| Foundation type | Applicable soil conditions | Use |
| Shallow foundations (generally D/B ≤1) |
| Spread footings, Wall footings | Any situations where bearing capacity is adequate for the applied load.May use on a single stratum; secure layer over a soft layer or soft layer over firm layer. Check settlements from any source. | Individual columns, walls |
| Combined footings | Same as for spread footings above | Two to four columns on the status or space are limited |
| Mat foundations | Soil bearing capacity is generally < for spread footings, over half the plan area, would be covered by spread footings. Check settlements from any source. | Heavy column loads; Several rows of parallel columns; use to reduce differential settlements |
| Deep foundations (generally Lp/B ≥ 4 +) |
| Pile Floating | Surface and near-surface soils with have the low competent soil and, bearing capacity is at great depth. Sufficient skin resistance can be developed by Pile to Soil perimeter to carry anticipated loads. | In groups of 2+ supporting a cap which interfaces with column(s) |
| Pile Bearing | Competent soil for point load is in a practical depth (8-20 m); Surface and near-surface soils not relied on for skin resistance | Same as for floating pile |
| Drilled piers or caissons | Same as for piles. May be floating or point-bearing (or combination). Depends on depth to competent bearing stratum | Use fewer; Same as for piles; For large column loads |
| Retaining Structures |
| Retaining walls, bridge abutments | Any type of soil but a specified zone in the backfill is usually of controlled fill | Permanent material retention |
| Sheeting structures (sheet pile, wood sheeting, etc.) | Retain any soil or water. Backfill for waterfront and cofferdam systems is usually granular for higher drainage | Permanent or temporary for excavations, marine cofferdams for river work |