UNIT 10

FOUNDATIONS

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this topic, student should be able to:

1. Describe the types of foundations (PLO1,C2,K)

2. Explain the fundamentals of foundation design (PLO1, C3, K)

3. Design pad foundation (PLO1, C4, K)

Contents

10.1 Introduction

The primary function of all structural elements is to transfer the applied dead and
imposed loadings to the foundation and subsequently to the ground. The type of
foundation required depends on the various factors namely:

a) the magnitude and type of applied load

b) the pressure which the ground can safely support.

c) the acceptable levels of settlement.

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d) the location and proximity of adjacent structures

10.2 Foundation types

The most common types of foundation are as follows:

10.2.1 Pad Foundations

Pad foundation normally support single column and can be either square or rectangular
in plan as shown in Figure 10.1

Figure 10.1: Pad Foundation

When only concentric vertical load loading is applied, square pads are used, assuming
a uniform pressure under the whole base area. If the loading is eccentric, or if a moment
is applied to the base then it is more efficient to adopt a rectangular base. In this case
the pressure under the base is assumed to vary linearly.

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10.2.2 Combined Foundations

Normally adopted for two columns either when they are relatively close together or
when one of the columns is adjacent to an existing structure. The shape of a combined
is as shown in Figure 10.2.

Figure 10.2: Combined Footings

10.2.3 Strip Footings

These are normally adopted for lines of closely spaced columns or under walls, as
shown in Figure 10.3. The strips are designed as a continuous beams subjected to the
ground bearing pressures.

Figure 10.3: Strip Footings

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10.2.4 Raft Foundations

These are continuous slabs which cover the whole plan area of the structure as shown
in Figure 10.4. They are normally used under the following cases:

a) For lightly loaded structure on soft natural ground where it is necessary to spread
the load.
b) For heavier structures where the ground conditions are such that there are
unlikely to be significant differential settlements.
c) Where differential settlements are likely to be significant.
d) Where mining subsidence is likely to occur.

The construction of the raft can be a flat slab construction thickness, thickened locally
around column positions, or can be strengthened by beams to form a ribbed
construction.

Figure 10.4

10.2.5 Piled Foundations

These are used in situations where it is necessary to transfer the foundation loads
through strata which have low bearing capacity, to strata which have a higher capacity,
or to rock. Piles are essentially long, slender members, mostly subjected to

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compression as shown in Figure 10.5. In general, pile groups are subjected to axial
load, moments and horizontal loads.

Figure 10.5: Pile Foundations

10.3 Base Pressures

The assumption of a linear pressure distribution under foundations results in one of

three possible bearing pressure diagrams under the base. The magnitude of the
pressure in each case is determined using elastic analysis.

10.3.1 Case 1: Uniform Pressure (compression throughout)

When a base is subject to an axial load only, in which the line of action of the applied
force passes through the centroid of the base as shown in Figure 10.6, the pressure
under the base is assumed to be uniform throughout and is equal to P where:

P = Applied load/Base Area = N/BD

Figure 10.6: Uniform pressure

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10.3.2 Case 2: Varying Pressure(compression throughout)

When a foundation is subject to an eccentric load or a central load combined with

moment, the pressure under the base can be either compression throughout or
compression or tension. In the case of compression throughout as shown in Figure
10.7, the magnitude can be determined using simple elastic analysis and is equal to the
sum of the axial stress and the moment stress.

𝑁 𝑀
𝑝= ±
𝐵𝐷 𝐵𝐷2 /6

𝑁 6𝑀
𝑝= ±
𝐵𝐷 𝐵𝐷2

M = (N x e) is called eccentric moment

Figure 10.7: Varying Pressure(Compression throughout)

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10.3.3 Case 3: Varying Pressure(Compression over part of the base)

In the case of compression over part of the base as shown in Figure 10.8, the
magnitude of the maximum pressure can be determined using simple elastic analysis
and is equal to:

2𝑁
𝑝= 𝐷
3𝐵( – 𝑒)
2

𝑀
Where e = 𝑁

Figure 10.8: Compression over part of the base

Middle third rule:

In case 1: e = 0 No tension

In case 2: e ≤ D/6 No tension

In case 3: e > D/6 Tension exists

This is normally regarded as the middle third rule: i.e if the eccentricity e of the load
lies within the middle third of the base length, then no tension will occur under the base.

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10.4 Pad Foundations Reinforcement

A typical arrangement of the reinforcement in a pad foundation is shown in Figure 10.9.

In square bases the reinforcement to resist bending is distributed uniformly across the
full width of the foundation. For a rectangular base the reinforcement in the short
direction should be distributed with closing spacing in the region under and near the
column to allow for the fact that the transverse moments are greater nearer the column.
If the foundation is subjected to eccentric loading inducing large moments such as that
there is only partial bearing (case 3 above), reinforcement may also be required in the
top face.

Figure 10.9: Foundation reinforcement

Dowel(or starter) bars provide the continuity of the reinforcement between the column
and the base. A length of the column(e.g 75 mm) is often constructed in the same
concrete pour as the foundation to form a”kicker”(support) for the column shutters. In
these cases the dowel lap-length should be measured from the top of the kicker as
shown in Figure 10.10.

Figure 10.10: Starter bar

10.5 Design of Spread Foundation

The geotechnical aspect of foundation is covered in EC7. The geotechnical design in

EC7 refers to three categories as shown in Figure 10.11.

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 Figure 10.11: Categories of Structures

According to EC7 section 6 ‘Geotechnical Design’, three methods for the design of
simple foundations namely:

1. The ‘Direct Method’ in which calculations are required for each limit state using
partial factors of safety for actions and material properties as appropriate.
2. The ‘Indirect Method’ which allows for a simultaneous blending of ultimate limit
state and serviceability limit state procedures.
3. The ‘Prescriptive Method’ which involves conventional and generally
conservative rules in the design, and attention to specification and control of
materials, workmanship, protection and maintenance procedures. This may be
used in situations where the calculations of soil properties are not available or
necessary.

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10.6 Design Procedure

Pad foundations should be checked for direct shear, bending and

punching shear as shown in Figure 10.12. The shear forces and bending moments are
caused by the ultimate design loads from the column and the weight of the base should
not be included in these calculations. The thickness of the base is often governed by the
requirements for shear resistance. The design steps of pad foundations are as follows:

1. Calculate the required plan size based on serviceability.

2. Calculate the bearing pressure at the ultimate Limit State based on trial
dimensions (assume a base thickness, e.g. 600 mm)
3. Check the bending moment at the face of the column.
4. Check crack control.
5. Check direct shear at a distance 1.0d from the column face.
6. Check the punching shear resistance at the face of the column.
7. Check the punching shear resistance at the basic control perimeter.

Figure 10.12: Shear and punching shear check

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Example 1: Axially Loaded Pad Foundation

A pad foundation is required to support a single column transferring an axial load only.
Using the data provided and designing suitable reinforcement where necessary:

(a) Determine a suitable base size.

(b) Check the base with respect to:
(i) Bending
(ii) Direct shear and
(iii) Punching shear

Design data:

Characteristic permanent load(Gk) 800 kN

Characteristic variable load (Qk) 300 kN
Strength class of concrete C35/45
Net allowable safe bearing pressure 200 kN/m2
Column dimensions 375 x 375 mm

Exposure class XC2

Geotechnical category 1
Solutions

Assume the design to be carried out on the basis of Clause 2.5 of BS EN 1997-1:2004,
i.e. design by prescriptive measures and design approach 1.

(a) Base plan area – using serviceability limit state.

Total design axial load = 1.0Gk + 1.0Qk

= (800 + 300) = 1100 kN

Minimum required base area = 1100/200 = 5.5 m2

Base length for square base ≥ (5.5) 1/2 = 2.35 m

Provide a 2.4 m square base.

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 (b) Base Reinforcement – using ultimate limit state

Design approach 1

NEd = (1.35Gk + 1.5Qk) = 1.35 x 800 + 1.5 x 300 = 1530 kN

Earth pressure due to ultimate loads = 1530/2.4x2.4 = 265.6 kN/m2

Base thickness: Assume a base thickness of 550 mm constructed on a blinding layer of

concrete.

Concrete cover:

Assume bar diameter = 20 mm and maximum aggregate size = 20 mm

Nominal cover:

cnom = cmin + Δcdev Equation 4.1, EC2

Cmin - Minimum cover for concrete cast on prepared ground (including binding) is 40
mm and that for concrete cast directly against soil is 65 mm.

Δcdev - is an allowance for construction deviations and normally taken as 10 mm.

Therefore, norminal cover = 40 + 10 = 50 mm

Effective depth: 550 – 50 – 20 = 490 mm

(Note: This is the mean effective depth since the main reinforcement runs in both
directions)

Bending Reinforcement:

Check bending at the critical section, i.e the column face.

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Design bending moment

MEd =[(265.6 X 2.4 X 1.013) X 0.51] = 329.3 kNm

K = MEd/bd2fck = 329.3 x 106/2400 x 4802 x 35 = 0.017 ≤ 0.167 Singly reinforced

= 0.98d ≤ 0.95d Use z = 0.95d

As = MEd/0.87fykz = 329.3 x 103/0.87 x 500 x 0.95 x 490

= 1661 mm4 (1661/2.4) =692 mm2/m width

From table 1.9(b), select H12 @100 spacing(1131 mm2/m)

Check minimum reinforcement from Table 3.6,

Minimum reinforcement = 0.17 x 1000 x 550/100 = 935 mm2/m<1131 OK

Select 12 mm diameter bars @100 mm centres providing 1135 mm2/m at the

bottom in both directions.

Crack control:

Maximum bar spacing from Table 3.7,

Steel stress = 435(Gk + 0.8Qk)/(1.35Qk +1.5Gk)

= 435(800 + 0.8x300)/1530 =296N/mm2

Interpolation from the table gives maximum spacing = 130 mm>100mm OK

Direct shear at a distance of 1.0d from the column face.

Design shear force VEd = (265.6 x 2.4 x 0.533) = 339.6 kN

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From Table 8.1, ρ1 = As/bd = 1135/1000 x 480 = 0.24%,

Therefore, Shear Resistance, vRd,c = 0.38 x (fck/25)1/3

= 0.38 x (35/25)1/3 = 0.42 N/mm2

Design shear resistance VRd,c = vRd,c x bw x d

=0.42 x 2400 x 480 x 10-3 = 484 kN > VEd(339.6 kN)

No shear reinforcement is required to resist direct shear.

Punching shear (clause 6.4.3 EC2)

At the column perimeter,

(a) vEd < vRd,max

(b) If vEd < v Rd,c then punching shear reinforcement is not required
(c) If vEd > vRd,c then punching shear reinforcement should be provided for the
control section according to Clause 6.4.5.
VEd ≤ 0,5 bwdνfcd ( Equation 6.5 , EC2)

Where fcd = αccfck/γc (Clause 3.1.6(1)P

and,

= 0.6[1 – 35/250] = 0.516

αcc = 0.85 for compression in flexure and axial loading and 1.0 for other
phenomnena. In this case use 1.

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 fcd = 1.0 x 35/1.5 = 23.33 MPa

bw = 4 x 375 = 1500 mm

0,5 bwdνfcd = 0.5 x 1500 x 480 x 0.516 x 23.33/103 = 4333.8 kN

VEd = NEd = 1530 kN<0,5 bwdνfcd

Punching shear resistance at the column face is adequate.

Clause 6.4.4(1) : At the basic control section:

Clause 6.4.2(1) : The basic control parameter u 1 is considered at a distance of 2.0d

from the loaded area.

u1 = [(4 x 375) + (2Πx2x480)] = 7532 mm

Area inside control parameter:

= [3752 + (4 x375 x 2 x 480)] + [Π x(2 x 480)2] =4.476 x 106 mm2

Clause 6.4.4(2) Design load for concentric loading

Equation 6.48

VEd = 265.6 x (2.42 – 4.476) = 341.0 kN

Equation 6.49 vEd = VEd,red/u1d = 341.0 x 103 /7532 x 480 = 0.09 MPa

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Equation 6.50

Where a is the distance from the periphery of the column to the

control perimeter considered, i.e. in this case a = 2d

Since 2d/a = 1.0

vRd,c = 0.44 MPa as before

therefore vEd <vRd,c

The section is adequate with respect to punching shear.

Example 2: Pad foundation with Axial Load and Moment

A rectangular pad foundation is required to support a single square column transferring

an axial load and moment as shown. Using the data provided design suitable
reinforcement where necessary and verify the suitability of the section considering:

(i) Bending (ii) direct shear (iii) punching shear

Design data:

Characteristic permanent load on the column (G k) 250 kN

Characteristic variable load on the column (Qk) 350 kN

Characteristic permanent bending moment on the column (MG,k) 125 kNm

Characteristic variable bending moment on the column (MQ,k) 175 kNm

Strength class of concrete C40/50

Net allowable safe bearing pressure 300 kN/m2

Column dimensions 400 mm x 300 mm

Exposure class XC2

Geotechnic category 1

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Solution

Serviceability limit state loads are used to check the bearing pressure under the

base.

Clause 2.5 Design axial load for serviceability NEd = (1.0 Gk + 1.0 Qk)

= 250 + 350 = 600 kN

Design moment for serviceability MEd = 125 + 175 = 300 kNm

The equivalent eccentricity e = M/N = 300 x 10 3/600 = 500 mm

D/6 = 2700/6 = 450 mm eccentricity e>D/6

The pressure diagram does not extend under the full length of the base.

The length of the pressure diagram can be found from the equivalent load

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 Diagram as follows:

y/3 = [(0.5 x 2700) – 500] = 850 mm thus, y = 2550 mm

In the case of compression over part of the base the magnitude of the

maximum earth pressure can be determined using simple elastic analysis.

p max = 2N / 3B(D/2 – e) = 2 x 600 / 3 x 1.75(2.7/2 – 0.5) = 268.9 kN/m2

< 300 kN/m2

Therefore ground bearing pressure is satisfactory

Ultimate Limit State: Base Reinforcement, Design approach 1

NEd = 1.35 Gk + 1.5 Qk

Column design load NEd = [(1.35 x 600 + (1.5 x 350)] = 1335 kN

Column design moment MEd = 1.35 x 125 + 1.5 x 175 = 431.25 kNm

The equivalent eccentricity e =M/N = 431.25 x 103/1335 = 323 mm

The pressure diagram is rectangular at the ultimate limit state:

y/2 = (D/2 – e) = [(0.5 x 2700) – 323] = 1027 mm

y = 2054 mm

In the case pf compression over part of the base the magnitude of the

maximum earth pressure can be determined using simple elastic analysis.

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 Earth pressure due to ultimate loads pg = 1335.0/2.054 x 1.75

= 371.4 kN/m2

Base thickness

Assume a base thickness equal to (0.6 x cantilever length) constructed on

a blinding layer of concrete.

h = 0.6 x (1350 – 200) = 690 mm; use 675 mm thick (say)

(Note: the depth must be sufficient to accommodate a ‘starter bar’ bond

length)

Concrete cover

Assume bar diameter = 20 mm and maximum aggregate size = 20 mm

Nominal cover:

cnom = cmin + Δcdev Equation 4.1, EC2

Cmin - Minimum cover for concrete cast on prepared ground (including binding)
is 40 mm and that for concrete cast directly against soil is 65 mm.

Δcdev - is an allowance for construction deviations and normally taken as 10

mm.

Therefore, norminal cover = 40 + 10 = 50 mm

Effective depth:

d= (h – cnom - ᴓs) = 675 – 50 – 20 = 605 mm

(Note: This is the mean effective depth since the main reinforcement runs in both

directions)

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 Design bending moment:

MEd = [(371.4 x 1.750 x 1.150) x 0.575] = 429.8 kNm

K = MEd /bd2fck = 429.8 x 106 /1750 x 6052 x 40 = 0.017 ≤ 0.167 - singly

reinforced

= 0.98 d ; therefore use 0.95 d

As = MEd/0.87fykz = 429.8 X 106/0.87 X 500 X 0.95 X 605

= 1719 mm2 = 1719/1.75 = 983 mm2/m width

Minimum % reinforcement: Table 3.6

For C40 concrete minimum % reinforcement = 0.19 bh = 0.19 x 1000 x 675/100

= 1282 mm2/m width > 983 mm2/m width

Therefore use minimum area of reinforcement.

Select 16 mm diameter bars @ 150 mm centres providing 1340 mm2/m at the bottom in
both direction.

Check direct shear at a distance 1.0 d from the column face

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Design shear force VEd = (371.4 x 1.75 x 0.620) = 403 kN

From Table 8.1, ρ1 = As/bd = 1340/1000 x 605 = 0.22%,

Therefore, Shear Resistance, vRd,c = 0.35 x (fck/25)1/3

= 0.35 x (40/25)1/3 = 0.41 N/mm2

Design shear resistance VRd,c = vRd,c x bw x d

= 0.41 x 2700 x 605 x 10-3 = 670 kN > VEd(403 kN)

No shear reinforcement is required to resist direct shear.

Check punching shear

At the column perimeter:

(a) vEd < vRd,max

(b) If vEd < v Rd,c then punching shear reinforcement is not required
(c) If vEd > vRd,c then punching shear reinforcement should be provided for the
control section according to Clause 6.4.5.

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 VEd ≤ 0,5 bwdνfcd ( Equation 6.5 , EC2)

Where fcd = αccfck/γc (Clause 3.1.6(1)P

and,

= 0.6[1 – 40/250] = 0.504

αcc = 0.85 for compression in flexure and axial loading and 1.0 for other
phenomnena. In this case use 1.

fcd = 1.0 x 40/1.5 = 26.7 MPa

bw = 2(400 + 300) = 1400 mm

0,5 bwdνfcd = 0.5 x 1400 x 480 x 0.504 x 26.7/103 = 5692.6 kN

VEd = NEd = 1335 kN<0,5 bwdνfcd

Punching shear resistance at the column face is adequate.

Clause 6.4.4(1) : At the basic control section:

Clause 6.4.2(1) : The basic control parameter u 1 is considered at a distance of 2.0d

from the loaded area.

2d = (2 x 605) = 1210 mm > (1750/2 = 875 mm)

Since the critical perimeter lies outside the column base, the check above at 1.0d from
the column face is adequate.

The section is adequate with respect to punching shear.

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Problems

1. Pad foundation for a 300 mm square column taking Gk = 600kN, Qk = 350kN.

Permissible bearing stress = 225kPa. Concrete for base C30/37.

Determine:
(a) size of base,
(b) tension reinforcement and
(c) any shear reinforcement.

Fill in the following blanks to complete the above design problems:

Category 2, using prescriptive methods

Base size: (Gk + Qk)/bearing stress = ______m2

>>> ____ x ____ base x ____mm deep (choose size of pad)
Use C__/___ (choose concrete strength)

Loading = γ x Gk + γ x Qk = _____kN (γ – partial safety factor)

ULS bearing pressure = ____/____2 = _____kN/m2

Critical section at face of column:

MEd = ____ x ____ x _____2 / 2 = _____kNm
d = ___ – cover – assumed ø = _____mm

K = M/bd2fck= ______
z = ____d = ____ x ____= ____mm
As = MEd/0.87fykz= _____mm2
Provide H__ @ ____ c/c (_____mm2)

Check minimum steel

100As,prov/bd = _____

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 For C__/__ concrete As,min = ____ \ OK/not OK

Beam shear
Check critical section d away from column face
VEd = ___ x _____= _____kN/m
vEd = VEd / d = _____MPa
vRd,c (from table) = ____MPa therefore beam shear OK/not OK.

Punching shear
Basic control perimeter at 2d from face of column
vEd = βVEd / uid < vRd,c
β = 1, ui = = _____mm
VEd = load minus net upward force within the area of the control perimeter)
= _____ – ____ x ( )
= _____kN
vEd = _____MPa; vRd,c = ______ (as before) => ok/not ok

2. Design a square pad footing for a 350 × 350 mm column carrying G k = 600 kN
and Qk = 505 kN. The presumed allowable bearing pressure of the non-
aggressive soil is 200 kN/m2. Use concrete C30/37 .
(a) Determine the size of the footing.
(b) Determine the reinforcement require.
(c) Check critical section d away from column face.
(d) Check punching shear

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