A Technical Seminar Report on

FLOATING FOUNDATION
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the degree of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY
In

CIVIL ENGINEERING
Under
JNTU Hyderabad
By

SYED KHALID ZEESHAN

18N61A0135

>

Department of Civil Engineering

Vivekananda institute of Technology & Science Karimnagar
(Approved by AICTE New Delhi & Affiliated to JNTU Hyderabad.)
2021-2022

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 Vivekananda Institute of Technology & Science: Karimnagar

Department of Civil Engineering

Certificate
This is to certify that the Technical Seminar Report entitled: FLOATING

FOUNDATION is a bonafide record of the Technical seminar report done by

SYED KHALID ZEESHAN (18N61A0135) fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the
Degree of Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering.

Date:

Mr. M.A. HALEEM DR TVV SUDHAKAR

Head of the Department Principal

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
It is customary for a student to thank all those who have helped him to
successfully complete a technical seminar particularly a different one, but we are doing
so not because of the monotonous tradition but because they are genuinely entitled to
our heart full thanks.
We are greatly obliged to our head of the department. Mr. M.A. HALEEM of
civil Engineering for creating an excellent academic which made this endeavour
possible.
We are also thankful to our principal DR TVV SUDHAKAR and Management of
Vivekananda Institute of Technology and Science, Karimnagar, for providing
congenial atmosphere and encouragement.

Last but far from least, I wish to acknowledge my parents and friends for giving
strength and constant encouragement.

SYED KHALID ZEESHAN (18N61A0135)

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 APPROVAL SHEET

This dissertation report entitled “FLOATING FOUNDATION” by SYED KHALID

ZEESHAN is approved for the degree of Civil Engineering and has been verified

Examiners

1.…………………………

2.…………………………

Supervisor

1. …………………………

2. …………………………

Date:

Place:

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 CONTENTS

Chp.No. Chapter Page No.

. LIST OF FIGURES

ABSTRACT

1. INTRODUCTION 7-10

2. SUITABILITY AND STABILITY 11

OF THE FLOATING FOUNDATION

3. PRINCIPLE OF FLOATING 12
FOUNDATION

4. HOW TO BUILD A FLOATING HOUSE 13-15

FOUNDATION

5. DIFFICULTIES IN CONSTRUCTION OF 16-18

FLOATING FOUNDATION

6. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES 19

OF FLOATING FOUNDATION

CONCLUSIONS

REFERENCES

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 List of figures

S:no Figures Page.no

1. Floating foundation slab 11

2. Foundation settlements 12

3. Principle of Floating Foundation 13

4. Excavation for Foundation 14

5. Gravel Base for Foundation 15

6. Reinforcement for Foundation 15

7. Casting of Foundation 16

8. Excavation 17

9. De-watering 19

10. Bottom heave 20

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 ABSTRACT

Floating foundations are often practical when foundations must be placed over
deposits of compressible soil and when deep foundations are expensive. The aim
of the present paper is to study parameters affecting the behavior of floating
foundations, including the kind of floating foundations, depth of excavation, and
imposed pressure by the superstructure. Herein, 3 buildings ranging from 15 to
25 stories with gross foundation pressures from 195Kpa to 342Kpa with similar
area plan, 40m x 50m, are studied for 4 soil types ranging from very soft to strong
type. Their foundations are studied by using numerical method of finite element.
Moreover, five case histories have been studied based on their records and
analytical predictions. Results indicate that in case of low bearing capacity and
high settlement, the floating foundations can be chosen as a reasonable alternative
considering of technical and economical aspects

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 CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION
Foundation (engineering)
In engineering, a foundation is the element of a structure which connects it to the ground,
transferring loads from the structure to the ground. Foundations are generally considered
either shallow or deep. Foundation engineering is the application of soil mechanics and rock
mechanics (geotechnical engineering) in the design of foundation elements of structures.

Purpose
Foundations provide the structure's stability from the ground:

 To distribute the weight of the structure over a large area in order to avoid overloading the
underlying soil (possibly causing unequal settlement).
 To anchor the structure against natural forces including earthquakes, floods, frost heaves,
tornadoes and wind.
 To provide a level surface for construction.
 To anchor the structure deeply into the ground, increasing its stability and preventing
overloading.
 To prevent lateral movements of the supported structure (in some cases).

Techniques For Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures

There are many known and practiced measures to protect against seismic threats. Let’s take a
look at some of the earthquake resistant techniques used by the engineer’s world over to
minimize the damage to structures due to earthquakes

Shock Absorption:
Similar to the shock absorbers used in vehicles, buildings also makes use of this technology.
This earthquake resistant technology helps buildings slow down and reduce the magnitude of
vibratory motions. Ideally shock absorbers should be placed at each level of the building – one
end attached to the beam and the other end to the column. Each comprises a piston head that
moves inside a cylinder full of silicone oil. During earthquakes, the horizontal motion of
building will make the piston push against the oil, transforming mechanical energy from the
quake to heat

Floating Foundation:
The levitating or floating foundation separates the substructure of a building from its
superstructure.
One way of doing this is by floating a building above its foundation on lead-rubber bearings
that comprise a solid lead core covered in alternating layers of rubber and steel. The bearings

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are attached to the building and its foundation with the help of steel plates. So, when an
earthquake occurs, the floating foundation can move without moving the structure above it.
In Japan this base isolation system works at a whole new level. Their design allows buildings
to float mid-air. The system levitates, keeping the building on a cushion of air. The system has
in-built sensors for detection of seismic activity and these sensors communicate with the air
compressor that creates the layer of air between the building and its base .

Rocking Core-Wall:
Modern high-rise buildings use this technique to improve seismic resistance at a low cost. To
make this work, a reinforced concrete core is set through the heart of the structure, surrounded
by elevator banks. Many modern high-rise buildings use this technique to increase seismic
resistance in an affordable way. It works most effectively when used together with base
isolation. For base isolation, elastomeric bearings are built with alternating layers of steel and
natural rubber/neoprene. The bearing thus created has low horizontal stiffness and vertical
rigidity. The combination is highly effective, cost-friendly and simple to implement.

Pendulum Power:
The pendulum power technique works by suspending a huge mass near the top of the structure.
This mass is supported by steel cables and viscous fluid dampers are placed between the mass
and the building that it protects. In case of any seismic activity, the pendulum moves in the
opposite direction to balance the energy. Each of the pendulums are tuned to sync with the
natural frequency of the structure and these systems are called tuned mas’ dampers. Their goal
is to counter resonance and reduce the structure’s dynamic response.

Symmetry, Diaphragms and Cross-Bracing:

Generally, one common criterion for seismic designs is symmetry. Seismic risks of
asymmetrical designs are higher. L-Shaped, T-Shaped and split-level structures may be more
visually appealing but they are also prone to torsion. Thus engineers design symmetrical
structures to keep the forces equally distributed through the structure and limit ornamental
elements like cornices, cantilever projections etc. An earthquake has a significant lateral force.
Seismic designing counteracts these forces in both horizontal and vertical structural systems.
Diaphragms are integral to horizontal structures – such as floors of a building or roof. Engineers
design each diaphragm on its own deck and strengthen it horizontally so it can distribute
sideways forces with vertical structure parts.
With vertical structures, engineers have several approaches. Braced frames are often used in
building walls. Braced frames rely on trusses for resisting sideways motion. Cross-bracing is a
technique that uses two diagonal members in an X-shape to build wall trusses and it is a popular
technique to build earthquake resistant structures.

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What Is a Floating Foundation?

A Floating Foundation is a type of foundation which is constructed by excavating the soil and
earth strata in such a way. That the weight of the structure built on the soil is nearly equal to
the total weight of the soil excavated from the ground including the weight water in the soil
before the construction of the structure. A Floating foundation is also known as a balancing
raft and causes zero settlement to the structure over it. In short when the foundation is not
supported by rigid soil mass or rocky strata below the earth’s surface and it rests completely
over the soil similar to friction pile then this phenomenon of the foundation is termed as a
floating foundation. Pile foundation is a floating foundation in which footings get its support
only by skin friction. Foundation settlement is the major problem faced by Geo technical
engineers. If the settlement is extreme, it may lead to the complete collapse of the structure
even though the factor of safety against shear failure is high.

There are many techniques or ways to reduce the foundation settlement, the floating foundation
is one of the best solutions. The main application of the floating foundation is to use as a
base foundation for sheds, manufacturing workshops, home additional rooms, or garages.

It is economical when used in areas wherever the need for a standard foundation is not required.
The floating foundation is called a monolithic foundation as they have no connection with the
foundation.
The principle of the floating foundation is an exact balance of the weight removed against the
weight imposed. While selecting this foundation, it is important that the foundation soils should
possess such strength that shear failure of soil will not occur under the building load. In the case
of differential settlements, this foundation is used to reduce settlements to an acceptable value.
The construction details are explained in detail in the following sections. The main purpose or
aim of the floating foundation is to balance the weight of removed (dragged) soil by a structure
of the same weight which causes zero settlement to the structure. For this reason, it is also
termed a balancing raft foundation.

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Who created the Floating Foundation?

Foundation constructed by excavating the soil and earth strata in such a way that the weight of
the structure built on the soil is nearly equal to the total weight of the soil excavated from the
ground including the weight of water in the soil before the construction of the structure is called
as Floating Foundation.

Fig: 1 FLOATING FOUNDATION SLAB

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 CHAPTER-2

Suitability and Stability of the Floating Foundation

The suitability of the Floating foundation are as follows

 A floating foundation is best suited for differential settlement foundation problems

under heavy loads.
 A floating foundation construction in such a situation helps in reducing the settlement.
 It is mostly used in soils that have low shear strength.
 A floating foundation also used in soils that do not contain any hard or stiff layer at
a required depth. In such condition, a floating foundation reduce the shear stress force
on the structure.

Floating foundations are best suited for the following types of soils:

 The soils which are having good shear strength but having a problem of
more settlements and differential settlements due to heavy loads. In such a case,
the floating foundation can minimize the settlement values to a greater extent.
 The soils which are having lower shear strength and there is no hard layer or strata of
soil at a reasonable depth. Here also, the floating foundation is desirable to decrease the
shear stresses to a satisfactory level, and hence settlement is prevented.

Fig: 2 FOUNDATION SETTLEMENTS

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 CHAPTER-3

Principle of Floating Foundation

The main principle of the floating foundation is to balance the weight of dragged soil by
a structure of the same

Which leads to zero settlement to the structure.

So, this foundation is also known as balancing the raft foundation.

Fig: 3 Principle of Floating Foundation

 Let’s consider a ground with a water table at the top as shown in the figure.
The ground or base is excavated or dragged up to a certain depth which is below
the water table.
 Now in the next step, a building is constructed which is as same as the weight of
the removed soil and water.
 Even the depth of excavation is below the water table the total vertical pressure in
the soil below the foundation is unchanged because of its balancing weight.
 But here one point should be kept in mind that we cannot build
a structure immediately after the excavation.
 At the time of construction, the effective vertical pressure below
the depth of excavation may slightly increase because of the unbalanced weight. So,
this type of floating foundation can also be known as partly compensated
foundations instead of fully floating or compensated foundations.

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 CHAPTER-4
How to Build a Floating House Foundation

The construction or building of a floating House

Foundation requires details to start the execution of the proposed building on solid earth
strata to completely support the whole weight of the superstructure

As mentioned they are more used in garages, an extension of the house, or sheds that do not
necessarily require huge foundations.

These buildings are light in structure. So floating foundation found

most suitable and economical, while compared with a conventional or normal foundation.

The construction of floating foundation involves the following steps:

1. Site excavation for floating foundation construction

2. Laying gravel base for drainage
3. Reinforcement of foundation
4. The casting of the foundation

1. Excavation for Floating Foundation

Fig: 4 Excavation for Foundation

The initial stage of construction of the floating foundation is to clear the land and excavate the
area as per the plan. This is the initial preparation for the construction.

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2. Laying Gravel Base Drainage

Fig: 5 Gravel Base for Foundation

This step involves making the drainage in the sides and bottom of the foundation, for
the water to drain out through the gravel base as shown below.

The trench constructed is sealed with Geo–textile and gravel as shown below, which
will remove water from the concrete foundation as shown in figure 2.

3. Reinforcement for Floating Foundation

Fig: 6 Reinforcement for Foundation

The reinforcement molds are placed for the casting procedure. To strengthen the slab,
the reinforcing bars are provided as per dimensions, codes, and specifications.

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5.Casting of the Foundation

Fig: 7 Casting of Foundation

The concrete is poured into the formwork. It is compacted either by labour or mechanical
vibrator depending on the area and workmanship.

Proper compaction has to be done, to make the slab fully strengthen and productive.
Proper curing has to undergone for almost 2 to 3 days after placing concrete.

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 CHAPTER-5

Difficulties in Construction of Floating Foundation

At the time of the construction of the floating foundation, some problems may arrive which
can be prevented by taking proper care.

The following are floating slab foundation problems,

1. Excavation
2. De watering
3. Critical depth
4. Bottom heave

1. Excavation

The excavation made for a floating foundation should be done carefully. The walls of
the excavated part should be supported using piles or timber piles or soldier piles etc.

Fig: 8 Excavation

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2. De-watering

If the depth of the excavation is below the water table then de watering is essential. It
is better to check and establish the water table level prior to the excavation.

De watering should be done cautiously otherwise it may cause a lowering of water

table which disturbs the adjoining structure.

Care has to be taken to see that the adjoining structures are not affected by the de watering
process of foundation.

Fig: 9 De-watering

3. Critical Depth

If the soil has low shear strength as specified above, there is a limit to
the depth of excavation which is known as critical depth.

There are many equations are available to determine the critical depth of excavation among
them one is given below known as Terzaghi’s equation.

Terzaghi’s equation for the critical depth is:

Where,

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Dc = Critical depth

s = Shear strength of soil

B = Width of foundation made (If width is less than the length of foundation “L”)

ᵧ = Unit weight of soil

4. Bottom Heave

When the soil is excavated up to some depth, the pressure of the soil below
this depth is lowered which results in the formation of heave.The formed heave may lead
to settlement to the structure or foundation. We cannot prevent the formation of heave but
there are some methods to minimize the formation of heave.

Digging narrow trenches and filling them with concrete soon after the excavation
minimizes the heave formation. Installing friction piles before the excavation starts or after
the completion of half excavation can also prevent the formation of heave under
the foundation. By lowering the water table also, it can be minimized. To prevent the heave
formation in the sidewalls of the trench, lateral support should be provided. Heaving can
be reduced by phasing out excavation in narrow trenches and placing
the foundation soon after excavation.

Fig:10 Bottom heave

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 CHAPTER-6

Advantages and Disadvantages of Floating Foundation

Advantages Floating Foundations

 The floating foundation can be employed in site areas with lower soil bearing
capacity (SBC) and where investing large money on soil treatment is futile.
 This system letting us use over loose soil or in the soil with varying compressibility.
 The floating foundation has the property of spreading the vertical
loads or stresses coming over it to be disturbed over a large area.
 A floating foundation is a good solution when it comes to the extension of houses. It is
best suited when we require a building extension without affecting the already existing
foundation.
 This won’t interfere with the building structure already built.
 A floating foundation can be used in high moisture soil.
 The floating foundation does not require the usage of footer trenches. They can
be poured with the help of trenching or digging which is economical.
 It requires very little digging of soil because deep footer trenches are needed.
 It avoids seepage of water and frosting. Due to this purpose, the foundation can
be insulated for frost or moisture.
 Most suitable for heavily used highways.
 The floating foundation does not cause any disturbance to the earth layer
beneath neither it will interfere with the quality.
 In areas where there are possibilities of shifting in the earth layer, mainly due to
high moisture content, the floating foundation is best suited.

Disadvantages of Floating Foundations

 The footing slab does not make underground land available for underground access
for connection lines facing the utilities.
 It has primitive technology.
 The floating foundation has lower design resonance.

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 CONCLUSION

Foundation settlement is a major problem faced by geotechnical engineers. If the settlement is

severe, it can lead to the complete collapse of the structure, even if the factor of protection
against shear failure is high. Floating foundation are the best option for geotechnical engineers
to reduce foundation problems.

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 REFERENCES

David J. D'Appolonia, (A.M.ASCE), T. William Lambe, (F.ASCE), Edmund K. Turner (1971).

Floating Foundations for Control of Settlement. Journal of the Soil Mechanics and Foundations
Division, 1971, Vol. 97,

Issue 6, Pg. 899-915. Donald P. Coduto, (2001). Foundation Design- Principles and Practices.
New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Inc.

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