UNIT-2 FOUNDATIONS: SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS

Foundation is one of the essential parts of the structure. It is defined as that part of the structure that transfers the load
from the structure constructed on it as well as its weight over a large area of soil in such a way that the amount does not
exceed the ultimate bearing capacity of the soil and the settlement of the whole structure remains within a tolerable limit.
Foundation is the part of a structure on which the building stands. The solid ground on which it rests is known as the
foundation bed.

The type of foundation used for a building depends on various factors:

• Total load from the superstructure.
• Soil conditions.
• Water level.
• Noise and vibrations sensitivity.
• Available resources.
• Time-frame of the project.
• Cost.

There are two main categories of foundations:

1.Shallow foundations, also known as footings, are typically used for smaller buildings and are placed near the surface of
the soil.

2.Deep foundations, on the other hand, are used for larger and heavier structures or when the soil near the surface is not
strong enough to support the weight of the building.
Why a Foundation is Provided:
Foundation should fulfil the following objectives:
• Distribute the weight of the structure over a large area of soil.
• Avoid unequal settlement.
• Prevent the lateral movement of the structure.
• Increase structural stability

Why There are Different Types of Footing:

As we know that there are different types of soil, and the bearing capacity of the soil is
different for each type of soil. Depending on the soil profile, size, and load of the structure,
engineers chose different kinds of foundations.
FOUNDATION SYSTEMS:
CLASSIFICATION OF FOUNDATIONS :
TYPES OF SHALLOW FOUNDATION

1.Individual footing or isolated Spread footing:

Isolated footing is a type of shallow foundation used in building construction, typically for single columns or pillars. It is a
rectangular or square-shaped foundation that bears the load of the column and transfers it to the soil below. Isolated footings
are designed based on the load-bearing capacity of the soil, the weight of the structure, and other factors such as wind and
seismic loads.
The construction process for isolated footings involves excavating a hole in the ground to the required depth and dimensions of
the footing, reinforcing the hole with steel bars, and pouring concrete into the hole to create the foundation. Isolated footings are
typically used for smaller structures such as residential buildings, but they can also be used in larger buildings where columns are
spaced far apart.

Proper design and construction of isolated footings are crucial to ensure the stability and longevity of the structure. Inadequate or
improper construction can result in settlement, cracking, or even collapse of the structure. Therefore, it is essential to consult with
a qualified structural engineer and adhere to building codes and regulations while constructing isolated footings.

Types of Isolated Footings

• Stepped footing
• Simple spread/pad footing.
• Sloped footing.

Suitability

• Where columns are not closely spaced.

• Loads on footings are less.
• The Safe bearing capacity of the soil is generally high at low depths.

• Advantages:
• Isolated footing is economical.
• It is used when the soil bearing capacity is high.
• It is suitable when the loads on footing are less.
• It is also very suitable if the columns of a building are not close space
Isolated spread footing:
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.
Wall Footing or Strip footing:
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.
Combined Footing Combined foundations are economic when:

• 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.
Section
Compound footing is further divided into 3 types.
• Rectangular
• Trapezoid
• Tee- Shaped
When columns are close to one another compound footing is
given preference but when the situation is opposite and has a
large distance between columns strap footing is considered.
Plan
4. Cantilever or Strap Footing
Strap footing is also a type of combined footing connected with a concrete beam (this beam is called a strap beam). It is also
known as cantilever footing. This type of footing is commonly used when the column is placed eccentrically on a footing so the
eccentrically placed columns are connected with the concrete beam (strap) to protect this error.
Cantilever or Strap Footing

Disdvantages
• strip foundations are only suitable for fairly small construction projects, with a relatively low
loading requirement.
• Where soil conditions are weak or irregular, using strip foundations could have very serious
consequences, potentially leading to structural integrity issues or even collapse
5.Raft Footing
Another name of Raft Footing is Mat Foundation. It is a continuous slab resting on the soil and supports all the columns of a
building. It is used when the bearing capacity of the soil is very low, so due to its heavy design, it distributes the total
structural load over a wide area.
It is also recommended in situations where the bearing Raft foundations are economic when:
capacity of the soil is inadequate, the load of the structure
is to be distributed over a large area, or the structure is • The soil is weak and the load has to be spread
subjected continuously to shocks or jerks. over a large area.
• The structure includes a basement.
A raft foundation consists of a reinforced concrete slab or • Columns are closely placed.
T-beam slab placed over the entire area of the structure. • Other kinds of foundations are not feasible.
In this type, the whole basement floor slab acts as the • Differential settlement is to be prevented.
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.
Advantages of Raft Foundation
Followings are the advantages of raft foundation:

• Mat foundation can be provided where the shallow foundation is necessary but soil condition is poor.
• It resists differential settlement.
• Mat foundation requires less earth excavation.
• Mat foundation itself can be considered as a floor slab. So it reduces the cost of constructing floor slab.
• Distribute loads over a larger area.

Disadvantages of Raft Foundation

• Followings are the disadvantages of raft foundation:
• Prone to edge erosion.
• Special measurements are needed when mat foundation is subjected to the concentrated load.
5.Raft Footing