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Chapter 2: Foundation Types

The foundation transfers the weight of a building safely into the ground. The right foundation type depends on the soil condition, the size of the building, and the loads involved.

Strip Foundations

A continuous strip of concrete laid under load-bearing walls. Commonly used for most small to medium domestic buildings on reasonably firm soil.

Raft Foundations

A single slab of concrete covering the whole building footprint, spreading the load over a wide area. Useful where the ground is soft or the loads are evenly distributed.

Pile Foundations

Long columns driven or bored deep into the ground, used when the soil near the surface is too weak to support the building directly, transferring load to stronger soil or rock below.