Did You Know These Common Foundation Types For Building Design?
Foundation is an integral part of building construction. In any building construction design, focusing on the foundation is a prerequisite as it determines whether the structure is strong enough to support the entire weight and withstand various conditions in the future. Besides, supporting the walls and columns of the complete structure is unachievable unless there is a strong foundation in a building. As a base that supports the overall weight of the building, a foundation comprises of consolidated concrete material that tends to the specific uses. When it comes to deciding the kind of foundation that is best suitable for any particular construction design, structural consultants in India or elsewhere, must distinguish among the various foundation types. This blog highlights the types of foundation implemented by structural engineers in a building construction design.
Most Popularly Implemented Types of Foundation:
Foundation is classified as a shallow and deep foundation. Take a look at the most popular types under each.
Shallow Foundation
1. Isolated/individual footing: This is the most common foundation type that is used in a building construction design. Also known as ‘pad foundation’, this is best suitable for constructing a single column. The individual footing is square or rectangular and serves the purpose of carrying loads from the structure by the columns. In case the foundation experiences horizontal forces or irregularity of loads, the rectangular isolated footing is chosen.
2. Spread, strip and wall footings: Spread footings is the name given if the base is wider than the usual load bearing wall foundations. The purpose of a wider base is simple – it distributes the weight equally from the structure over a larger surface area thereby providing more stability. Wall footings and spread footings are especially useful if the individual columns, bridge piers and walls have the bearing soil layer at a distance of 10 feet from the ground surface. Most of the structural consultants in India implement these kinds of footings, the soil bearing capacity must be adequate to support the structure’s weight over the base area.
Deep Foundation
1. Pile foundation: If there is the requirement to transfer heavy loads from the structure to deep inside the ground (to hard rock strata precisely), it is called pile foundation. Through this type, heavy structure loads are transferred via columns to the deepest hard soil layer where the shallow footings cannot be employed. Pile foundations are extremely useful for making structures resilient against tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. This type of foundation is ideal for use where the soil conditions are unsuitable for heavy loads. By the use of end bearing and skin friction, pile foundation withstands loads from structure. Should you want to prevent different settlement of foundations, do not overlook the potential of a pile foundation.
2. Drilled shafts/caisson foundation: Also known as caisson foundation, this is yet another important deep foundation that functions similarly as the previous pile foundations. The only difference is that drilled shafts come with high capacity cast-in-situ foundations. Loads from the structure are resisted using toe or shaft resistance or both. The construction of caissons occurs with the help of an auger. Compared to pile foundations, drilled shafts have the capacity to transfer larger loads at a depth of 25 to 300 feet. However, if the soil has an accumulation of soft clays, artesian aquifer or boulders, having a caisson foundation or drilled shafts is not suitable.
Conclusion: When constructing a building, it is important to consider whether the structure is upright and is adequately supported. In this respect, the significance of a strong foundation is second to none. As the saying goes, a good foundation provides strength to the building and there is nothing wrong in this. Your trusted structural consultants in India or elsewhere put into effect their best knowledge concerning foundation types to provide you with a safe building. To know more about our engineering services, call us on +91 9619795213