Notes on Foundation and its Types
Foundation
A foundation is the lowest part of a building or structure that transfers its load to the ground. It
provides stability and ensures
the building can safely withstand loads like weight, wind, and seismic forces.
Functions of Foundation
1. Load Distribution: Distributes the load of the building evenly to the ground.
2. Stability: Prevents settlement, tilting, or collapse of the structure.
3. Support: Provides a stable base for the superstructure.
4. Prevention of Soil Movement: Reduces the risk of soil movement impacting the structure.
5. Protection Against Moisture: Acts as a barrier to moisture from the ground.
Requirements of a Good Foundation
1. Strength: Must be strong enough to bear the structure's load.
2. Stability: Should provide stability against external forces (wind, earthquake, etc.).
3. Settlement Resistance: Should prevent excessive or uneven settlement.
4. Durability: Must last long without deterioration.
5. Cost-Effectiveness: Should be economical while meeting safety requirements.
Types of Foundations
1. Shallow Foundations
Shallow foundations transfer the load to the ground close to the surface, typically within a depth of 3
meters.
- Types of Shallow Foundations:
a. Spread Footing: Distributes the load over a wide area to reduce stress.
b. Wall Footing: Continuous footing under walls for light-load bearing walls.
c. Isolated Footing: Supports individual columns.
d. Combined Footing: Supports two or more columns when space is limited.
e. Strip Footing: Continuous footing for multiple columns in a row.
f. Raft/Mat Foundation: A single large slab supports the entire structure.
2. Deep Foundations
Deep foundations transfer loads to deeper soil layers, well below the surface.
- Types of Deep Foundations:
a. Pile Foundation: Long, slender columns driven deep into the ground.
- Friction Piles: Transfer load through skin friction along their length.
- End-Bearing Piles: Transfer load to hard soil or rock at the bottom.
b. Drilled Shafts (Caissons): Cylindrical foundations filled with concrete.
c. Pier Foundation: Similar to piles but larger in diameter.
d. Well Foundation: Hollow foundations sunk into the ground.
3. Special Foundations
a. Grillage Foundation: Layers of steel beams encased in concrete for heavy loads.
b. Floating Foundation: Balances the load to reduce settlement.
c. Strap Foundation: A combination of isolated footings connected by a strap beam.
Factors Affecting Foundation Selection
1. Soil Type: Strength, compressibility, and water table.
2. Load: Magnitude, type, and distribution of the load.
3. Building Type: Height, area, and structural design.
4. Budget: Cost-effectiveness of the foundation type.
5. Site Conditions: Environmental and geological factors.
Common Foundation Problems
1. Settlement: Excessive or uneven settlement of the foundation.
2. Soil Erosion: Weakens the soil supporting the foundation.
3. Water Table Fluctuations: Causes instability and moisture issues.
4. Expansive Soils: Swelling or shrinkage of clay soils leads to cracks.
Key Notes
- Shallow foundations are economical and suitable for small structures with strong surface soil.
- Deep foundations are used for heavy structures or weak surface soil.
- Raft foundations distribute loads evenly and reduce settlement.
- Proper site investigation and design are crucial for foundation safety and durability.
