Types of Foundation

In general, all foundations are divided into two categories, - shallow

and deep foundations. The terms Shallow and Deep Foundation refer
to the depth of the soil at which it is placed. Generally, if the width of
the foundation is greater than the depth, it is labeled as the “Shallow
Foundation”. If the width is smaller than the depth of the foundation it
is called a “Deep Foundation.” However, deep foundation and shallow
foundation can be classified as shown in the following chart.

Shallow Foundations
As the shallow foundation depth is low and it is economical, it is the
most popular type of foundation for lightweight structures. Several
types of shallow foundations are discussed below.

Types of Shallow Foundation

The followings are the types of shallow foundations.

1. Isolated Spread Footing

This is the most widely recognized and most straightforward shallow
foundation type, as this is the most economical type. They are
typically utilized for shallow establishments to convey and spread
concentrated burdens caused, for instance, by pillars or columns.
They are generally used for ordinary buildings (Typically up to five
stories).
Isolated footing comprises a foundation directly at the base of the
segment. Generally, every section has its footing. They
straightforwardly transfer the loads from the column to the soil. It
might be rectangular, square, or roundabout. It can comprise both
reinforced and non-reinforced material. For the non-reinforced
footing, however, the stature of the footing has to be more prominent
to give the vital spreading of the load. They should possibly be
utilized when it is sure beyond a shadow of a doubt that no differing
settlements will happen under the whole structure. Spread footings
are inadmissible for the orientation of large loads. It is given to lessen
the twisting minutes and shearing powers in their primary areas.

The size of the footing can be roughly calculated by dividing the total
load at the column base by the allowable bearing capacity of the soil.

The followings are the types of spread footing.

* Single pad footing.

* Stepped footing for a column.

* Sloped footing for a column.

* Wall footing without step.

* Stepped footing for walls.

* Grillage foundation.

To decide when to use shallow foundations, it is necessary to know

when it is economical. It is economical when:

* The load of the structure is relatively low.

* Columns are not closely placed.

* The bearing capacity of the soil is high at a shallow depth.

2. Wall Footing or Strip footing

Wall footing is also known as continuous footing. This type is used to
distribute loads of structural or non-structural load-bearing walls to
the ground in such a way that the load-bearing limit of the soil isn't
outperformed. It runs along the direction of the wall. The width of the
wall foundation is usually 2-3 times the width of the wall.

The wall footing is a continuous slab strip along the length of the wall.
Stone, brick, reinforced concrete, etc. are used for the construction of
wall foundations.
* On account of block walls, the footing comprises a few courses of
bricks, the least course being generally double the expansiveness of
the wall above.

* On account of stone masonry walls, the counterbalances could be

15 cm, with the statues of the course as 30 cm. Along these lines, the
size of the footings is marginally more than that of the block divider
footings.

* If the heap on the wall is substantial or the soil is of low bearing

limit, this reinforced concrete foundation type can be given.

Wall footing is economical when:

* Loads to be transmitted are of small magnitude.

* It is placed on dense sand and gravel.

3. Combined Footing
The combined footing is very similar to the isolated footing. When the
columns of the structure are carefully placed, or the bearing capacity
of the soil is low and their footing overlaps each other, combined
footing is provided. It is fundamentally a blend of different footings,
which uses the properties of various balances in a single footing
dependent on the necessity of the structure.

The foundations which are made common to more than one column
are called combined footings. There are different types of combined
footing, including slab type, slab and beam type, and rectangular, raft,
and strap beam type. They may be square, tee-shaped, or trapezoidal.
The main objective is the uniform distribution of loads under the
entire area of footing, for this is necessary to coincide with the center
of gravity of the footing area with the center of gravity of the total
loads.
* The columns are placed close to each other.

* When the column is close to the property line and the isolated
footing would cross the property line or become eccentric.

* Dimensions of one side of the footing are restricted to some lower

value.

4. 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.
5. Raft or Mat Foundation
Raft or Mat foundations are used where other shallow or pile
foundations are not suitable. It is also recommended in situations
where the bearing capacity of the soil is inadequate, the load of the
structure is to be distributed over a large area, or the structure is
subjected continuously to shocks or jerks.

A raft foundation consists of a reinforced concrete slab or T-beam

slab placed over the entire area of the structure. In this type, the
whole basement floor slab acts as the foundation. The total load of
the structure is spread evenly over the entire area of the structure.
This is called a raft because, in this case, the building seems like a
vessel that floats on a sea of soil

Raft foundations are economic when:

* The soil is weak and the load has to be spread over a large area.
* The structure includes a basement.

* Columns are closely placed.

* Other kinds of foundations are not feasible.

* Differential settlement is to be prevented.

Deep Foundations
Several Types of Deep Foundations Are Discussed Below.

Types of Deep Foundation.

The followings are the types of deep foundations.

1. Pile Foundation
Pile is a common type of deep foundation. They are used to reduce
cost, and when as per soil condition considerations, it is desirable to
transmit loads to soil strata that are beyond the reach of shallow
foundations.

The followings are the types of pile foundations.

1. Based on Function or Use

1. Sheet Piles

2. Load Bearing Piles

3. End Bearing Piles

4. Friction Piles

5. Soil Compactor Piles

2. Based on Materials and Construction Method

1. Timber Piles
 2. Concrete Piles

3. Steel Piles

4. Composite Piles

Pile is a slender member with a small cross-sectional area compared

to its length. It is used to transmit foundation loads to deeper soil or
rock strata when the bearing capacity of soil near the surface is
relatively low. Pile transmits load either by skin friction or bearing.
Piles are also used to resist structures against uplift and provide
structures stability against lateral and overturning forces.

Pile is a slender member with a small cross-sectional area compared

to its length. It is used to transmit foundation loads to deeper soil or
rock strata when the bearing capacity of soil near the surface is
relatively low. Pile spreads load either by skin friction or bearing. Piles
are also used to resist structures against uplift and provide structures
stability against lateral and overturning forces.

Pile foundations are economic when

* Soil with great bearing capacity is at a greater depth.

* When there are chances of construction of irrigation canals in the

nearby area.

* When it is very expensive to provide raft or grillage.

* When the foundation is subjected to a heavily concentrated load.

* In marshy places.

* When the topsoil layer is compressible in nature.

* In the case of bridges, when the scouring is more in the river bed.

It can again be classified based on its material and its mechanism of

load transfer or function. Several types of pile foundations are shown
in the following chart.
2. Pier Foundation
Pier is an underground structure that transmits a more massive load,
which cannot be carried by shallow foundations. It is usually
shallower than piles. The pier foundation is generally utilized in multi-
story structures. Since the base region is determined by the plan
strategy for the regular establishment, the single pier load test is
wiped out. Along these lines, it is increasingly well-known under tight
conditions.
Pier foundation is a cylindrical structural member that transfers
heavy load from the superstructure to the soil by end bearing. Unlike
piles, it can only transfer load by bearing and by not skin friction.

Pier Foundation is economic when:

* Sound rock strata lie under a decomposed rock layer at the top.
* The topsoil is stiff clay that resists driving the bearing pile.

* When a heavy load is to be transferred to the soil.

Pier foundation has many advantages:

* It has a broad scope of assortment with regard to structure. There

are different materials we can here to build a stylish view, and it stays
in our spending limit.

* It sets aside cash and time as it doesn't require the broad removal of
a ton of cement.

* Bearing limits can increment by under-reaming the base.

Along with the advantages, it has a few disadvantages as well:

* If one post or dock is harmed, it can prompt critical harm to the

general establishment.

* It can be vitality wasteful if not protected appropriately.

* Floors must be intensely, vigorously protected, and shielded from

critters.

3. Caisson Foundation
Caisson foundation is a watertight retaining structure used as a bridge
pier, construction of the dam, etc. It is generally used in structures
that require a foundation beneath a river or similar water bodies. The
reason for choosing the caisson is that it can be floated to the desired
location and then sunk into place.
A caisson foundation is a ready-made hollow cylinder depressed into
the soil up to the desired level and then filled with concrete, which
ultimately converts to a foundation. It is mostly used as bridge piers.
Caissons are sensitive to construction procedures and lack
construction expertise.

There are several types of caisson foundations.

1. Box Caissons.

2. Floating Caissons.

3. Pneumatic Caissons.

4. Open Caissons.

5. Sheeted Caissons.

6. Excavated Caissons.
Caisson foundations are economic when:

* The pile cap requirement is to be minimized.

* Noise and vibration needed to be reduced.

* It has to be placed beneath water bodies.

* Highly lateral and axial loading capacity is required.