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A foundation system placed within the uppermost layers of the earth, usually less than 3 meters deep. Used where soil has sufficient bearing capacity.

A foundation system that transfers building loads to the earth farther down from the surface than a shallow foundation, to a subsurface layer or a range of depths. Used when shallow soils are not capable of supporting loads.

Also known as a mat foundation, it is a large continuous footing that supports several columns and walls under an entire building or a large part of it. Used in soils with low bearing capacity.

A long, slender foundation member made from timber, steel, or concrete that is driven into or placed in the ground to support vertical loads. Ideal for transferring loads through unstable soils to a more stable soil or rock at depth.

A type of shallow foundation that supports linear features, such as walls. Usually consists of a continuous strip of concrete placed under load-bearing walls.

A type of shallow foundation that is generally square or rectangular and supports an isolated load, such as a column. Commonly constructed from reinforced concrete.

Also known as caissons or cast-in-drilled-hole piles, these are high-capacity, cast-in-place deep foundations, designed to support the load from a structure through weak soils to stronger soils or rock.

A type of pile foundation that terminates in a hard, firm soil or rock layer and carries a load through skin friction and point bearing.

Rely on the resistance of the surrounding soil to support the loads from the structure. The pile transfers the load to the soil across the full height of the pile by friction.

A steel shaft with round or square cross-section and helical plates which are used to torque the pile into the ground, providing anchorage. Used in tension applications like guyed structures.

A ground improvement technique where a stiff grout mixture is injected into the weak soil layers to increase their density and strength. Used to improve the load-bearing capacity of the soil.

This ground improvement method involves creating vertical columns of gravel or crushed stone within weak soils to increase their load-bearing capacity and reduce settlement.

Constructed by arranging layers of parallel steel beams or pressure-treated wood timbers to provide a wide area spread of the load from a column or pier.

A shallow foundation that elevates the building a few feet off the ground, providing a small gap that can be used for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical access.

Designed to combat frost action in susceptible soils by keeping them above freezing temperature, thus preventing heaving. Includes insulation materials in the construction.

A single layer of concrete, several inches thick, that is laid directly on grade, or the ground, to serve as the base for a structure. Often includes reinforcing bars or welded wire mesh.

A deep foundation system that consists of cylindrical columns of large diameter bored and then filled with concrete to support structural loads. Suitable for stilted structures.

Modern foundation systems that can be adjusted post-construction to correct any settlement issues. They incorporate mechanisms or jacks for easy adjustability.

A type of pile specifically designed to resist uplift forces that might be imposed on a structure by reasons such as wind or seismic activity.

An offshore deep foundation system that is fixed to the ocean floor by a difference in water pressure. Commonly used as anchors for floating platforms.

Designed for soils with very low bearing capacity that cannot safely support traditional foundations. The weight of the soil excavated for the foundation is equal to the weight of the structure.

A slab system that has ribs running in two directions on its underside, providing greater structural integrity and support. It is lightweight and requires less concrete than solid slabs.

A technique or group of techniques aimed at increasing or maintaining the stability of soil and improving its load-carrying capacity by the use of controlled compaction, dewatering, etc.

A construction remedial measure to treat unstable natural soil slopes or as a construction technique that allows the safe over-steepening of new or existing soil slopes.