The house foundation supports the entire load of the building. Therefore, its construction needs to be carefully considered and carried out by experts in the field.
The depth of the house foundation is typically adjusted based on factors such as the building's size, the number of floors, and soil conditions. Learn more about the house foundation depth in this article!
What Is Foundation Depth?
Foundation depth is the vertical distance measured from the ground surface to the lowest point of the foundation structure. Determining foundation depth cannot be done arbitrarily, as it requires specialized calculations by construction experts.
So, how important is foundation depth in construction? The condition of the foundation depth greatly affects the building's strength, structure, soil conditions, and stability, making its determination crucial.
One of the main functions of a building foundation is to distribute the building's structural load evenly into the ground. If the building stands with an unbalanced load distribution, there is a possibility of uneven soil settlement.
Uneven land subsidence can cause tilting of buildings, wall cracks, or other structural damage. Foundations built to the correct depth can maintain the building's stability both in the short and long term, reducing the risk of shifting or potential collapse.
In the process of constructing a house foundation, precise measurements are usually taken first, followed by concrete pouring to ensure the foundation is strong and sturdy.
House foundations are typically carefully measured before concrete is poured. These measurements aim to ensure that the foundation's depth, width, and position are in accordance with the building's structural plan. Once the foundation dimensions are set, concrete is poured.
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Factors Affecting the House Foundation Depth
Measuring the depth of a house foundation requires special calculations, given its crucial role in supporting loads. Some of the factors that affect the house foundation depth are as follows:
1. Type of Building Structure
The first factor to consider when determining foundation depth is the type of building structure. Buildings such as houses or small residences usually require shallow foundations ranging from 90 cm to 1.2 meters deep.
This shallow foundation depth is typically used for buildings with a relatively stable structure and that are not very large. On the other hand, commercial buildings such as offices or shopping centers require much deeper foundations. The foundation depth for commercial buildings ranges from 1.2 meters to 3 meters.
Furthermore, for larger buildings such as industrial buildings housing heavy equipment and machinery, a very deep foundation is needed, exceeding 3 meters. The foundation depth is adjusted to ensure the building can withstand heavy loads and resist movement from operational activities.
2. Soil Conditions
The next factor affecting the depth of the foundation is the soil condition. Before starting construction, a soil assessment must be conducted. For stable soil types, mainly sandy or gravelly, a shallower foundation can be applied.
If the soil at the construction site is unstable, such as muddy, clayey, or prone to shifting, it is recommended to create a greater foundation depth to maintain the stability of the building.
3. Environmental Conditions
In addition to the type of building and soil conditions, environmental conditions are also equally important. In regions with a relatively cold climate, foundations must be built below the frost line. For example, the typical foundation depth in Australia is generally at least 90 cm.
Next, environmental conditions, such as the water table, pose their own challenges for construction. If the water table is close to the surface, flooding or erosion can occur frequently. To reduce these risks, foundations are made deeper than those in normal environments.
Foundation Depth for a Single-Story Building
The foundation depth for a building, such as a house, typically ranges from 90 cm to 1.2 meters. This foundation depth should be sufficient if the soil and environmental conditions are normal.
This foundation is usually made with a concrete mixture of cement, sand, and gravel poured directly into the foundation excavation. The poured concrete will harden and become a load-bearing element of the building.
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Foundation Depth for a 2-Story Building
A building with 2 stories naturally has a heavier load than a single-story house. In general, the foundation depth will be greater, around 1.2 m to 3 m, depending on the area, soil type, and environmental conditions.
For multi-story buildings constructed on unstable soil, increasing foundation depth and using pile foundations can be appropriate and safe solutions to support the building.
Types of Foundations and Their Depths
The following are several types of foundations commonly used and the depths required:
1. Shallow Foundation
A shallow foundation is typically used for buildings such as houses, shophouses, or buildings with small to medium areas. Shallow foundations usually have a depth of 90 cm to 1.2 m.
2. Deep Foundation
Next, a deep foundation is one made by driving long, slender piles into the ground to depths of more than 3 meters. This type of foundation is used for large-scale or multi-story buildings.
3. Special Foundations
Special foundations are divided into 2 main types, namely basement foundations and raft foundations. A basement foundation is a combination of shallow and deep foundations. This type of foundation is constructed a few meters below the ground surface. Generally, this foundation is used for buildings that require underground space.
On the other hand, raft or slab foundations are usually used in buildings on less stable soil areas. The design of this foundation distributes the building's load over a wide area so that it does not rely on a single point. The depth of this type of foundation ranges from 1.2 m to 1.8 m.
That concludes the information on the depth of the house foundation, its functions, and the factors that influence it. Remember that the foundation is a crucial aspect that requires expert guidance.
Besides the foundation depth, the material used to make the foundation concrete is also very important. Are you still looking for high-quality materials suitable for your construction project?
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