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Types of shallow foundations
1.0 Strip or continuous footing:
A strip foundation is a continuous strip, quadrangular in cross-section, along the
direction of the structure (mostly along walls and load-bearing walls). It is usually
employed when the load to be supported are small, and provides the spread of load
carried by the structure, into the soil. Continuous footings are the most economical
and suitable in dense sands and gravels.


Figure 1: Continuous strip footing beneath a cavity wall. Note how the strip contours the path of
the wall [Modeled in AutoCAD 2013 by J. Takchandra]
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Figure 2: Continuous strip footing beneath a circular wall ring footing [Modeled in AutoCAD 2013
by J. Takchandra]
2.0 Spread/Isolated footing:
Spread/isolated footings, as the name suggests, are mass concrete bases. The
foundation is generally constructed to support and individual column or structural
element. It may take the form of rectangular or circular shapes, of uniform
thickness. In further cases, the slab may be stepped or hunched to spread and
distribute the load over a larger area. The following are some basic common spread
footing foundation base (cross-section):
2.1 Square isolated footing

Figure 3: Square isolated footing for a single R. C column [Modeled in AutoCAD 2013 by J.
Takchandra]
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2.2 Rectangular isolated footing
(Essentially the same as square isolated footings but they have rectangular
cross-sections instead)

2.3 Circular isolated footings

Figure 4: Circular isolated footing for a single hollow steel column. Circular base is also hunched to
facilitate steel column [Modeled in AutoCAD 2013 by J. Takchandra]

3.0 Combined footing
When a footing is to be made for two or more columns in a row, it forms a combined
footing. It is constructed on the principle that two columns are so close to each other
that their individual footing would overlap. It is commonly found in cases where a
property line is very close to a column and by combining it with that of an interior
column, reduces load eccentricity, and in soils of low bearing capacity. The actual
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footing may be rectangular or trapezoidal.

Figure 5: This figure illustrates a combined footing for two concrete columns. The distance
separating them is small enough facilitate joining of two isolated footings [Modeled in AutoCAD
2013 by J. Takchandra]

4.0 Strap or cantilever footing
This foundation comprises of two isolated footing that are connected with a
structural strap or a lever. The strap is featured to connect the two footing in order
that they operate as a single unit under structural loads. It is important to note that
the strap is primarily a connection beam and does not resist any soil reaction (i.e.
the strap is designed as a rigid beam).
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Figure 6: This figure illustrates how a cantilever foundation is different from a combined footing. A
rigid foundation beam, as in this example, connects two isolated footing. Additionally, an
application of cantilever footings is where there is a difference in levels of footings [Modeled in
AutoCAD 2013 by J. Takchandra]

5.0 Mat or raft foundation
When a common foundation is provided for columns in two or more rows, the
footing is called a mat or raft foundation, as the name suggest. It is a large concrete
slab supporting a number of columns and walls. They are efficient in eliminating
differential settlement and in case where there are large discrepancies in uneven
load distribution, and in non-homogeneous soils. Individual pedestals may then be
constructed for columns.
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Figure 7: In this example, a mat/raft is employed as a rigid foundation. As seen, the entire column
layout of the building is enabled [Modeled in AutoCAD 2013 by J. Takchandra]












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6.0 References

Budhu, M. (2011). Soil Mechanics and Foundations (3rd ed.). Arizona: John Wiley & Sons.
Projects, E. (n.d.). Type of Shallow Foundations. Retrieved 09 12, 2014, from Best
Engineering Projects:
http://bestengineeringprojects.com/civil-projects/types-of-foundation-shallow-fou
ndation-deep-foundation/
Shandip, E. (n.d.). Types of Shallow foundations. Retrieved 9 12, 2014, from Strukts:
http://forum.strukts.com/discussion/415/types-of-shallow-foundation/p1