Introduction of Floating Foundation
Foundation is one of the most important parts of the structure which carries the total load of the Structure and transmits it to the underneath strata.
There are many parameters which have to be properly studied by the Geotechnical engineer before the construction of foundation otherwise there will be major problems of settlement can occur.
The total displacement which occurs on the Foundation level is known as the settlement of the foundation. The settlement of foundation is generally occurred and measured in the millimetres, but it can cause great damage to the structures.
Settlement of the Foundation is one of the major problems which are faced by the Engineers. There are many factors which cause the settlement of the foundation such as the low bearing capacity of the soil, poor compaction of soil etc.
If the settlement of the foundation is severe, then there may be chances of the collapse of the whole Structure. There are different techniques and methods are used to reduce the settlement of the foundation.
The construction of the Floating foundation is one of the best methods which is used to reduce the settlement of the foundation of the structure. In this article, you will get to know about the Floating Foundation, its Advantages and Disadvantages.
What is Floating Foundation?
Floating foundation is one of the best technique which is used for the construction foundation. The floating foundation provides a stable platform for the superstructure of the buildings and causes zero settlement in the foundation.
The Floating Foundation is a type of foundation which is constructed by the excavation of the soil in such a way that the weight of the structure which is built on that soil is equal to the total weight of the soil which is excavated including the weight of the water in the soil.
The term Floating is used in the Foundation Engineering when the soil under the footing or Foundation does not experience any extra load because the load of the building is equal to the soil which is displaced or excavated.
This Floating Foundation helps to reduce the total and differential settlement of the foundation by decreasing the net applied load by excavation. The function of the Mat Floating foundation is to spread the load over the larger area.
The Floating Foundation is also known as the balancing Raft Foundation. The main purpose of the construction of the Floating foundation is to balance the weight of the excavated soil by the construction of the structure of the same weight. It provides stability to the structure and zero settlement.
The construction of Floating foundation house is the similar concept in which the houses are constructed on the water in such a way that the load of the houses is equal then the uplift force of the water which helps in the floating the house on the water.
Floating concrete foundation consists of a rigid structure such that the depth below the ground that the weight of the soil removed to be equal to the weight of the building.
Suitability of the Floating Foundation
The suitability of the Floating foundation are as follows
- Floating foundation is suitable for the soils which have a problem of differential settlement under the heavy loads. The floating foundation helps to reduce the settlement of the foundation at a great extent.
- It is widely used in the soils which have low shear strength.
- It is also used in the soils which do not have any hard or stiff layer at a reasonable depth. In such a case, the floating foundation helps to reduce shear stress.
Challenges in the Construction of the Floating Foundation
There are many difficulties which engineers have to face during the construction process of the floating Foundation.
This problem can be prevented by taking proper care during the construction which is given as follows
- Excavation for the Foundation
- Dewatering
- Bottom Heave
1. Excavation for the Foundation
- The excavation for the foundation should be done with proper care air and the side of the excavation should be supported by the sheet piling.
2. Dewatering
The process of the watering should be done with proper care such that it does not affects the adjoining structures.
If the depth of the excavation which is required for the foundation is below the groundwater table then it is very necessary that the watering should be done.
3. Bottom Heave
When the excavation is to be done at a specific depth, it reduces the pressure in the soil due to which the heaving of the bottom of the excavation occurs.
Heaving can be minimised by the excavation in the narrow trenches and filling it with the concrete.
Advantages of Floating Foundation
The advantages of the floating Foundation are as follows
- Floating Foundation is used in the high moisture soils.
- Floating Foundation provides good stability to the structure.
- Floating Foundation helps to reduce the settlement of the structure.
- Floating Foundation can be used where the deep excavation is not required.
Disadvantages of the Floating Foundation
The disadvantage of the floating Foundation are as follows
- In the case of the Floating foundation, it is difficult to repair the electric or plumbing problems.
- The construction of the floating Foundation required Skilled workmanship.
- Due to improper construction, there may be chances of cracks in the houses which is difficult to repair.
How to Build a Floating House Foundation?
- Floating Foundation house is constructed with the concrete float which ends up floating because it is displacing water.
- During the construction of the floating house Foundation, excavation should be done with proper measures.
- The float building materials are highly recyclable material and it can be reused. The float building materials do not cause any harm to the environment.
- The foundation of the floating houses should be constructed in such a way that it helps in floating as well as to take the dead of the house.
- Due to scarcity of the land the floating house will be in the great demand.
- Floating Foundation house is the need of the future which can be widely used in the coastal areas and the flood prone areas.
FAQs about Floating Foundations
What is a floating foundation?
A floating foundation is a type of foundation used in construction where the weight of the structure is balanced with the weight of the excavated soil, resulting in zero settlement.
How does a floating foundation reduce settlement?
Floating foundations spread the load of the structure over a larger area, minimizing total and differential settlement by decreasing the net applied load through excavation.
What soils are suitable for floating foundations?
Floating foundations are suitable for soils prone to differential settlement under heavy loads, those with low shear strength, and those lacking stiff layers at reasonable depths.
What challenges are faced during construction?
Common challenges during construction include proper excavation techniques, dewatering to manage groundwater, and minimizing bottom heave to prevent soil displacement.
What are the advantages of floating foundations?
Floating foundations offer stability in high-moisture soils, reduce settlement, and can be used where deep excavation is not feasible.
What are the disadvantages of floating foundations?
Challenges include difficulty in repairing electric or plumbing issues, dependence on skilled labor for construction, and potential for cracks due to improper construction.
How are floating house foundations built?
Floating house foundations are constructed using concrete floats that displace water, and proper excavation measures are crucial. These houses use highly recyclable materials and are in demand in land-scarce coastal and flood-prone areas.
