Different Structural Foundation Types

There are many different foundation types and each one has a unique feature and advantage over other types.  I’ll go into a brief summary of each foundation type and why I used the foundation design in each situation.  Here is a list of the different foundation types EVstudio has designed:

Spread Footing –  typical in non-swelling soil with basements and crawlspaces
Narrow or Interrupted Footing –  low to moderate swelling soil
Wall on Grade –  small loads, garages, additions
Straight Shaft Drilled Piers –  high swelling soil
Steel Helical Piers –  high swelling soil, additions, repairs
Steel Screw Piles –  high swelling soil, contaminated soil
Raft Slab on Grade –  non-swelling soil, no basement
Post Tension Slab on Grade –  low to moderate swelling soil, no basement
Mat Slab –  large loads, high water tables
Pile –  wood, steel, or concrete embedded columns

Of the foundation types listed above the following foundation, types can be designed in cold regions as a frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF).  Designing as a FPSF reduces the required frost depth needed per local building codes.  This in return reduces the volume of concrete needed in the foundation.  The great thing when designing a FPSF along the front range of Colorado is that the climate is fairly warm and the amount of frost protection is typically just a vertical panel with a foundation depth of about 18”.

Spread Footing
Wall on Grade
Raft Slab on Grade
Post Tension Slab on Grade

In addition, with the increasing desire for energy-efficient homes, insulated concrete forms (ICF) are becoming popular.  ICF concrete walls can be used with footings, straight shaft drilled piers, helical piers, or screw piles to help increase energy efficiency.  Read EVstudio’s discussion about ICF and SIP to learn more.

From this page links to detailed pages that will go into greater detail about the Pros and Cons of each of these foundation types.  Please check back for updates, this page will update as new information is made available.