Reinforced Concrete Foundation Design

REINFORCED CONCRETE Faculty of Civil Engineering,
Universiti Teknologi MARA

Cawangan Pulau Pinang
FOUNDATION DESIGN 13500, Permatang Pauh
Pulau Pinang
MALAYSIA
By:
MOHD SAMSUDIN ABDUL HAMID
Senior Lecturer
samsudin85@uitm.edu.my
 Student is able to determine the load on foundation.
LESSON  Student is able to determine type of foundation.
OUTCOMES  Student is understand to determine the design parameters.

 Student is able to design reinforced concrete foundation.
INTRODUCTION
 Types of Foundation
 Foundation Selection
 Design Specification
TYPE OF FOUNDATION FOUNDATION SELECTION DESIGN SPECIFICATION
FOUNDATION DESIGN
TYPES OF FOUNDATION
FOUNDATION DESIGN
FOUNDATION SELECTION
1. Loads of Structure
Loading conditions coming from the structure is

one of the factors that govern foundation selection.
It is influenced by type of building, type of
construction material, environmental factors,
earthquake susceptibility.
Selection of material such as bricks, stone, steel,

and concrete for construction affect the selection
of foundation. Settlement calculation of foundation
is another factor that associated with loads of the
structure and affects foundation choice.
In case of low-rise building, shallow foundation is

preferred. However, for high-rise building, deep
foundation is required. Deep foundation is
provided because ground at greater depth are
highly compacted.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
2. Soil Bearing Capacity
Soil bearing capacity is one of the most crucial criteria that

affect the selection of the appropriate type of foundation.
Decision can be made to choose shallow or deep foundation
based on the soil bearing pressure.
An allowable bearing pressure of at least 100kN/m^2 or higher is effective for shallow foundations up
to 4 stories. However, higher structures can consider a raft foundation provided that the modulus of
subgrade reaction shall not be exceeded when calculated.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
3. Soil Types
There are different types of soil like sandy

soil, loose soil, clayey soil, and expansive
soils. Form the surface to a depth of 3m is
termed as top soil, and subsoil begins after
3m depth. Characteristics specifically
bearing capacity of both topsoil and subsoil
layers would to a great extent controls the
foundation selection.
For low bearing capacity soil, stronger and

suitable foundation shall be selected
compare to with case where the soil has
strength bearing capacity. The bearing
capacity is the ability of soil to safely support
structural loads without suffering shear
failure and intolerable settlement.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
FOUNDATION DESIGN
3.1 Clay Soil
Clay soil has great capacity for water retention that is why great expansion and
shrinkage are expected in this type of soil. As a result, foundation structure can suffer
from great settlement and uplift pressure that is why clay soil is not desirable.
Applicable codes such as British standard recommends minimum depth of 1m for
foundation and 3m if there are trees around.
Raft/Mat foundation is the best foundation type to be built on clay soil, and ribs and
beams can be incorporated into it to increase its stiffness. If raft foundation is costly,
imposed loads are large, or strong soil layer is not available at shallow depth, then
under reamed pile should be selected.
In clay soil, it is recommended to collect and drain rainwater, extend foundation to a

depth where moisture fluctuation does not occur, remove weak and shallow soil layer
such as black cotton soil, execute construction during dry season if possible, and
distribute structural loads as uniform as possible.
In the case where a shallow firm soil layer cover soft clay soil layer, it is advisable to
use wide reinforced strip foundation. In this manner, the affect of loads on weak soil
layer is reduced. Pile foundations are recommended for high rise buildings and
whenever uplift is expected.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
3.2 Peat Soil
It is considerably porous, easily compressible, and dark brown or black color soil which is commonly present
near wetlands. It undergoes expansion and shrinkage due to moisture fluctuation, extremely weak in terms or
load carrying capacity.
So, it should be either removed strong strata and strip foundation is good option in this case. If the thickness
of peat soil is great and its removal is not economical, then other foundation types should be selected.
For instance, concrete piles extended to the firm soil layer below, pad and beam foundation took to firm strata
blow for small projects, or raft foundation for the case where firm strata are not available at reasonable depth
but there is hard surface crust with 3-4m thick of suitable bearing capacity.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
3.3 Silt
Silty soil, which is smooth to touch, is generally not suitable

for foundation structure because of its expansion which
exert pressure against foundation and damage it.
The silt retain moisture and does not drain water easily.
Reinforced concrete spread and isolated pad footings are
appropriate if silt or silty clay is stiff and extends to a great
depth. The depth of the foundation should be greater than
the zone of erosion and the zone of swelling and
shrinkage.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
3.4 Sand and Gravel
Sand and gravel allow water drainage that is why do not cause structural
movement. Moist compaction of soil and sand make good support for
foundation structure.
Dry compact gravel, or gravel and sand subsoils are adequate for spread and
strip foundations. Generally, a depth of 700mm is acceptable, as long as the
ground has adequate bearing capacity.
If gravel is submerged in water, the bearing capacity is declined by half. That

is why it is important to keep the foundations as high as possible. A shallow,
reinforced, wide strip foundation may be suitable.
Sand holds together reasonably well when damp, compacted and uniform, but
trenches may collapse and so sheet piling is often used to retain the ground in
trenches until the concrete is poured.
If loose sand is extended for great depth, then it is recommended to compact

it and use spread footing. Alternatively, raft, driven pile, augured pile, or cast in
place pile can be selected without the use of compaction energy.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
3.5 Rock
Generally, rocks such as limestone, bedrock, and sandstone have substantially

high bearing capacities. This makes it suitable for supporting foundations of
commercial and residential buildings.
3.6 Loam
Loam is the best option to support foundation because of its uniformly balanced
characteristics. It maintains water at balanced rate and hence neither shrink or
expand to an extend that damage foundations. Loam is a combination of clay,
silt, and sand, and dark in color and soft; dry; and crumbly to the touch.
Isolated footing is the most desired type of foundation for loam soil. The depth
and area of foundation is dependent on bearing capacity, depth of groundwater
table, and depth of load bearing stratum.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
3.7 Previously Used Soil
If the site previously used for buildings such residential,

mining, industrial, or other structures, then obstruction such
as ground contamination can hinder immediate excavation
works. Such considerations need to be taken into account
while the type of foundation is selected.
If for instance loose sand extends to a large depth, then raft

foundation can be selected to evenly distribute the load, and
pile foundation would be required for heavy structures such
as multi story buildings.
3.8 Mountain Soils and Forest Soils
Mountain soils and forest soils are most likely to have

boulders at various depths, so pile foundations are not
suitable. For residential buildings with one or two floors,
Isolated reinforced pad foundations are suitable. For single
storey buildings, reinforced concrete strip foundations are
suitable.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
3.7 Reclamation Land (Case Study of Doha, Qatar by Hisham and Omar, 2004)
Project Description
The project involved filling 21-square kilometers of a shallow bay developing a
waterfront-reclaimed land for expansion of Doha city. The bay had a water depth ranging
between 0.5 m and 1.0 m creating readily inaccessible area due to the compressible
nature of the surface soil. Reclamation took place by end tipping from the landward side
with no formal compaction procedure. The filling material consisted of calcareous sand
with gravel and limestone fragments. The procedure adopted during land reclamation
was to form an offshore bund by placing fill along the proposed new shoreline.
Subsurface Condition
Different phases of subsurface explorations have been conducted before and after the
filling completion. These explorations included test borings and open pits located across
the project area. Both undisturbed tube and core samples and disturbed split-spoon
samples with standard penetration tests (SPT) were taken. The exploration showed that
the filling material is underlain by natural seabed deposits that typically consists of a 1.0
to 1.25 meter-layer of plastic silt followed by an approximately 3.5 meters of sand. The
deposits are in turn underlain by an extended layer of weathered limestone that is
occasionally intruded by 1.0 to 2.0 meter-thick layers of weak attapulgitic shale at depths
ranging between 24 and 30 meters below the fill surface.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
3.7 Reclamation Land (Case Study of Doha, Qatar)
Soil Improvement
Field and laboratory test conducted before and after filling.
(Consolidation Test)
Settlement Prediction
The analysis deals with the worst possible subsurface layering
conditions that yield maximum total and differential settlements for low
and high-rise structures typically designed for development of the filled
area.
For a 3-story townhouse as a representative of low-rise structures,

isolated footings has been used as foundation.
For high-rise structures, settlement of a typical structure 30 x 50 m raft

foundation resting at depth of 2.5 meters and imposing a net pressure
of 100 kPa was predicted.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
4. Ease of Construction
The choice of foundation should be made keeping in mind the ease with which it can be
executed/constructed at the site. The construction of different types of foundation requires labor of different
skillset and different level of skills.
5. Water Table Level
Water table is another significant criterion that affect the foundation selection. Foundation should not be
placed on soil that undergo expansion and contraction due to water table fluctuation. So, it should be
construction on fully dry soil or on fully wet soil.
If the groundwater table is located below the formation level of the foundation, then a shallow footing like
isolated or combined footing should be chosen. Moreover, for higher water table, raft/mat footing should be
proposed.
This is to counteract uplift pressure and counter the effect caused by water to avoid any overturning moments
at the early stage of construction. If this option cannot be executed, then deep foundations like micro piles or
bored piles should be considered to provide the necessary uplift resistance.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
6. Adjoining Structure/Water Bodies/Slopes
Adjoining structures, water bodies, slopes are parameters that need to be considered for selection of
foundation types. When foundation of the neighboring structure is very close the foundation to be
construction, it may influence the choice and the safety of the adjoining structure.
If the foundations of an adjoining structure are very near to the target foundation, it may affect the choice as
the safety of adjoining structure is of paramount importance. the selection of proper foundation type would
be more challenging it the neighboring structure is high rise building or an old property.
Factors such as closeness to a river, lake, natural drain, or vicinity to a slope should be taken in counting.
Isolated RCC pad foundations under stilts are usually preferred for buildings on sloping grounds. No
residential buildings should be constructed on slopes steeper than 25 degrees.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
7. Natural Disaster and Extreme Weather
If the area has a history of severe natural events or extreme

weather, then these parameters should be selected taken these
parameters into considerations. The past record or data of natural
disasters and extreme weather should be employed as a base for
foundation selection.
8. Economic Design
When there are number of feasible foundation choices for the given
project site, economical factor may influence the selection of the
foundation. Nonetheless, choosing an economical foundation should
not compromise the safety, workmanship, strength, and durability of
the foundation.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
DESIGN SPECIFICATION
 Characteristic strength of concrete, fck
 Characteristic strength of steel, fyk
 Soil bearing capacity
 Column dimension
 Design life
 Exposure class
 Nominal cover
 Diameter bar
 Axial Load
FOUNDATION DESIGN
Characteristic Strength of Concrete, fck
Minimum and maximum

grad of concrete for shallow
foundation.
Minimum and maximum

grad of concrete for deep
foundation
FOUNDATION DESIGN
Characteristic Strength of Steel, fck
Note:
1- The characteristic strength of

steel is also depending on
market availability.
2- In Malaysia, we are allow to

use 460 MPa due to current
practice.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
Soil Bearing Capacity
1. Using formula
• Terzaghi
• Hansen
2. Using N-Value
FOUNDATION DESIGN
Column Dimension
Beam
1. Preliminary sizing using span over depth ratio
Table 7.4N
2. Follow the beam dimension so that column will

flush in the beam.
3. Preliminary sizing using fire resistance

requirements (simply supported). Column
FOUNDATION DESIGN
Design life
FOUNDATION DESIGN
Exposure Class
I. Identified the project location from the architectural plan

title block.
II. Check the environmental condition (geographical, weather

condition, altitude of location, etc).
III. Refer Table 4.1 (BS EN 1992-1-1:2004 Section 4.1) to

determine the exposure class related to environmental
conditions in accordance with EN 206-1.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
Exposure Class
Table 4.1 (BS EN 1992-1-1:2004 Section 4.1)

Exposure class related to environmental
conditions in accordance with EN 206-1.
FOUNDATION DESIGN
Nominal Cover ii) Due to bond requirements
BS EN 1992-1-1:2004 Section 4.4.1
Cnom = Cmin + ∆Cdev
Cmin = max {Cmin,fire;Cmin,b;Cmin,dur;10mm}

iii) Due to exposure class
∆Cdev = the value may be found in National Annex. The
recommended value is 10 mm.
i) Due to fire resistance
Note: EC2 = 50 mm < Cnom < 75 mm

FOUNDATION DESIGN
FOUNDATION DESIGN
FOUNDATION DESIGN
FOUNDATION DESIGN
Axial Load
• The axil load or action is determine by load transfer from superstructure.
• The calculation of permanent action and variable action should be separated and unfactorized.
N
FOUNDATION DESIGN
Foundation Design
Type of
Foundation
Shallow Deep
Foundation Foundation
Pad
Pile Cap
Footing
Combine
Footing

Reinforced Concrete Foundation Design

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REINFORCED CONCRETE Faculty of Civil Engineering,

Universiti Teknologi MARA

OUTCOMES  Student is understand to determine the design parameters.

Loading conditions coming from the structure is

Selection of material such as bricks, stone, steel,

In case of low-rise building, shallow foundation is

Soil bearing capacity is one of the most crucial criteria that

There are different types of soil like sandy

For low bearing capacity soil, stronger and

In clay soil, it is recommended to collect and drain rainwater, extend foundation to a

Silty soil, which is smooth to touch, is generally not suitable

If gravel is submerged in water, the bearing capacity is declined by half. That

If loose sand is extended for great depth, then it is recommended to compact

Generally, rocks such as limestone, bedrock, and sandstone have substantially

If the site previously used for buildings such residential,

If for instance loose sand extends to a large depth, then raft

3.8 Mountain Soils and Forest Soils

Mountain soils and forest soils are most likely to have

For a 3-story townhouse as a representative of low-rise structures,

For high-rise structures, settlement of a typical structure 30 x 50 m raft

5. Water Table Level

If the area has a history of severe natural events or extreme

Characteristic Strength of Concrete, fck

Minimum and maximum

Minimum and maximum

Characteristic Strength of Steel, fck

1- The characteristic strength of

2- In Malaysia, we are allow to

2. Follow the beam dimension so that column will

3. Preliminary sizing using fire resistance

I. Identified the project location from the architectural plan

II. Check the environmental condition (geographical, weather

III. Refer Table 4.1 (BS EN 1992-1-1:2004 Section 4.1) to

Table 4.1 (BS EN 1992-1-1:2004 Section 4.1)

Cmin = max {Cmin,fire;Cmin,b;Cmin,dur;10mm}

i) Due to fire resistance

Note: EC2 = 50 mm < Cnom < 75 mm

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