What you need to know about Concrete Foundations

Concrete foundations are a vital and strong component of construction. A structure without a solid foundation can move and shift with the earth, eventually collapsing.

Foundations are typically shallow or deep. To be effective, a foundation must do the following:

• prevent groundwater from entering

• prevent soil moisture from leaking into the base

• contribute to the overall structure

The construction of a base will aid in the even distribution of pressure from a system. There are several styles, and we will look at some of the most popular ones here. The most suitable option is determined by cost and the total load of the building.

Water in the soil is a concern regardless of the base used. Water will increase the likelihood of cracks, which will jeopardize the foundation's credibility. Sealants must be applied to the foundations to minimize this risk.

Shallow foundations

Shallow foundations are the most common type of concrete foundation that most people would encounter in their home or garden projects.

These are some of the more common shallow foundations:

Floating slab foundation

This is likely to be the most common base encountered during a concrete project.

During this type of project, an individual will use a mold in the ground to outline the form of the base, which will then be constructed and finished.

A gravel foundation is first placed in the mold. This establishes a strong foundation for the structure. People will then add slabs or concrete blocks on top of that.

Compaction of the gravel foundation, as well as the soil at the mold's lowest surface, is usually the first step. In cold areas, a sheet of insulation can be added to help prevent cracks from forming.

People can pour concrete mixes into the mold until it is complete, and then screed (or smooth and even out) the surface until it is a flat form. After drying and sealing, this surface provides a stable foundation for further construction.

Other shallow foundations

There are a variety of shallow concrete foundations. Although they differ in subtle ways, they both sustain the weight of the building by using a base that is very close to the floor.

Other shallow foundations include:

• Rubble trench foundations: This style of base is a very old technique. As the name implies, it uses debris as a means of stability after digging a trench.

• Build a base with a spread footing: A spread footing platform is made up of a column that connects to a large concrete base. This uniformly distributes the load. They are widely used in residential structures.

• Earthbag foundation: This is a kind of foundation where people dig a trench to a smooth, mineral-rich surface of soil. The substance is then compacted in several layers, similar to sandbags. This is a very simple and traditional technique.

Mat-slab and slab-on-grade foundations are examples of shallow foundations that use slabs for support. The most suitable type of shallow concrete base is determined by the construction, the quality of the soil in the area, and the surrounding environmental conditions.

Deep foundations

Deep foundations reach further into the ground than shallow foundations, as their name implies. They can withstand more pressure, which is an advantage. Engineers would build a pile that will be driven deep into the ground. For protection and stability, deep foundations are important.

Deep foundations are typically used for massive structures, and they are less affected by moisture levels than shallow foundations. They may be made of concrete, wood, or steel for their foundations.

The names of the key forms of deep foundations are derived from the piles that an engineer decides to use. Here are few examples of piles:

• Cast-in-situ piles: The simplest kind of pile often made of concrete or steel.

• Screw piles: These piles are made of an iron pipe with fins that give them a screw-like appearance and allow them to dig into the ground.

• Soldier piles: These piles are larger and further apart than most piles. This can save time and money during building and are ideal for longer buildings or those built on clay or low-water-content soil.

• Sheet piles: This piling would build a retaining wall using steel sheets, which are often used in large-scale industrial building projects. Inside the retaining wall, people will then build additional foundations for large-scale structures.

It is a very old technology to use piles for a structure's base. Since the Middle Ages, piles have been used. Heavy machinery is needed for modern piling techniques, particularly in commercial settings.

While piles are successful, they are less commonly used in smaller projects such as garden buildings and summer houses than shallow foundations.

The result of a project is highly dependent on its foundations. It's not always worth the risk of doing such a task without professional assistance.