Difference Between Shallow and Deep Foundation?

Hey,

We all know that among the most crucial components of the construction, is the foundation. It gives the structure stability and transfers the whole weight of the building to the soil. But did you know that there are actually two types of foundation: shallow foundation and deep foundation. They are essentially divided into categories based on the extent to which the groundwork is offered. Now if you’re wondering how I know all this, then let me tell you, my father is an architect and he keeps me up-to-date with all the architectural knowledge that he can share with me. So, I am going to help you with your query and tell you the difference between shallow and deep foundation.

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Difference between shallow foundation and deep foundation

The contrasts between shallow and deep foundations are numerous. The concept, thickness of foundation, price, practicality, method of transfer of load, benefits, disadvantages, types, etc. are the main sources of variations among deep and shallow footings.

The key distinctions between shallow and deep foundations are shown in the following table:

Sl. No.	Criteria	Shallow Foundation	Deep Foundation
1	Definition	Shallow foundations are those that are built close to the earth's surface or transfer loads at a shallow depth.	The term "deep foundation" refers to a foundation that is set at a higher depth or transfers loads to deep strata.
2	The depth of the foundation	Typically, a shallow is no deeper than the footing or about three metres deep.	More substantial than the thin foundation.
3	Cost	It is cheaper	They are more expensive
4	Feasibility	Easily constructible	More complex to construct
5	Mechanism of load transfer	Shallow foundations primarily use end bearing to transfer loads.	With a few exceptions, such as end-bearing piles, deep foundations rely on both ends carrying and skin friction.
6	Advantages	Construction materials are readily available, less labour is required, the process is straightforward and reasonably priced, etc.	A deeper foundation can be used, it offers lateral stability and resists uplift, it works when a shallow foundation is impossible, it can sustain a large amount of weight, etc.
7	Disadvantages	Settlement potential, is typically present in light structures that are vulnerable to lateral loads, etc.	Deep foundations might be more expensive, require expert workers, involve intricate construction techniques, take longer to complete, etc.
8	Types	Various types of foundations exist, including isolated, strip, mat, and integrated foundations.	Caissons, pier and pile foundations, etc.

 

These can be precisely said to be the key difference between Shallow and Deep Foundation.

Read More: What is the Minimum Depth of a Foundation? Problems That Can Lead to Combining Foundation

The lowest load-bearing element of a structure is the foundation. It serves as the structure's point of connection with the earth, or in simple terms, it transfers the burden of the structure to the ground, and it is normally hidden below ground level. Foundations can be broadly categorised into two categories: deep and shallow. You will get to know here the difference between deep and shallow foundations.

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What is shallow foundation and deep foundation difference?

The following points will help you know the shallow and deep foundation difference:

Shallow Foundation	Deep Foundation
The weight is transferred to the soil at a shallow depth in shallow foundations.	When dirt near the surface is able to support the structure's loads effectively, shallow foundations are used.
Open excavation is used to build these foundations. This is one of the main points in shallow foundation vs deep foundation.	These foundations are built by drilling or boring with the aid of mechanical devices.
It is possible to see inspect construction at any depth because the foundation is shallower.	It is impossible to visually assess a construction at a deeper level.
There is very little soil disturbance.	Soil disturbance covers a wide area along the length of the deep foundation.
When dirt near the surface is able to support the structure's loads effectively, shallow foundations are used.	When the soil close to the surface is unstable and weights must be shifted to more suitable soil or rock at greater depths, deep foundations are used.

This is all you need to know about the difference between deep and shallow foundations.

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Most of you must know that one of the most crucial components of construction is the foundation. It gives the building support and distributes the entire load from the structure to the soil. Generally, there are two types of foundation in the construction sector: Shallow Foundation and Deep Foundation. The depth of the foundation and the type of soil they are built on are the key differences between the two. Let’s check out what is different between shallow and deep foundation below.

Difference between Deep Foundation and Shallow Foundation

Harsha Vikas and Bhat Suresh have already provided the comparison table for deep and shallow foundations. Let’s check out the more difference here:

Shallow Foundation:

• This foundation is frequently utilised when the soil around is stable enough to sustain the building. 

• This is used for small to medium-sized constructions and may be built rather affordably.

• Typically, a footing for this foundation is made by digging a trench in the earth and putting concrete into it. 

• This is divided into 2 categories: Raft and Footings.

Deep Foundation:

• Deep foundations are used when the soil close to the surface is weak or unstable.

• It can shift the weight of the structure deeper.

• For huge buildings, bridges, and other structures that need extra support, deep foundations are used. 

• They are more costly and challenging to build than shallow foundations.

• This is categorised into 3 categories: Piles, Piers, and Caissons or Well Foundations.

The extent of the foundation and the type of soil they are built on make up the majority of the differences between shallow and deep foundations. I hope you understand how to differentiate between shallow and deep foundation.

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My father is an architect, so I know quite a lot about building foundations. A foundation is an essential building component that helps a building balance and disperse its weight onto the ground. Now as far as shallow vs deep foundation is concerned, deep foundations are positioned farther below the surface of the soil than shallow foundations. But there are more differences to consider. I will tell you about them.

Deep Foundation Vs Shallow Foundation

If you ask me to define shallow and deep foundation, I would say deep foundations carry the weight of the structure down to deeper layers of rock or soil, while shallow foundations carry the load to the soil close to the surface.

Criteria	Shallow Foundation	Deep Foundation
Depth of Load Transfer	Near-surface soil within a few meters of the ground	Extends to deeper, more stable soil or rock layers
Types of Foundations	Spread footings, mat foundations	Pile foundations, drilled shafts, caissons
Load-Bearing Capacity	Suitable for lighter structures and moderate loads	Ideal for heavy structures and high vertical loads
Construction Complexity	Simple construction processes and equipment	More complex construction processes and specialized equipment
Cost	Generally more economical	Typically more expensive due to specialized construction
Time Efficiency	Shorter construction timelines	Longer construction timelines
Applicability	Commonly used in residential buildings, small structures	Preferred for high-rise buildings, bridges, and complex structures
Vulnerability to Settlement	Prone to uneven settlement, especially in variable soils	Minimizes the risk of settlement and subsidence
Environmental Impact	Lesser environmental impact	May have a greater environmental impact, especially in sensitive areas

I am sure now you know how to differentiate shallow and deep foundation. Get End-To-End Renovation Solutions With NoBroker Renovation Services. Read More: What is the Best Type of Foundation for House?