A foundation may not be visible, but it is one of the most crucial components of any construction works project. A foundation is the lowest section of a building, they are structured to evenly distribute the building’s weight and offer a stable footing.
If you are planning on excavating for planned building works, and you are based in England and Wales, we recommend consulting Our team of expert Party Wall Surveyors.
You will also want to choose the ideal concrete and foundation type based on the soil application and type. Making the wrong choice can have adverse effects, resulting in the demolition of the entire building. Read on to learn more about different types of foundations.
Types of Foundations
Consider conducting a soil examination to determine the right type of foundation you need. Foundations are classified into deep and shallow, with shallow options being more common for domestic construction works and minor projects. Shallow foundations come with a lower depth and a broader width.
Often, these foundations are ideal for house extensions. Deep foundations are suitable for taller residential and commercial buildings or structures set on weaker grounds. Some of the shallow foundation types include:
- Isolated Footing or Individual Footing Foundations: These foundation types are also referred to as pad foundation or spread footing. They can be circular, rectangular, or square in shape and are ideal for supporting single columns. They feature uniform thickness and are specially designed to bear and distribute intense loads.
- Strip Foundation: A strip foundation comes in handy in structure-loading walls like a house, conservatories, and extension footings. They also help accommodate a series of jointly distributed columns. They feature a wide base that spreads that weight across a broad area while offering stability.
Types of Deep Foundations
- Pile Foundations: Pile foundations are ideal where ground conditions are not ideal for heavy loads. Special equipment is used to drill piles down the ground. Concrete and beams are added to create a surface from where constructors can build on.
- Caissons or Drilled Shafts: Drilled shafts are foundations that are sculptured in position. A pillar is guided to the desired depth, after which supporting steel is inserted inside the hole. Concrete is then used to fill the void.
Understanding Special Foundations
Special foundations feature metal rods for reinforcement and are ideal for basement extensions. As a result of ancient practices, you will need to serve your neighbours with a Party Wall notice before constructing a special foundation.
If they reject your proposal, then the Party Wall Act states that they should give your reasons. According to the Act, special foundations cannot be established on an adjoining person’s property without their consent.
Supported Concrete Foundation
Party Wall surveyors classify supported concrete foundation under special foundation. As a result, adjoining neighbours can now refuse the construction of special foundations.
Some may choose to ask for some benefits from their fellow neighbours as a reward for consent. According to research, the regulations under-supported concrete foundation applies in grilled foundations where rods or beams are assembled to facilitate load distribution.
If you are planning any form of excavation or your neighbour is undertaking works involving foundations, get in touch with our highly experienced and qualified team of Party Wall Surveyors, for your FREE consultation.
