The different types of building foundations and footings are piles and piers, suspended floors, slab on ground, stumps, strip footings, and pad footings. Each type is meant to be used in various building and soil conditions. For instance, piles and piers are ideal for areas with unreliable soil, while slab on ground is great for those with stable ones.
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In this blog, we’ll expand on the types of building foundations and footings in detail.
Types of Building Footings
The following are the different types of building footings to consider:
Piles and Piers
Piles and piers are deep foundation solutions, ideal for structures requiring support on soils of lower bearing capacity. They transfer loads from the building down to more stable earth layers.
Cast in situ or precast methods are used to install these robust components. This approach is particularly effective in mitigating issues arising from soil variability or high moisture content, ensuring a durable foundation that minimises subsidence risks.
Suspended Floors
A suspended floor is typically employed when the ground conditions are not suitable for direct load-bearing solutions. This system uses a framework of beams and joists, creating a space between the ground and the floor, which can be used for insulation or to run electrical services.
Suspended concrete and timber are common materials, providing thermal insulation and protection against dampness.
Slab on Ground
The slab on ground footing is a widely adopted solution that involves pouring concrete directly onto well-compacted soil. The key to this method is preparing a flat, stable base to prevent cracking.
Mesh reinforcement is incorporated within the slab to enhance its load-bearing capabilities. This type of footing is cost-effective and straightforward to install, making it a popular choice for various applications.
Stumps
Stumps, crucial in restumping and reblocking projects, are primarily used in older homes needing foundational reinforcement. These short, vertical members hold up the subfloor, elevating the building above the ground to protect against moisture and facilitate underfloor access.
Timber, concrete, or steel can be employed, depending on the site’s specific requirements and environmental factors.
Strip Footings
Strip footings are continuous strips of concrete laid beneath load-bearing walls. These foundations are essential for distributing the weight of the wall and any vertical loads evenly across less stable soils.
Typically reinforced with steel, strip footings are known for their simplicity in design and effectiveness in residential construction, providing a firm base for brick and block walls.
Pad Footings
Pad footings are isolated bases designed to support individual points of load, such as columns. These square or rectangular pads are constructed from reinforced concrete and are calculated to bear a specific weight.
Their use ensures stability for the structure’s critical points, effectively distributing load to the ground. Pad footings are an integral part of maintaining the integrity of the building, especially in areas prone to irregular loading conditions.
Ever asked the question, “Why do house stumps fail?” Check out our blog for the answers.