Concrete Foundations for Industrial Buildings

The Foundation of a building is an essential part of the construction. Whether you are constructing a skyscraper, family homes, or super-structures, it is important to choose the right type of foundation for construction. The Foundation of a building serves two main purposes: it bears the weight of the structure and keeps soil moisture away.

Why do buildings need a foundation?

Buildings need concrete foundations because

• It spreads the weight of the structure to a larger area
• Avoids uneven settlement
• Prevent lateral loads
• Increases stability in the structure

What are the major types of commercial concrete foundations?

There are two major types of commercial concrete foundations, which are divided into subcategories. This article will focus on the main types and the subcategories of commercial concrete foundations along with their uses.

Shallow foundation

• Individual footing
• Strip foundation
• Combined footing
• Raft foundation

Deep Foundation

• Pile Foundation
• Caissons Foundation

Shallow foundation

The following are the main types of shallow foundations.

Individual Footing

The most common type of foundation used for constructing a single column. It has a square or rectangular shape. The columns bear the load of the structure. Rectangular columns are used when the column experiences weight due to horizontal forces.

Combined Footing

A combination of individual footing is used when two columns overlap. The shape of this type of foundation is also rectangular and is used when columns have to bear the structure’s load.

Spread footings

Spread footings have wider bases that distribute the building’s weight over an expansive area and strengthen the structure. They are used for individual walls and columns and must not be used on soils where groundwater may weaken the foundation.

Raft Foundations

This type of foundation spreads across the entire building structure, supporting heavy loads from walls and columns. It is used in places where the structural loads from walls or columns are high. It is economical and suitable for areas where soil bearing is less. Raft footing must not be used in areas where groundwater overlaps the soils’ bearing surface.

Deep foundation

Following are the major types of deep foundations.

Pile Foundations

Pile foundation transfers the structure’s heavy load to hard soil deep below the ground level. It is used when shallow footings, such as raft footings or spread footings, cannot be used. Pile foundation is also used in places where soil conditions are not suitable to bear heavy loads. It prevents the structure’s uplift caused by lateral loads, including wind forces and earthquakes.

Caisson Foundation

Another type of deep foundation is the caisson foundation. It serves a similar purpose to pile foundations. This foundation type is used when digging deeper into submerged water to find solid bedrock. Caisson foundation provides water resistance, structural integrity, maintenance capabilities, and pumping.

You will find all the aforementioned types of concrete foundations with commercial contractor Pittsburgh. It is important to be sure which concrete foundation you should use to construct your buildings before you start the construction process. Also, perform a concrete stress analysis to ensure its integrity, durability, and strength.

Ready to learn more about commercial concrete foundations for industrial buildings?  TBI Contracting has helped many companies in the Pittsburgh area, delivering quality projects – on time and on a budget! Give us a call to learn more at (412) 896-1455.