A strip foundation, also known as a strip footing, is a common type of shallow foundation used in building construction, particularly for walls.
According to a reference from 05-May-2022, a strip foundation is a type of shallow foundation often used within low to medium-rise residential buildings. It is designed to carry the load from a wall and spread it over a wider area of ground, reducing the pressure and preventing the wall from sinking or cracking.
Key Characteristics and Use Cases
Strip foundations are characterized by their linear shape, following the line of the walls they support. They are typically wider than the wall above and have a depth determined by factors like soil type, frost line, and the building's load.
- Type of Foundation: Shallow foundation.
- Primary Use: Supporting continuous walls.
- Typical Application: Often used within low to medium-rise residential buildings.
Conditions and Advantages
The suitability and benefits of using strip foundations are closely tied to the ground conditions.
- Suitable Conditions: Strip foundations are suitable only where the ground conditions are stable and with good load-bearing capacity. This means the soil must be strong enough to support the building's weight without excessive settlement.
- Advantages: Where appropriate, strip foundations are fast and cost-effective to build. Their straightforward design and construction process contribute to quicker build times and lower costs compared to more complex foundation types.
How It Works
A strip foundation essentially creates a continuous strip of concrete (and sometimes reinforcement) directly beneath a load-bearing wall. This strip acts as a base, distributing the wall's weight uniformly onto the underlying soil.
Components of a Typical Strip Foundation
- Trench: Dug to the required depth and width.
- Concrete: Poured into the trench to form the base.
- Wall: Built directly on top of the concrete strip.
This method is simple and effective for distributing linear loads from walls into competent soil.
