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Where site access is restricted, a raft foundation could prove easier to complete than traditional trench foundations. This makes them an ideal solution for smaller builds such as extensions and conservatories. Where heavier loads are anticipated, or where the soil is loose and prone to settlement, a cellular raft may be the most suitable approach, as this type of foundation is much more rigid.įinally, piled raft foundations might be used where a more traditional slab raft would not fit with the overall design of the building or would not provide the required load bearing capacity at all points.Īdvantages and disadvantages of raft foundationsĪs they are classed as shallow foundations, raft foundations are fairly quick and inexpensive to construct, as they do not require deep and extensive digging. Slab beam rafts are used when the load bearing points are not distributed evenly through the structure. Solid slab rafts are perhaps the most common type of raft foundation, and they are suitable for projects where the load bearing requirements are relatively light and spread evenly across the structure. Solid slab raft foundations can be further categorised as flat raft mat, blanket raft, wide toe raft and slip plane raft. There are four main types of raft foundation: solid slab rafts, slab beam rafts, cellular rafts and piled rafts.
![floating foundation example floating foundation example](https://www.waddelleng.com/uploads/1/1/7/2/117288659/edited/block-wall-2.png)
If the soil is particularly soft, raft foundations may not be appropriate, and an alternative approach would be required, as advised by your surveyor. This assumes that the ground is stable enough to provide the load bearing capacity required for the build. Generally speaking, for domestic projects that have low structural load and a fairly small surface area, raft foundations are ideal. The advice of a building surveyor or structural engineer should always be sought before committing to a project. Raft foundations are shallow foundations, and are therefore not suitable for every building project. Ground excavations are less onerous than for trench excavations, for example, and the foundation and floor slab can often be combined, giving significant savings on materials and time.
![floating foundation example floating foundation example](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5df95ab752eb4b313e3d0616/1586385586548-3CP5PRYTUOUEMN11AML1/05-Farnsworth_Exploded+Axo.png)
![floating foundation example floating foundation example](https://acropolis-wp-content-uploads.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/types-of-foundations.png)
#Floating foundation example series
London architecture studio Pan Projects has designed Teahouse Ø as the first in a series of floating pavilions aimed at opening up Copenhagen's canals to the public.