Foundation

The foundation is the lowest part of the building or civil structure that is in
direct contact with the soil that transfers the load from the structure to the
soil safely.

Foundation
Functions of Foundations
Prepares a level and hard surface for concreting and
masonary work.
Minimizes cracks in due to movements of moisture in case
of weak and poor soil.
In the short term, stabilize and support the structure.
In the long term, resist differential settlement and increase
the lifespan of the structure.
Distribute loads from columns to a larger area.
Redistribute uneven structural loads.
Protect the structure against soil erosion underneath the
foundation.
Assist in lateral stability against lateral loads such as wind
and earthquakes.

Types of Foundations in
Construction
Depending on their nature and depth foundations have been
categorised as follows -

1. Shallow Foundations 2. Deep Foundations

Foundation
Shallow Foundations
Shallow foundations are placed closer to the ground surface and
are suitable for light to medium-weight structures. These
foundation types can be further classified as follows:

1) Isolated Footings
This type of foundation is economical and used widely. Each
column in a structure has its own isolated footing that directly
transfers the load to the underlying soil. They are of three types:

Simple Footing
It is commonly square, rectangular, or
circular in shape and is built separately
under each column.

Foundation
 Stepped Footing
These are stacked on top of each other to
make steps, 2-3 concrete cross-sections are
typically piled on top of each other.

Sloped Footing
Sloped or trapezoidal footings are
meticulously designed and built to maintain
a 45-degree top slope on all sides.

Foundation
2) Wall Footing
These foundations are longer and narrower compared to isolated
spread footings. They are commonly used to support load-bearing
walls in buildings with narrow column spacing.

3) Inverted Arch Footing

The inverted arch
footing is used in
places where the
bearing capacity
of the soil is very
poor and the load
of the structure is
concentrated
over the walls
and dep
excavations are
not possible.

Foundation
4) Combined Footing
When two or more columns are closely situated, combined footings
are employed. These foundations create a continuous support
system. They spread the load between the columns and reduce the
risk of differential settlement. Based on their shape these are of
two types:

Rectangular Combined Footing

Trapezoidal Combined Footing

Foundation
5) Cantilever Footing
In situations where one part of the building is adjacent to another
structure or footing, these types of footings are used. They
provide support to the load-bearing walls while avoiding
interference from nearby elements.

6) Raft Footing
In situations where one part of the building is adjacent to another
structure or footing, these types of footings are used. They provide
support to the load-bearing walls while avoiding interference from
nearby elements.

Foundation