What Is Floating Foundation | Suitability of the Floating Foundation | Advantages & Disadvantage of Floating Foundation

Q: Floating Foundation

A floating foundation is a type of foundation constructed by excavating the soil in such a way that the weight of structure built on t.he soil is nearly equal to the total weight of the soil excavated from the ground including the weight water in the soil before the construction of a structure.

Q: Floating Concrete Foundations

A floating foundation consists of boxlike rigid structures set at such a depth below ground that the weight of the soil removed to place it equals the weight of the building; thus, once the building is completed, the soil under it will bear the same weight.

Q: How to Build a Floating House Foundation

A floating foundation is a type of foundation constructed by excavating the soil in such a way that the weight of structure built on the soil is nearly equal to the total weight of the soil excavated from the ground including the weight water in the soil before the construction of a structure.

Introduction of Floating Foundation

Important Point

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Short Note

Floating Foundation

A floating foundation is a type of foundation constructed by excavating the soil in such a way that the weight of structure built on the soil is nearly equal to the total weight of the soil excavated from the ground including the weight water in the soil before the construction of a structure.

Floating Concrete Foundations

A floating foundation consists of boxlike rigid structures set at such a depth below ground that the weight of the soil removed to place it equals the weight of the building; thus, once the building is completed, the soil under it will bear the same weight.

Floating House Foundation

A floating foundation consists of boxlike rigid structures set at such a depth below ground that the weight of the soil removed to place it equals the weight of the building; thus, once the building is completed, the soil under it will bear the same weight… In construction: Foundations.

What Is Floating House Foundation?

Is a Floating Foundation Good?

Floating foundations are desirable for the following types of soils: Soils which are having good shear strength but having a problem of large settlements and differential settlements under heavy loads. Soils which are having low shear strength and there is no hard layer of soil at reasonable depth.

How Thick Should a Floating Foundation Be?

The average minimum thickness of the foundation must be at least 200mm. The strength of the concrete used for unreinforced strip footing must be at least 15MPa or better.

How Does a Floating House Work?

Think of a floating home like a condo, but rather than a unit in a building, it’s a unit on the water with HOA dues paid to maintain the dock and slip. Floating homes are permanently connected to sewer, water and electrical, built and moved into place just once.

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What Is Floating Foundation | Suitability of the Floating Foundation | Advantages & Disadvantage of Floating Foundation | How to Build a Floating House Foundation