Strip foundation is also referred to as strip footing and is one of the cost-effective foundation options. It is a shallow foundation usually utilised to construct low to medium-rise domestic buildings. It can be quickly installed in stable ground conditions with efficient load-bearing capacity. It is mainly used during the construction of domestic properties, such as extensions and new builds.
This article provides information about the significance, types, advantages, disadvantages, and installation methods for strip foundations. This guide also includes the importance of determining ground conditions before laying strip foundations, their recommended minimum depth, and how to ensure their proper maintenance.
Strip foundations are essential in civil engineering as they provide a stable and even structural base. They help evenly distribute weight over the entire soil structure and exert less pressure on the underneath soil. They prevent the deformation or settlement of the ground soil and ensure structural reliability, safety, and durability.
Based on the ground conditions and access methods, there are two types of strip foundations:
Shallow strip foundations are suitable for supporting load bearing walls in grounds whose load-bearing capacity has already been evaluated and is designated suitable for carrying out the project. These foundations are also beneficial for providing the required support to closely grouped columns.
The areas having lesser bearing capacity of the ground require wide strip foundations for spreading the load over a larger area. Such foundations also require concrete reinforcement to reduce the risk of uneven settlement.
The strip foundations provide the following advantages in areas where they can be laid efficiently:
Despite having some advantages, strip foundations also have some limitations, which include the following:
The installation method used for laying efficient and robust strip foundations involves the following steps:
Different soils, including clay, gravel, sand, and silt, have varying load-bearing capacities and weaknesses. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate ground conditions carefully for the whole construction site to establish the load-bearing capacity of the entire area. It can be done by conducting a geographical survey of the whole site before the construction project starts.
The SPT (Standard Penetration Test) can be performed to identify the soil composition and type. The results obtained after performing this test should be incorporated into the design procedure for finding the most appropriate foundation type for a particular project.
These techniques help assess various crucial factors, such as weaker regions, access restrictions, water flows, and other on-site conditions that significantly impact the foundation types.
The guidelines to fulfil British Building Regulations are published in the approved document A, in which Section 2E entails the strip foundations’ minimum width as:
However, these minimum depths in respective ground conditions can be increased in situations where the load has to be transferred onto deeper layers where ground conditions are more suitable.
You can enhance the lifespan and stability of strip foundations with proper maintenance by regularly inspecting the foundations. You can inspect the strip foundations by monitoring the signs of movement or settlement to ensure there are no cracks or gaps in the ceilings, floors, and walls. Proper inspection also requires you to observe the water infiltration or pooling signs to prevent the problems of erosion and weakened soil bearing capacity, possibly leading to compromised stability of foundations.
To ensure proper maintenance, you should check the properties of the surrounding soil to identify any signs of erosion or extra moisture. Moreover, choosing regular professional inspections is also a wise decision to ensure efficient performance and stability of strip foundations for an extended time.
Fill a Short Form to Connect