Form and load transfer aspects of foundation systems: Case-based implementation and adaptation for buildings

Abstract

Conventionally, foundations have been classified as shallow or deep in routine civil engineering practice. However, due to recent developments, two other approaches, semi-deep and ground modification foundations, are now available, complicating foundation categorization. Accordingly, a new concept for foundation categorization is introduced in this paper based on insights into the theory of structure analysis. Based on the form aspect, foundation systems can be categorized as one-dimensional (linear), two-dimensional (planar), and three-dimensional (volumetric). Based on the load transfer aspect, foundations can also be categorized as vector-acting (piles), section or surface-acting (rafts and shells), and block-acting (piled rafts). As a step toward implementing this new categorization scheme, a database of 22 cases has been compiled, symbolizing novel introduced foundation systems. This compilation involves structures such as offshore jackets, high-rise buildings, towers and storages, and diverse geomaterials. Among them, a few have been selected for detailed evaluation, emphasizing influential factors in foundation selection, comprising superstructure, subsoil condition, foundation system, circumferential conditions, and supplementary considerations, that is, constructional and sustainability-based issues. Lessons learned from experience and these knowledge-based cases have described for foundation selection and implementation. Geotechnical and practical aspects with critical components have been realized as major performance assessment and comparison factors. Foundation systems have been compared and ranked using the improved analytic hierarchy process approach. Finally, four categories of buildings, from low-rise to towers and four prevailing levels of soil strength, from soft to very hard, have been considered to propose a perspective for building substructure implementation, adapted via relevant cases. Overall, the introduced categorization is recognized as an efficient algorithm for the experimentation of appropriate foundations for specific structures and subsoil conditions.

Keywords

case-based adaptation / form / foundation system / load transfer / underground substructure

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2025 The Author(s). Deep Underground Science and Engineering published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of China University of Mining and Technology.