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Writer's pictureDaniel Ruby

Types Of Footings Used In Building Construction

Footings are an important part of foundation construction. There are a number of different types of footings that can be used in building construction. These include Pile footings, Raft foundations, Isolated footings, and Spread foundations. It’s important to know which type of footing will be best for your project before beginning. Looking for footing replacement contractors South Boston? Let The X-structure does it for you! Our qualified home experts are trusted for installs, repairs & remodels Boston.



Raft Foundation


Raft foundations are widely used in building construction. They are usually reinforced with steel and concrete. They are commonly used in basements, high-rise buildings, and weak-soil areas. They are cheaper and faster to construct than traditional alternatives. The main advantage of a raft or mat foundation is that it reduces the likelihood of shear failure. It also improves the flexural stiffness of the structure. This is important for large, tall structures because the ground can be uneven.


A raft foundation is often recommended in areas where the water table is higher. It is also an ideal alternative to conventional strip foundations, which require a significant amount of excavation. The most common raft foundations are solid slabs, flat rafts, and cellular rafts. The type of foundation is largely dependent on the load requirements of the structure. The thickness of the raft foundation is typically 300mm. This increases at column locations and with heavy bending moments. The depth of the raft is increased to carry high shear forces and to distribute the loads over a wide area.


Pile Footings


A pile is a long cylinder of strong material used to provide support for a structure. They may be driven vertically or horizontally. Their function is to transfer loads from the soil and superstructure to a stronger layer. They are a major component of earth-retaining structures such as towers, transmission towers, bridges and water tanks. There are three main types of piles. These include driven, cast-in-place and precast. In addition, there are several methods of construction for piles.


The driving technique involves the use of a steel tube and a cast iron shoe to drive a pile into the ground. A casing tube is also utilized. A steel reinforcement cage is then lowered into the temporary casing. The concrete plug is then driven to the desired depth. The best alternative to cast-in-place piles is precast concrete piles. These are generally interlocked and connected by tongue and groove joints. They are durable and are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.



Isolated Footings


Isolated footings are a form of shallow foundation. They are normally rectangular or circular in shape. They are often used in residential buildings. Isolated foundations can also be stacked, usually in steps, to create platforms. These footings are designed to carry concentrated loads. They can be made from a variety of materials. The most common are reinforced concrete and plain concrete. They are less expensive than raft foundations. Isolated footings can support structures in challenging environments. They are also less expensive than other forms of footings, such as pile foundations.


The design of an isolated footing is based on the grade of concrete, the bearing capacity, and the amount of reinforcement. The footing should have a tensile reinforcement, as well as sufficient depth and length to transmit the load. The slab on the footing may be flat, stepped, or sloped. The slab can be uniform in thickness. The simplest type of isolated footing is a pad footing. This is a rectangular slab of uniform thickness. It is designed to transfer the load from a single column to the soil. The footing can be reinforced with dowel bars.


Spread Foundations


Spread foundations are the most common type of foundation used in building construction. They provide a stable base for the walls, columns, and superstructure elements of a structure. They are available in different shapes and sizes. The first step to designing a spread foundation is to determine the load coming from various parts of the structure. Then, the load is distributed over a large area by using piles. The design of the foundation also takes into account the allowable bearing capacity and serviceability limit state.


In addition to the load, the foundation is checked to see if it will resist sliding. If the foundation will be used for a building that has more floors, it is important to consider whether or not it will be able to bear the imposed loads. The settlement of the foundation can cause problems for the structure. When planning the design of the spread footing, it is best to know the type of soil that will be used. Some soils are not suitable for use in this type of foundation.


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