Understanding Foundations: Shallow vs. Deep Foundations and Their Types
The foundation of any structure is perhaps the most critical aspect of construction. Without a strong foundation, even the most intricately designed building will fail to stand the test of time.
Foundations serve to distribute a structure’s weight evenly to prevent settlement, ensure stability, and protect the building from external forces such as earthquakes or wind loads.
What is a Foundation?
In construction, a foundation is the lowest part of a building that comes into direct contact with the ground. It is designed to transfer the load of the structure to the soil or rock beneath it, ensuring that the building remains stable and does not sink or shift.
Foundations are crucial because they bear all the loads that a building exerts, including live loads (people, furniture, etc.) and dead loads (the weight of the structure itself).
Several factors influence the design and selection of a foundation, such as the type of soil, the load-bearing capacity of the ground, environmental conditions, and the type of structure being built. A well-designed foundation also prevents moisture from entering the building, which can cause structural deterioration over time.
The Difference Between Shallow and Deep Foundations
Foundations are broadly categorized into two main types: shallow and deep foundations. The key difference between these two types lies in the depth at which they are constructed.
1. Shallow Foundations
Shallow foundations are placed at a relatively small depth beneath the surface of the ground. These types of foundations are suitable for lighter structures or when the upper layers of soil have sufficient strength to support the load. The depth of shallow foundations typically ranges from just below the ground surface to about 3 meters.
Shallow foundations work by spreading the load of the building over a wide area of soil near the surface. This makes them an ideal choice for structures where the soil close to the surface has enough load-bearing capacity.