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Groundworks and Foundation Works in Swindon

Our Formwork Company Explains the Various Foundations Used in Construction

Foundations are crucial in commercial and industrial construction, as they transfer building loads to the ground, ensuring stability and durability. Different foundations depend on the building’s load, soil conditions, and design requirements.

This article looks at the primary types of foundations used by our formwork company in commercial and industrial construction across Swindon and the surrounding areas.

Besides these foundation works, we also offer a comprehensive range of services, including groundworks, concrete reinforcements, and drainage repairs for clients. This variety of services ensures that we can meet all your pre-construction needs.

A construction site showing freshly poured concrete slab with rebar protruding from the edges. A small brick wall is being constructed on the right side, and construction equipment including a yellow dumper and a cement mixer is visible in the background.

Shallow Foundations

Shallow foundations are typically used when the soil near the surface has sufficient bearing capacity. They are economical, more accessible to construct, and include:

Strip Footings

Are used to support walls or closely spaced columns
Spread the load across a wider area
Are suitable for structures with uniform load distribution

Pad Footings

Consist of a rectangular or square concrete pad
Support individual columns
Are used for lighter loads and good-bearing soil

Raft (Mat) Foundations

Distribute the load evenly across the entire footprint
Cover the entire area of the building
Suit projects with poor soil conditions or high load requirements

Combined Footings

Can be rectangular or trapezoidal
Are used when individual footings would overlap
Support two or more columns

DJ Reinforcements’ team is available to discuss your proposed project and advise on the best foundation works to guarantee a stable and durable base. Our formwork company can also complete groundworks, concrete reinforcements, and drainage repairs for our Swindon-based clients.

Construction site with workers in safety vests and hard hats preparing rebar framework for a foundation. A large green machine with "Plantforce" branding is on the site. Various construction materials and equipment are scattered around. Buildings and trees are in the background.

Deep Foundations

Deep foundations are used when the shallow soil layer is too weak to support the building loads. They transfer the load to deeper, more stable soil or rock layers and include:

Pile Foundations

Consist of long, slender concrete, steel, or timber columns
Are driven or drilled deep into the ground
Include friction piles and end-bearing piles

Caisson (Drilled Shaft) Foundations

Are large-diameter concrete cylinders cast in place
Resemble piles but can manage larger loads
Are suitable for bridges, piers, and larger buildings

Specialised Foundations

Certain foundation types are used for specific conditions and design requirements. These include:

Grillage Foundations

These are steel beams arranged in layers at right angles, which distribute heavy loads from columns or piers to a broader area. They are most suited for heavy industrial structures and equipment foundations.

A construction site featuring a large rectangular concrete formwork structure surrounded by metal bracing supports and scaffolding. The setup is on a flat concrete base with a cloudy sky and trees in the background.

A yellow excavator operates in a deep, narrow trench, with large piles of soil on either side. The operator is partially visible in the cabin. In the background, there are buildings with tiled roofs. The scene is overcast, adding a muted tone to the environment.

Choosing the appropriate foundation type is critical; it’s the cornerstone for the stability and longevity of your commercial and industrial structure. Factors such as soil conditions, load requirements, and building design determine the most suitable foundation works.

The professionally designed and constructed foundations completed by our formwork company ensure safety, performance, and cost-effectiveness in construction projects in Swindon and the surrounding areas.

Call DJ Reinforcements today for specialist services, including groundworks, concrete reinforcements, drainage repairs, and the following foundation installations:

Construction workers are pouring concrete over steel reinforcement bars to create the foundation of a building. The workers are dressed in protective clothing and use tools to evenly distribute the concrete inside a wooden frame.

Footings – for load distribution across a variety of foundations
Shallow foundations – such as strip, pad, raft, and combined footings if the soil near the surface can bear the load
Deep foundations – such as piles and caissons, which are essential for transferring loads to deeper, more stable layers
Specialised foundations – like grillage foundations, designed for heavy loads and specific structural requirements