Ty p e s o f Fo u n d a t i o n s
in Building
Construction
Prepared By :
Saja Faris
Altarawneh
Supervision:
Dr Sultan
Tara
Types of Foundations
in Building
Construction
Foundations are the critical substructure components that provide
essential support and stability to buildings, allowing them to
withstand environmental pressures and the test of time. Different
types of foundations are used based on soil properties, structure
type, and load-bearing requirements.
This presentation explores the various foundation types used in
construction, their significance, and the key differences between
them. Understanding these foundation systems is crucial for
ensuring structural integrity and longevity in building projects.
Introduction to
Foundations
A building typically consists of two main components: the
superstructure (above ground) and the substructure (below
ground). The foundation, known as the substructure, provides
crucial support and stability to the entire building.
Foundations ensure that structures can withstand environmental
pressures and the test of time. Different types are used in
construction to accommodate various factors such as soil properties,
structure type, and load-bearing requirements.
Superstructure Substructure
The visible portion of the The foundation system below
building above ground level ground that transfers the
that serves the building's building's load to the earth
intended purpose
Key Considerations
Soil properties, load requirements, environmental factors, and
building type all influence foundation selection
Categories of
Foundations
Foundations are classified into two primary categories based on their depth and load transfer mechanisms. The
selection between these categories depends on factors such as soil conditions, structural requirements, and project
specifications.
Each category serves specific purposes and is suitable for different building types and soil conditions.
Understanding these categories is essential for proper foundation selection and structural stability.
Shallow Foundations Deep Foundations
Constructed near the ground surface (typically 1-3 Extend well below the ground surface (typically >3
meters deep) meters)
Transfer loads to deeper, more stable soil or rock
Transfer building loads to relatively shallow soil strata
Necessary
layers for heavy structures or poor surface soil conditions
Suitable for lightweight structures and firm soil conditions
Shallow Foundation
Systems
Shallow foundations are constructed near the surface (typically 1-3 meters deep) and transfer weight to relatively shallow
ground. They're ideal for lightweight structures such as houses, stores, and small factories with column loads under 50 tonnes.
These foundations require a medium (firm) upper soil stratum and work well for low-rise buildings under 5 stories.
JKR/Mackintosh Probe tests determine the soil bearing capacity, which influences foundation size—larger loads require larger
footings.
Spread Footings Strip Footings Mat (Raft) Foundations
Support individual columns by Continuous strips that support Large concrete slabs
spreading the load over a load- bearing walls throughout supporting multiple columns
larger soil area their length and walls, used in weak soil
conditions
Types of Shallow
Foundations
Shallow foundations are subdivided into various types based on their shape, size, and overall design. Each type serves specific purposes and is selected based on
structural requirements, soil conditions, and building configuration.
The selection of the appropriate shallow foundation type depends on factors such as column loads, soil-bearing capacity, and architectural considerations. These
foundations distribute building loads across sufficient soil area to prevent excessive settlement.
Combined Footing Raft Foundation
Supports multiple closely-spaced Covers the entire building
columns, distributing their weight over footprint, distributing the load
a larger surface area over a large area, beneficial in
Pad Footing weaker soil conditions
Square, rectangular, or round shapes Strip Footing
that support individual columns, sized Extended foundation pads supporting
according to column load and soil- closely placed columns, distributing
bearing capacity weights along a linear path
Deep Foundation
Systems
Deep foundations are constructed at depths of at least three meters and disperse building weight through end
bearing and frictional resistance. These foundations are essential when surface soils are inadequate to support
structural loads or when buildings are particularly heavy.
Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) measure the number of blows (N-value) required to drive sampling equipment,
helping determine soil stratigraphy, density, shearing resistance, and cohesion. Tests typically terminate at an N-value
of 50 unless otherwise specified by engineers.
Pile Foundations Drilled Shafts Caissons
Long cylindrical structures driven Large-diameter concrete columns Watertight structures used for
into the ground to transfer loads constructed by drilling and filling underwater construction,
to deeper strata with concrete transferring loads to the seabed
Types of Deep
Foundations
Deep foundations are ideal for low-rise buildings with soft/loose upper soil strata and heavy structures including high-rise buildings and infrastructure projects like metro stations, bridges, and
flyovers. These foundations transfer loads to deeper, more stable soil or rock layers.
The selection of deep foundation type depends on factors such as soil conditions, structural loads, site accessibility, and construction equipment availability. Each type offers
specific advantages for different project requirements.
Micro Piles
Small-diameter piles used in areas with restricted access or for retrofitting
existing structures. They provide foundation support where larger equipment
cannot access.
RC Square Piles
Segmented Reinforced Concrete Piles constructed by assembling concrete
segments of varying lengths (typically 3-6 meters) with steel joint plates at each
end.
Bored
Piles
Large-diameter concrete columns formed by drilling cylindrical holes into the
ground and filling them with reinforced concrete, suitable for various soil
conditions.
Conclusion: Foundation Selection
Factors
The choice between shallow and deep foundation techniques depends on various site-specific factors and circumstances. Shallow
foundations are preferred for stiff soils and lighter loads, while deep foundations perform better in soft/loose soils and for supporting heavy
constructions.
A thorough soil investigation and careful design process are essential to ensure the foundation's overall safety and stability. The right
foundation selection is critical for structural integrity, building longevity, and construction efficiency.
Structural Requirements
Building type, size, and load considerations
Soil Conditions
Bearing capacity, composition, and stability
Environmental Factors
Water table, climate, and site topography
Economic Considerations
Construction costs, material availability, and timeline
References and Further
Reading
Understanding foundation systems requires consulting reliable sources. The following
references provide valuable information on foundation selection criteria, testing methods, and
specific foundation types used in modern construction.
These resources cover topics ranging from soil testing procedures to detailed specifications
for various foundation systems, offering comprehensive knowledge for construction
professionals and students alike.
Hamakareem, Foundation Selection Criteria The
M.I. for Buildings Constructor
Yusof, M.F. Correlation of JKR Probe MATEC
(2017) with Undrained Shear
Strength
Indeed Editorial Team Foundation Types in Indee
(2022) Construction: Definition d
and 5 Primary Types
Al-Hashemi, H.M.B. End Bearing Capacity of University of
(2016) Pile Foundation Bahrain
PRD RIGS Standard Penetration Test LinkedI
(2023) (SPT) for soils n
