The Role of Concrete Foundations in Building Stability

The importance of building stability should never be underestimated during the planning stages of any construction project. Every single structure, from warehouses to 20-storey tower blocks, must be built on a strong foundation to give it the best possible head start. After all, the foundation is a building’s bedrock, and should provide it with enough stability to last for many years without succumbing to soil movement or moisture fluctuations. Here are just a few reasons why building stability is so crucial in construction.

Why Stability Matters

In both residential and commercial construction, concrete foundations have the power to determine exactly how long a structure will last. Buildings with a poorly placed foundation, or no foundation at all, are often subject to subsidence because its load is simply not suitably supported.

Construction methods like piling and underpinning redistribute the weight of a building to the stronger, more robust soil located deep beneath the earth. This means that the softer soil on the surface can be impacted by moisture changes, without also affecting the stability of the building.

Types of Stability

Concrete is widely used as a foundation material because of its versatility. To create a foundation, concrete is poured into a wooden frame that forms the slab-like shape of the foundation. Once the concrete is formed, the wooden frame is removed.

The type and mix of concrete will differ depending on the project, but the chosen mix will generally be determined by the foundation’s strength requirements, as well as budget.

Not all foundations are made of concrete, however, and their construction might vary. The type of foundation used will depend on the building’s purpose, as well as its location.

Shallow vs. Deep Foundations

Generally speaking, foundations can be sorted into two distinct types – shallow and deep – each of which has a number of subcategories.

Shallow Foundations

The depth of shallow foundations ranges from 1-3 metres meaning that they don’t distribute loads massively far into the earth. As a result, they are less expensive than deep foundations since they necessitate less labour and resources to install.

Deep Foundations

Deep foundations, as their name implies, are excavated much deeper below the surface to reach the subsoil that underlies the weaker topsoil. They are commonly chosen when constructing a tall structure, or when the terrain being built upon is unstable.

Take the First Step Towards Building Stability

Want to build a stable foundation for your construction project in Bristol? At Below Ground, our experienced team is dedicated to delivering top-notch solutions for all your concrete foundation needs. Contact us today for more information about our services.