Shallow foundations are foundations where the depth is equal to or less than the width. There are four main types of shallow foundations: 1) Spread footings which spread loads over a larger area and are used for light loads or strong soils, 2) Combined footings which are preferred when columns are close together to make construction more economical, 3) Strap or cantilever footings which connect independent footings with a beam that does not transfer pressure to the soil, and 4) Mat or raft foundations which cover the entire area beneath a structure and are used for supporting loads on soft soils by spreading them over a large area.

1. SHALLOW FOUNDATION
Foundation is shallow if its depth is equal to or less than its width.
Types of shallow foundation
1. Spread footings
2. Combined footings
3. Strap or cantilever footings
4. Mat or raft foundation

2. 1. Spread footings
Spreads the super-imposed load of a wall or a column over a larger
area.
Used where the loads are light or there are strong shallow soils.
Spread footing may be of the following types –
1) Single column footing
2) Stepped column footing Pad footing
3) Slopped column footing
4) Simple Wall footing strip footing
5) Stepped wall footing
6) Grillage foundation

4. a)Stepped wall footing b)Simple Wall footing

5. Grillage foundation

6. 2. Combined footings
• Are preferred when 2 individual column are close to each other.
• It is economical.
• Provided when bearing capacity of soil is less, requiring more area
under individual footing.
• Combined footing may be rectangular, Trapezoidal or column-wall.
• If the columns carry equal loads, the footing is of rectangular shape,
otherwise its trapezoidal shape.

8. 3. Strap or cantilever footings
• Independent footings of two columns are connected by a beam.
• The strap beam does not remain in contact with soil, and thus does
not transfer any pressure to the soil.

10. 4. Mat or raft foundation
• It is a combined footing that covers the entire area beneath a
structure and supports all the walls and columns.
• Used on soft or loose soils with low bearing capacity as they can
spread loads over larger area.