Everyone knows, on a basic level, what a foundation is: it’s the thing that is laid on your block of land so that your house can be built on it. What some might not know, however, is that there are different types of foundation and they each have their purposes and benefits. There are three main types of foundation for houses: strip footings, pier and beam, and waffle pod slabs (that last one has no relation to the delicious breakfast treat). Let’s go through each type of foundation to get a better understanding of why and how we use them.
Strip footings
Strip footings are one of the most common foundations used in Australia. A strip footing is a relatively small strip of concrete which is laid into a trench and then reinforced using steel. The footing supports the load of the exterior walls, as well as any interior wall which bears a load, such as slab for a bathroom. Strip footings are a versatile foundation method and they can be used for concrete or timber floors.
- Benefits of strip footings
Strip footings are suitable for most soils as long as they possess a suitable bearing capacity. They also present a great solution when your columns are closely-spaced, as they’re a lot nimbler than some other types of foundation. They’re also considered the best option for light loads, such as residential properties or low-to-medium rises because the strip footings can be used as a mass concrete footing.
Pier and beam
Pier and beam foundations were commonly used until the 1960s, before technology allowed for the use of strip footings. They still present a reliable form of foundation for your home and have a couple of benefits. Pier and beam foundations raise the house above ground, keeping it flush while allowing for a crawl space or basement.
- Benefits of pier and beam
Pier and beam foundations have a range of benefits. They allow for ease of access when it comes to electrical or plumbing repairs and can also help with temperature control in your home.
Waffle pod slabs
Waffle pod slabs are blocks of reinforced concrete that have perimeter footings and narrow supporting beams. They’re constructed entirely above ground. Waffle pod slabs work well on flat sites and places that have good surface strength – they’re not used for sloping sites or sites with highly reactive soil.
- Benefits of waffle pod slabs
They’re easy and, at times, cost-effective to set up on flat blocks of land.
Selecting a type of foundation for your development should be discussed with a foundation construction expert like the ones at Techniblock. As one of Melbourne’s best teams for foundation construction and repair, they can tell you which type of foundation is best for your project and implement highly effective solutions for you. Chat with the team at Techniblock to take the next step towards building completion today.