pier. It is also known as column footing, pier footing or pedestal footing.
It is typically rectangular in shape and is placed under the base of the column or pier. The footing is usually made of concrete and is reinforced with steel rebar to provide additional strength.
Isolated footings are often used in areas where the soil is not strong enough to support the weight of the structure. They are also used when the structure is not attached to another structure, such as a building. This type of footing is typically used for small structures, such as sheds or decks.
b) Wall Footing or Strip footing or Continuous Footing :
Strip footing, continuous footing or wall footing or strip foundation is a type of shallow foundation commonly used in construction. It is a long, continuous concrete strip that supports the load of a wall or a row of columns. The strip footing is typically reinforced with steel bars to enhance its strength.
Strip foundations are good because they spread the weight well, save money, and work well in different soils. In India, they can be a good choice if the soil, climate, and specific needs of the construction project are considered. Having professionals for design and construction, along with checking the ground, is important for successful strip foundations in India.
c) Combined Footing:
A combined footing is a type of foundation where a single concrete footing supports two or more columns. It’s used when columns are too close together for individual footings, when soil bearing capacity is low and footings would overlap, or when a column is near a property line. Combined footings can be rectangular, trapezoidal, or T-shaped.
d)Cantilever or Strap Footing :
Strap footings are similar to combined footings. The reasons for considering or choosing strap footing are identical to the combined one.
In strap footing, the foundation under the columns is built individually and connected by a strap beam. Generally, when the edge of the footing cannot be extended beyond the property line, the exterior footing is connected by a strap beam with the interior footing.
e) Raft or Mat Foundation :
Raft foundations, also known as mat foundations, are a type of shallow foundation that utilizes a large, continuous concrete slab to support the entire building structure. They are commonly used in areas with poor soil conditions or when the structure requires a wide area to distribute the load.
2. Deep foundation:
A deep foundation is a type of building foundation that transfers structural loads to deeper, more stable soil or rock layers when shallow foundations are not sufficient. This is necessary when near-surface soil is weak, unstable, or cannot bear the weight of the structure. Deep foundations are commonly used for tall buildings, large structures, and in areas with poor soil conditions.
Deep foundations are used when shallow foundations cannot provide adequate support due to significant structural loads or poor soil conditions at shallow depths. Let’s delve into the two types of deep foundations below:
a) Pile foundation:
Pile foundations are long, slender, structural elements made of wood, concrete, or steel. They are driven into the ground to transfer the building’s load to the firm soil or rock layer beneath. Piles can be driven vertically or at an angle to provide additional lateral support. They are used in situations where the soil is not strong enough to support the building’s weight or where the building is located in an area prone to earthquakes or other natural disasters.
b) Caisson foundation :
A caisson foundation is a type of deep foundation, often used in challenging soil conditions or when supporting heavy structures like bridges and dams. It involves creating a watertight structure, typically a large box or cylinder, that is sunk into the ground to a desired depth before being filled with concrete. This creates a strong, stable base capable of withstanding significant loads and preventing water seepage.
c)Drilled Shaft foundation:
Drilled shafts, sometimes referred to as caissons, are deep foundations that work similarly to pile foundations but offer a higher level of load capacity. Construction professionals use an auger to drill the shafts up to 100 feet into the ground. These shafts can then help transfer loads of columns evenly throughout the structure. There are several types of shafts or caissons, with the most commonly used ones being sump caissons, pneumatic caissons, open caissons, box caissons and monolithic caissons.
Foundation types for homes :
In addition to general construction foundations, there are also specific foundation types used when building homes. The most common foundations used for houses include:
Basement foundation: Basement foundations are home foundations that consist of pillar perimeters built with concrete to support the home’s above-ground load.
Crawl space foundation: This is another commonly used home foundation and is when a home is built upon a small crawl space. This type of foundation is used when the soil can be dug through and is reinforced by concrete pillars.
Concrete slab foundation: This type of foundation is the most commonly used home foundation. Concrete slab foundations consist of a slab or block of concrete on which the home is built. Most concrete slab foundations are between four and eight inches thick, and construction professionals use drainage pipes or steel rods to reinforce the foundation.
Pier foundation: A pier foundation is a type of foundation constructed from square or circular concrete pads that are placed strategically around the perimeter of a house. This is often one of the sturdiest types of foundations and offers significant support with little downsides compared to other forms of home foundations.
Construction tips for building construction :
Building a strong foundation is crucial for a stable and long-lasting structure. Key tips include:
Conduct Site Investigation :
You must understand the soil profile i.e., test its bearing capacity and analyse its suitability for the proposed structure. This information is critical to determine the type of foundation required.
Obtain Engineering Guidance :
You must consult with experienced structural engineers to design appropriate foundations based on the specific requirements of your project. Their expertise will ensure stability and structural integrity.
Consider Groundwater Levels :
Determining the depth and consistency of groundwater to mitigate potential problems during construction is an important step in construction. Proper drainage measures should be incorporated to avoid water accumulation near the foundation.
Account for Load Distribution :
You must analyse and calculate the loads that the foundation must bear, considering both dead loads (meaning the weight of the structure) and live loads (meaning the occupant or variable loads). This information will guide your design and material selection.
Choose the right type of foundation :
Choosing a foundation is like picking the right shoes for an adventure. You need to consider the terrain, the weather, and what you’re doing. Similarly, engineers choose foundations based on the ground, the type of building, and how much weight it needs to hold.
Foundation Materials:
Concrete:
A mixture of cement, aggregates, and water, concrete is widely used for its high compressive strength and ability to withstand loads.
Steel:
Steel foundations are used for structures requiring high stability and durability, often in the form of steel beams or piles.
Timber:
Pressure-treated lumber or engineered wood products are used for foundations, particularly in sheds, cabins, and other lightweight structures.
Masonry:
Stone or brick are used in masonry foundations, especially in older buildings or specific architectural styles.
Aggregates:
Gravel, crushed stone, or recycled concrete can be used as a foundation material for drainage and to prevent soil erosion.
Sand:
Sand is used as a bedding layer between the foundation and soil, especially in areas with stable soil and low water tables.
Foundation Construction:
1. Site Preparation:
This involves excavating the site to the required depth and dimensions, ensuring a level and stable base.
2. Formwork:
Forms (typically made of wood) are constructed to shape the foundation before concrete is poured.
3. Concrete Mixing and Pouring:
Concrete is mixed on-site or pre-mixed, then poured into the formwork. Vibrators may be used to eliminate air pockets and ensure proper compaction.
4. Reinforcement:
Steel rebar or mesh may be embedded in the concrete to enhance its tensile strength and resistance to bending or cracking.
5. Curing:
Concrete needs to be properly cured (kept moist) to reach its full strength.
Foundations generally do not contribute to the architectural aesthetics of a building. Yet without a proper foundation, a building will not function effectively, will be unsafe and its architectural quality will fade rapidly.
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