Strip Foundations: Everything You Need To Know
Concept about Strip Foundation
Strip foundations are a type of shallow foundation that can be used to support load-bearing walls. The strip foundation has also been used for supporting the closely grouped columns of the construction structure.
The strip foundations are suitable for most types of subsoils to support the linear load. However, the strip foundation is also suitable for soils with relatively good load-bearing capacity. For the light structural loadings, the strip foundation is also suitable as a result, this type of foundation has been used in many low-rise buildings or medium-rise domestic buildings.in these types of buildings, mass concrete strip foundations have been used. In the case of older buildings, there are variations on strip foundations as the brick strip foundation has been used in the older buildings.
The size and shape of the strip foundation
The overall width of the wall that has been supported by the strip foundation influences the size and position of that strip foundation. The traditional strip foundation’s depth is equal to or greater than the overall width of the wall. In general, the width of the strip foundation is three times the width of the supported wall. As a result, the overall load has been spread at 45º from the base of the wall to the soil.
The design and construction process of the strip foundation
The design and construction process of the strip foundation has been done into several stages which include:
➢ The first step that should be taken while constructing a strip foundation is the load-bearing wall should have to locate.
➢ After locating the load-bearing walls, the lean concrete has to be filled.
➢ The formwork has been set and the lower main bars have been assembled. After this setting and assembling procedure, the column starting bars have been installed.
➢ The starting poles of the columns have been tied with the help of Ties.
➢ After this stage, the top main bar has been installed.
➢ The upper distributor rail has been also installed after installing the top main bars.
➢ The next step is, pouring the concrete into the formwork. After setting the concrete, the framework can be removed by the contractors.
➢ The excavation materials have been also used by the contractors for the backfilling process.
Advantages of strip foundation
There are numerous benefits of using strip foundations on the construction site which include:
The load distribuiton
The strip foundation helps to ensure the stability of the building structure by uniformly distributing the structural load of the building over a larger area. This load distribution capability helps to prevent isolated soil settlement incidents.
The cost-effectiveness
There is a more economical option for strip foundations rather than individual foundations for each and every column, specifically, in case of the columns are closely spaced.
Strip Foundation’s versatility
The strip foundation can be used in various types of soils as well as load-bearing specifications which helps to make appropriate those strip foundations for multiple construction processes.
The utilisation of space
The continuous strip foundation also helps to maximise the available space which helps to arrange the columns and the load-bearing walls more effectively.
The easy construction process
The construction process of the strip foundation is easy and simple which helps to improve the efficiency of the building process. The simple construction process of the strip foundation helps to save the money and time of the overall construction project.
Design flexibility
Different types of strip foundations including deep or wide strip foundations can be used by the engineers. The use of different types of strip foundations has been used in the construction site on the basis of the unique requirements of the construction project.
Structural stability
The long and continuous design of the strip foundation helps to improve the structural stability of the building structure and this can be done by offering dependable support along with the load-bearing elements.
Reducing overlapping risks
The overlapping issues have also been avoided by the strip foundations which may arise in the case of using individual footings.
Different types of strip foundation
Deep Strip Foundation
This is the most common type of strip foundation. The deep strip foundation has worked best on the soil type which is well-established. This type of strip foundation helps to support the walls. The deep strip foundation should have to be at least 24 inches broad and 40 inches deep. In addition, there should be at least 9 inches of concrete in this type of strip foundation.
Wide Strip Foundation
This type of strip foundation has been used in the case of the soil has low load-bearing capacity. In the case of poor soil quality, the regular strip foundation can not be used. The use of reinforced concrete can be a good option for the strip foundation.
Suitability of the strip foundation
Adaptability of the foundation
The strip foundation can be accommodated in different types of soil conditions. On the basis of the load-bearing capacity and the properties of the soil, the dimension and reinforcement of the strip foundation can be modified by the engineers.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
Video Source: Civil Engineer Tonmoy Maity
Suitable for expansive clay soils
The inverted or trough strip foundation is suitable for expansive clay soils because of its T-shaped cross-section. This design helps to prevent the effect of shrinking and swelling.
Having architectural freedom
The versatility of the strip foundation enables the architects to create innovative designs as well as accommodate the spaced columns closely without sacrificing the foundation’s stability.
