At 405 Gyp Aggregates Co., we recognize the critical importance of foundations in the construction process. Foundations are structural components that transfer the load of a building to the underlying soil. Depending on how they distribute load to the earth, foundations can be broadly classified into two categories: shallow foundations and deep foundations.
Shallow Foundations
A foundation is considered shallow if its depth is equal to or less than its breadth. At 405 Gyp Aggregates Co., we recommend these for smaller, lighter structures where the soil’s load-bearing capacity is sufficient to support the building.
Types of Shallow Foundations
Combined Footing
Combined footings are used when two or more columns are close enough that their individual footings would overlap. These footings distribute the load evenly across the columns and are often rectangular or trapezoidal in shape.
Cantilever (Strap) Footing
Cantilever or strap footing involves connecting an exterior column footing to an interior column footing using a strap beam. This method helps distribute the load more effectively when the exterior column is close to the property line.
Isolated Footing (Column Footing)
Isolated footings, also known as column footings, are used to support individual columns. They are usually square, rectangular, or circular and spread the load directly to the soil below.
Wall Foundation
these, also known as strip footings, are continuous strips that support walls. They distribute the load along the length of the wall and are commonly used for load-bearing walls in residential buildings.
Mat (Raft) Foundation
Mat or raft foundations are large, continuous slabs that support multiple columns and walls. They cover the entire area beneath a building and are used when soil bearing capacity is low or the building loads are heavy. Key considerations for mat foundations include:
- Limited bearing pressure
- Heavy building structures
- Sites with highly compressible soil layers
Deep Foundations
A foundation is classified as deep if its depth is equal to or greater than its width. At 405 Gyp Aggregates Co., we recommend deep foundations for large structures or in situations where shallow foundations are not feasible due to poor soil conditions near the surface.
Types of Deep Foundations
Pier Foundation
Pier foundations consist of cylindrical columns that support and transfer large loads to deeper, more stable soil layers. They are often used in bridge construction and in areas with poor surface soil.
Well (Caissons) Foundation
Well or caissons foundations are large, hollow structures sunk into the ground and filled with concrete. They are used in underwater construction or in areas where deep excavations are required.
Pile Foundation
Pile foundations involve driving long, cylindrical piles made of concrete, steel, or timber into the ground to transfer loads to deeper, stronger soil or rock layers. these are used in the following scenarios:
- When there is a layer of weak soil at the surface that cannot support the structure’s weight.
- For structures with heavy, concentrated loads, such as high-rise buildings.
these offer greater load-bearing capacity compared to spread footings, making them ideal for challenging soil conditions and heavy constructions.
At 405 Gyp Aggregates Co., we understand that selecting the right type of foundation is crucial for the stability and longevity of any building structure. Our expertise in providing high-quality construction materials ensures that your foundation, whether shallow or deep, will meet the highest standards of safety and durability.