2.
1Depth of foundation:
Many factors affect the depth of foundation. such as type of soil, ground water
table, loads from structure, bearing capacity and density of soil and other factors. The
minimum depth of foundation is calculated by Rankine's formula when the bearing
capacity of soil is known by soil investigation report.
General factors to be considered for determining depth of foundation are:
[Link] applied from structure to the foundation
2. Bearing capacity of soil
3. Depth of water level below the ground surface
4. Types of soil and depth of layers in case of layered soil
[Link] of adjacent foundation
The minimum depth of foundation should be considered to ensure that the soil is
having the required safe bearing capacity as assumed in the design. However, it is
advised to carry out soil investigation before deciding on depth of foundation.
Soil investigation report will suggest the foundation depth based on the type of
structure, soil properties, depth of water table, and all other variable that should be
considered. Soil investigation report provides bearing capacity of soil at different levels
and at different locations.
Fig [Link] of Foundation
[Fig 1 [Link]
When the soil investigation report is not available, the depth of foundation should
be selected such that it is not affected by swelling and shrinking of soil due to seasonal
changes. Depth of foundation should also consider the depth of water table to prevent
and scour below the ground.
For foundation near existing foundation, it must be ensured that pressure bulbs of
foundations do not coincide if the depth of new foundation has to be taken below the
depth of existing foundation.
The foundation should not be contracted at shallow depth considering the frost action in
cold countries.
Rankine's formula provides the guidance on minimum depth of foundation based on
bearing capacity of soil.
𝑝 1 − 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜑 2
Rankine's Formula
ℎ= ( )
𝛾 1 + 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜑
Where, h = minimum depth of foundation
p= gross bearing capacity
γ= density of soil
φ= angle of repose or internal friction of soil.
The above formula does not consider the factors discussed above and just
provides the guidance on minimum foundation depth, assuming that the
foundations are not affected by factors such as water table, frost action, types and
properties of soil etc. as discussed above. This formula does not consider the loads from
the structure on the foundation.
In the Rankine's formula, it can be seen that foundation depth depends on the bearing
capacity of soil, so, if the bearing capacity of soil increases, the depth of foundation also
increases.
FACTORS AFFECTING DEPTH OF FOUNDATION
Before calculating depth of shallow foundation, the following factors have
to be considered well in advance.
Foundation should be placed at such a depth so that it is safe against
damages due to swelling, shrinkage or freezing of sub soil.
Bearing capacity of soil beneath the foundation must be adequate to
support the load coming from foundation.
If foundation has to be placed on cohesive soil, then the settlement due to
consolidation should not be excessive.
Never place foundation on loose or disturbed soils which have a tendency
to erode by wind or flood.
If possible then foundation should be placed above ground water table as
this can avoid cost of pumping, and can prevent instability of soil due to
seepage of water into the bottom of an excavation.
Make an investigation on foundation soil to know its physical and chemical
properties, because presence of sulphate can damage foundation.
To perform its function properly a footing must be laid at a suitable below the
ground surface. The vertical distance between ground surface and the base of the
footing is known as the depth of the footing(Df). The depth of the footing contains the
ultimate bearing capacity and the settlement. While fixing the depth of footing, the
following points should be considered.
[Link] of top soil:
The footing should be located bellow the top soil consisting the organic materials
which eventually decompose. The top soil should be removed over an area slightly
larger than the footing.
[Link] depth:
The footing should be carried bellow the depth of frost penetration. If the footing
is located at insufficient depth, it would be subjected to the frost damage due
toformation of ice lenses and consequent frost heave. During summer, thawing occurs
from the top downwards and the melted water is entrapped
3. Zone of soil volume change:
Some clay, especially clays having high plasticity, such as black cotton soil,
undergoes excessive volume changes. Such soil shrinks upon drying and swells upon
wetting. The volume changes are generally greater near the ground surface and
decreases with increase in depth. Large volume change beneath a footing may cause
lifting and dropping. The footing should be placed bellow as strata that are subjected to
large volume change.
4. Adjacent footing and property lines:
The footing should be so located that no damage is done to the existing structure.
The adjacent structure may be damaged by construction of a new footing due to
vibrations, undermining or lowering of the water table. The new footing may also
impose additional load on the existing footing which may cause settlement.
In general, deeper the new footing and closer to the existing structure the greater
is the potential damage to the existing structure. This is this is particularly more
severe if the new footing is lower than the existing footing.
As far as possible, the new footing should be placed at a small depth as the old
ones and the sites of excavation adjacent to the existing structure should be
suitably supported. If the footings are placed at the different levels, the slope of
the line joining the two footings should not be steeper than two horizontal to one
vertical as per IS: 1904-1978.
5. Sloping ground:
If a footing is located adjacent to a sloping ground, the sloping ground surface
should not encroach upon a frustum of bearing material under the footing having sides
making an angle of 30‟ with the horizontal. Moreover, the minimum distance from
lower edge of the footing to be sloping ground surface should be 90cm.
[Link] table:
The footing should be placed above ground water table as far as possible. The
presence of ground water within the soil immediately around a footing in undesirable as
it reduces the bearing capacity of the soil and there are difficulties during construction.
The water proofing problem also arises due to dampness.
[Link] depth:
The footings located in streams, on water fronts or other locations where there is
a possibility of scouring should be placed below the potential scour depth.
8. Underground defects:
The depth of footing is also affected by the presence of underground defects such
as faults, causes and mines. If there are manmade discontinuities, such as sewer lines,
water mains, underground cables, these should be shifted or footing should be
relocated.
9. Root holes:
If there are root holes or cavities caused by burrowing animals or worms, the
footing should be placed bellow such a zone of weakened soil.
10. Minimum depth:
IS 1904 – 1978 specifies that all foundations should extend to a depth of a least
50cm below the natural ground surface. However, in case of rocks, only its top soil
should be removed and the surface should be cleaned and if necessary stepped.