Types of Foundations

What They Are, Benefits and Which One to Choose According to the Project

What Are Foundations?

Function of foundations in construction

Foundations are the structural element that transfers the loads of a building to the ground, ensuring stability and safety. Their correct design is key to avoid differential settlements or structural failures over time.

Relationship between the soil and the foundation

The type of soil is a determining factor in the choice of foundation. Its strength and bearing capacity define whether shallow or deep solutions are required. A prior geotechnical analysis is essential to guarantee the stability of the structure.

Difference between shallow and deep foundations

Shallow foundations: These are used when the soil has sufficient strength near the surface. Examples include spread footings, spread footings and slab foundations.
Deep foundations: These are used when the bearing capacity of the surface soil is low, making it necessary to transmit loads to deeper strata by means of piles or piles.

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Types of Foundations and Their Benefits

Shallow Foundations

Shallow foundations are used when the soil has a good bearing capacity near the surface. They are cheaper and quicker to execute, which makes them ideal for low-rise buildings and light structures.

Spread Footing

Insulated footings

Benefit: They are suitable for supporting point loads of columns in firm soils, allowing an efficient distribution of forces.

Combined footings
Benefit: They are used when two or more spread footings are superimposed, ensuring a better distribution of structural loads.

Spread Footing
Benefit: They are ideal for supporting load-bearing walls, reducing the risk of differential settlement and ensuring stability to the structure.

Foundation Slabs

Benefit: They distribute loads uniformly, which makes them advisable for inhomogeneous soils or buildings with large structural loads.

Gratings

Benefit: They combine footings and foundation beams, improving stability in structures with multiple columns. They are an effective option when reinforcing the foundation without resorting to deep solutions.

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Deep Foundations

When the soil has a low bearing capacity or it is necessary to build high buildings, it is necessary to opt for deep foundations. These solutions allow structural loads to be transmitted to more resistant layers of soil, guaranteeing stability and safety.

Foundation Piles

When a shallow foundation is not sufficient, foundation piles are used to reach deep strata with greater load-bearing capacity.

Benefit: They allow construction on unstable soils or with the presence of water, reducing differential settlements.

Micropiles

Micropiles are an effective alternative to reinforce existing foundations or for difficult to access soils where conventional methods are not viable.

Benefit: They offer high load bearing capacity in confined spaces, making them ideal for structural rehabilitation or construction in complex terrain.

Descending Walls

In deep excavations or on steep slopes, descending walls are key to avoid collapse.

Benefit: They stabilize slopes and prevent landslides, ensuring the safety of the environment.

Pile Walls

Pile walls are used when ground reinforcement is required in areas with a high risk of collapse.

Benefit: They provide a solid base, allowing for safer and more durable foundations in problematic soils.

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Special Foundations and Their Benefit

When conventional foundations are not feasible due to extreme ground conditions, it is necessary to resort to special foundations. These solutions improve stability and ensure the safety of the structure in difficult soils.

Benefit: They ensure stability in difficult terrain and optimize foundations in highly complex projects.

Soil Nailing (Soil Nailing)

Soil nailing consists of the installation of metallic elements inside the ground to reinforce slopes and hillsides, avoiding landslides and improving the stability of soils with low cohesion.

Benefit: Effective technique for soil containment in steep slopes or deep excavations.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls allow construction on slopes by preventing ground displacement and controlling erosion.

Benefit: They provide structural support and reduce the risk of collapse in loose or unstable soils.

Gabions

Gabions are metal mesh structures filled with stone, used for soil stabilization and erosion control in infrastructure projects.

Benefit: They are an economical and ecological solution, as they allow natural water drainage and blend in with the environment.

Global Stability Analysis

The Global Stability Analysis is fundamental in any foundation project, since it evaluates the behavior of the soil under different loads.

Benefit: It ensures that the foundation chosen is the most appropriate for the type of structure and soil conditions.

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Soil Improvement

Soil improvement encompasses various techniques to increase the bearing capacity of the soil, allowing construction without the need

for deep foundations.

Benefit: Reduces foundation costs and improves soil stability through procedures such as dynamic compaction, injections or rigid inclusions.

The foundation is a key element in any construction, as it guarantees the stability and safety of the structure. Choosing the right type depends on factors such as soil type, structural loading and

environmental conditions.

Each type of foundation offers specific benefits:

Shallow foundations are economical and recommended for firm soils.
Deep foundations are ideal for unstable soils or high-rise buildings.
Special foundations provide solutions in extreme conditions, improving ground stability.

Before making any decision, it is essential to carry out a geotechnical study to determine the characteristics of the soil and the best foundation solution.