Types of Building Foundations

What is the primary function of a building foundation?

Which of the following is NOT a type of shallow foundation?

Individual footings are only used for square columns.

Combined footings are used when two or more columns are positioned ______ to each other, causing their individual footings to overlap.

What is an advantage of using spread footings for buildings?

What is the primary characteristic of a raft foundation?

Pile foundations are a common type of foundation used for buildings built on stable, shallow soil.

What is the main purpose of pile foundations in building construction?

Which of the following is NOT considered an advantage of using deep foundations?

Drilled shafts, also known as ______, are a type of deep foundation that provide high load-carrying capacity.

Types of Building Foundations

Foundations are structural elements supporting a building, transferring weight to the ground for stability.
Foundation type depends on soil conditions and intended building use.
Different types distribute loads over larger areas or prevent settlement.

Shallow Foundations

Individual or Isolated Footing: Common foundation type, designed for single columns (pad foundations). Shape is determined by soil capacity and column load, often rectangular or square.
Combined Footing: Used when multiple columns are close together to avoid individual footings overlapping. Typically rectangular, distributing loads across the combined footing.
Strip Foundation: Wider footing for load-bearing walls or bridge piers. The broader base distributes load over a larger area, ideal for bearing soil layers close to the ground surface.
Raft or Mat Foundation: Covers the entire building area, supporting heavy structural loads from columns and walls. This prevents differential settlement, ideal for large loads or poor soil conditions. Useful for buildings with heavy loads or unstable soil.

Deep Foundations

Pile Foundation: Transfers loads deeply beneath the ground surface (hard rock strata). Supports heavy loads and prevents uplift (earthquakes, strong winds).
Drilled Shafts or Caissons: Deep foundation alternative with high load-carrying capacity, resisting structural loads through shaft and toe resistance. Best suited for column loads exceeding pile foundation's capacity. Suitable for challenging-to-stabilize formations.

Explore the various types of building foundations, including shallow foundations such as individual footings, combined footings, strip foundations, and raft foundations. Understand how each type is designed based on soil conditions and building usage to ensure stability and load distribution.