Establishing a solid foundation is essential in the construction of any building, as it ensures the strength and stability of the building, particularly in the event of natural disasters. Look at these six types of foundations typically utilized in construction.
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1. Isolated Spread Footing
As the most cost-effective variety, isolated spread footing is the most commonly known and simple shallow base type. Generally, they are employed in shallow structures to transport and distribute concentrated loads, such as those generated by pillars or columns. Also, they are usually utilized for the construction of standard buildings. An isolated footing consists of a foundation directly beneath the segment's base.
2. Raft or Mat Foundation
When shallow or pile foundations are not suitable, raft or mat foundations are employed. Moreover, it is advisable when the soil's bearing capability is insufficient, when the structure's load must be dispersed across a significant surface area, or when the structure is consistently exposed to shocks or jerks.
A raft foundation consists of a T-beam slab or reinforced concrete platform positioned across the structure's complete area. Regarding this style, the foundation consists of the entire basement floor slab. A uniform distribution of the overall load of the structure is achieved across the entirety of the structure's surface area.
3. Combined Footing
The construction of a combined footing occurs when two or more columns are located close to one another, and their individual footings overlap. Although it is a mixture of multiple separate footings, their structural design is distinct. This rectangular footing is utilized when the columns are responsible for supporting the burdens of the structure.
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4. Drilled Shafts or Caisson Foundation
There is a form of deep foundation known as drilled shafts, also called caissons. Drilled shafts have an action comparable to that of pile foundations, but they are high-capacity cast-in-situ foundations. Through shaft resistance, toe resistance, or a combination of the two, it can withstand loads imposed by the structure. As mentioned, a drill is utilized to fabricate pierced shafts and caissons. Shafts that have been drilled are capable of transferring column loads that are greater than those of pile foundations. This technique is utilized in situations when the depth of hard strata below the surface is within the range of 10 to 100 meters or 25 to 300 feet.
5. Slab-On-Grade
This straightforward and cost-effective foundation concept involves pouring concrete directly into dirt excavated to create a single surface that can be used for building. In regions where the temperature drops below freezing, it is possible to lay a floating form of the material that does not come into contact with the frozen ground. Slabs are more resistant to underlying flaws such as mold, mildew, and vermin since they are made of a single piece when constructed.
6. Pile
The weight of the building is moved deeper underground to a flat area of hard rock by this deep base design. Piles are typically utilized when the rock layers are not sufficiently deep underground to warrant a drilled shaft. Through the use of end-bearing piles that offer toe resilience and piles with friction that offer load transmission straight into the soil, these foundations reportedly provide structural resistance to the supporting structure.
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