TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

938 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila

CEC 002
ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND EQUIPMENT
CEC32S4

REPORT NO. 5
TYPES OF FOUNDATION

MANGUILIN, KHRYZ JEFF A.

STUDENT GRADE

A foundation is the structural base of a building designed to evenly distribute its weight
to the ground, ensuring stability and preventing movement or settling. Typically made of
concrete, brick, or stone, it serves as the primary support system for the entire structure.
Depending on soil conditions and design requirements, foundations can be shallow (like
spread footings and slab-on-grade) or deep (such as piles and drilled shafts). A properly
built foundation is essential for ensuring the long-term safety and durability of any
building.

Foundations can either be deep or shallow.

SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

 ISOLATED / SPREAD FOOTING

An isolated footing is a type of foundation that supports a single column,
distributing its load to the ground. Usually square, rectangular, or circular in
shape, it spreads the concentrated weight over a wider area to prevent excessive
settling and ensure soil stability. Isolated footings are commonly used in
structures with moderate loads and stable soil conditions.

 MAT FOUNDATION
A mat foundation, also known as a raft foundation, is a large, solid slab that
covers a broad area, supporting multiple columns and walls at once. It distributes
 the building’s load uniformly across the foundation, making it ideal for sites with
soft or unstable soil. This foundation type is often used in high-rise buildings,
basements, or structures with heavy loads to reduce the risk of uneven settling.

 COMBINED FOOTING
A combined footing is a type of foundation designed to support two or more
closely spaced columns with a single shared base. It is commonly used when
separate isolated footings would intersect or when columns are located near the
edges of a property. By distributing the loads evenly, combined footings help
prevent differential settlement and enhance the stability of the structure.

 STRAP FOUNDATION
A strap foundation is a foundation system that connects two or more isolated
footings with a strap or beam, allowing them to work together to support a
 structure. This approach is typically employed when columns are not evenly
spaced or when one column bears a heavier load than the others. The strap
helps to evenly distribute the loads across the footings, ensuring stability and
minimizing differential settlement. Strap foundations are often utilized in difficult
soil conditions or in scenarios where structural integrity is particularly important.

 STRIP FOUNDATION
A strip foundation is a shallow foundation composed of a continuous strip of
concrete that supports a wall or a line of columns. It runs along the length of the
wall, distributing the load evenly across the foundation. Commonly used for low-
rise buildings in stable soil conditions, strip foundations can be made from
materials such as reinforced concrete or masonry. They are designed to reduce
settling and ensure the structural stability of the building.

DEEP FOUNDATION

 PIER FOUNDATION
 A pier foundation is a deep foundation system consisting of vertical columns or
shafts, called piers, that reach deep into the ground to transfer the load of a
structure to stable soil or bedrock. Typically made from reinforced concrete or
masonry, piers are employed when surface soil conditions are inadequate to
support the weight of the structure. This foundation type is particularly effective
for supporting heavy loads, such as those from tall buildings, bridges, or large
structures, and it helps prevent settlement while providing stability.

 PILE FOUNDATION
A pile foundation is a deep foundation consisting of long, slender
columns known as piles, which are driven or drilled into the ground to
transfer the load of a structure to deeper, more stable soil or bedrock.
These piles can be made from various materials, including concrete,
steel, or timber, and are used when surface soils cannot adequately
support the weight of the structure. This type of foundation is
commonly used for large buildings, bridges, and offshore structures,
as it provides strong support and helps reduce the risk of settlement
or structural failure.

1. DRIVEN PILES
 These prefabricated piles are hammered into the ground using
a pile driver. They can be constructed from concrete, steel, or
timber and can function as either end-bearing or friction piles.

2. BORED PILES
Also known as drilled shafts, these piles are formed by drilling a
hole into the ground and filling it with concrete. They can be
designed for either end-bearing or friction applications.

3. COMPOSITE PILES
 Made from two or more materials, composite piles combine the
benefits of different materials, such as concrete and steel, to
improve performance and load-bearing capacity.

4. END – BEARING PILES

These piles transfer the structure's load directly to a strong
layer of soil or bedrock at the bottom. They are driven into the
ground until sufficient resistance is reached.

5. FRICTION PILES
 These piles rely on the friction between their surface and the
surrounding soil to support the load. They are typically used in
softer soils where end-bearing piles are less effective.

6. SHEET PILES
Primarily used for lateral support in excavations and retaining
walls, sheet piles can also act as foundations in certain
applications by providing stability against lateral earth pressure.

7. HELICAL PILES
 Featuring a long shaft with one or more helical blades, these
piles are screwed into the ground. They are often used in
challenging soil conditions or when quick installation is
necessary.

 BASEMENT FOUNDATION
A basement foundation is a type of foundation that includes a space
below ground level, often used as a basement in a building. It
consists of walls and a floor constructed beneath the surface,
providing extra living or storage space. These foundations can be
made from materials such as poured concrete, concrete blocks, or
masonry. They are engineered to support the weight of the structure
above while resisting soil pressure and preventing water infiltration.
Proper waterproofing and drainage systems are essential for
basement foundations to avoid moisture issues and enhance the
building's longevity.

 DIAPHRAGM WALL FOUNDATION

 A diaphragm wall foundation is a type of deep foundation formed by
reinforced concrete panels that are installed deep into the ground to
provide support for structures, particularly in difficult soil conditions or
when excavation is needed. These walls are usually built
continuously using the slurry trench method, where a trench is
excavated and filled with bentonite slurry to prevent collapse. The
diaphragm wall functions as both a retaining structure and a
foundation, distributing loads from the building to the ground while
countering lateral earth pressures. This foundation type is commonly
utilized in high-rise buildings, basements, and underground
construction projects, offering stability and support in urban
environments.

 WELL FOUNDATION
 A well foundation is a deep foundation made up of large, cylindrical
shafts, referred to as wells, that are excavated into the ground and
filled with concrete or other materials. This type of foundation is
designed to transfer a structure's load to deeper, more stable soil or
bedrock. Well foundations are especially useful in areas with high
water tables, soft soils, or when significant load-bearing capacity is
needed. The construction of these wells can be achieved through
various methods, including excavation, drilling, or using precast
elements. Well foundations are commonly utilized in the building of
bridges, piers, and large structures, offering stability and support in
difficult soil conditions.

 CAISSON FOUNDATION
 A caisson foundation is a type of deep foundation used to support
large structures, particularly in situations where soil conditions are
unstable or where significant loads need to be transferred to deeper,
more stable layers of soil or bedrock. Caissons are typically large,
hollow cylinders that are constructed above ground and then sunk
into the ground, or they can be excavated in place. They are filled
with concrete to create a solid base.

Caissons can be open at the top, allowing for the direct placement of
concrete, or closed, which requires dewatering during installation.
This foundation type is often employed in bridge piers, heavy
buildings, and marine structures, providing excellent load-bearing
capacity and stability, even in challenging soil environments.

 BUOYANCY RAFT FOUNDATION

 A buoyancy raft foundation is a specialized type of foundation
designed to counteract the upward buoyant forces from groundwater
acting on structures situated below the water table. This foundation
consists of a large concrete slab that either floats or is partially
submerged in the soil, helping to balance the upward water pressure
while supporting the structure above.

Such foundations are especially advantageous in regions with high

water tables or when building basements in areas prone to flooding.
The design helps prevent uplift and provides stability by evenly
distributing the weight of the structure across the foundation.
Buoyancy raft foundations are often used in buildings, parking
garages, and other constructions that require stability in challenging
hydrological conditions. Effective engineering and design are
essential to ensure that the raft can adequately resist buoyant forces
while maintaining the structural integrity of the building.

 SHAFT FOUNDATION
A shaft foundation is a type of deep foundation consisting of vertical
columns or shafts that are drilled or excavated into the ground to
provide support for a structure. These shafts carry the load of the
building down to deeper, more stable soil or bedrock, making them
particularly useful in areas with weak or unstable surface soils.

Shaft foundations can be built using various methods, including

drilled shafts (also known as bored piles) and cast-in-situ piles. The
size and depth of the shafts can vary based on structural
requirements and soil conditions. This foundation type is commonly
employed for large buildings, bridges, and other heavy structures,
delivering robust support and stability while reducing the risk of
settlement. Proper design and construction are critical to ensuring
that shaft foundations effectively provide load-bearing capacity and
maintain structural integrity.