AboutTime Issue 36 | Page 11

THE WALLS OF THE BUILDING BEARING DOWN ON THE RAFT. What is a foundation? A foundation is a lower portion of building structure that transfers its gravity loads to the earth. A building foundation performs a number of functions. The three most important are to bear the load of the building, anchor it against natural forces such as earthquakes or wind and to isolate it from ground moisture. This foundation is usually under the ground and sits there doing its work, out of sight from everyone. Types of foundations: TYPES OF SHALLOW FOUNDATION There are basically two categories of foundations – shallow and deep foundations. Shallow foundations A shallow foundation is a type of building foundation that transfers building loads to the earth very near to the surface, rather than to a subsurface layer or a range of depths as does a deep foundation. A raft foundation is a type of shallow foundation. TYPES OF SHALLOW FOUNDATION Deep foundations This foundation is constructed sufficiently below ground level with some artificial arrangements such as piles, wells etc, at its base. A deep foundation is a type of foundation that transfers building loads to the earth farther down from the surface than a shallow foundation does to a subsurface layer or a range of depths. ISSUE 36 - DECEMBER 2018 11