SHALLOW FOUNDATION

A shallow foundation transfers building loads to the nearest earth surface, rather than to a sub-surface layer or a range of depths as does a deep foundation. Shallow foundations are usually embedded a meter or so into soil. One common type is the spread footing which consists of strips or pads of concrete (or other materials) that extend below the frost line and transfer the weight from walls and columns to the soil or bedrock. Another common type is the slab-on-grade foundation where the weight of the building is transferred to the soil through a concrete slab placed at the surface.