How Are Ground Beams Important To Piling Projects?
Ground beams are fitted into foundations early on in any project, and serve a crucial purpose - but just what makes them so important? Find out right now.
When it comes to constructing a building, a strong foundation is essential for its stability and longevity. One type of foundation that has gained popularity in recent years is the raft foundation. Raft foundations are an effective solution for buildings constructed on soft or loose soil, as well as in areas with high water tables. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of raft foundations and understand how they work in construction.
Raft foundations, also known as mat foundations, are large, solid slabs of concrete that cover the entire footprint of a building. Unlike traditional strip or pad foundations that support individual load-bearing walls, raft foundations distribute the building's load over a larger area. This distribution helps to prevent differential settlement, which can occur when different parts of the building settle at different rates, leading to structural damage.
Raft foundations work by spreading the load of the building evenly over a larger area. This reduces the pressure exerted on the soil, minimising the risk of differential settlement. The load from the walls, columns, and other structural elements is transferred to the raft, which then distributes the load across the soil. Interested in seeing previous projects? Our portfolio has you covered.
Raft foundations provide greater stability compared to other types of foundations. The large surface area of the raft reduces the contact pressure on the soil, thereby reducing the risk of soil failure. This is especially beneficial in areas with weak or loose soil conditions.
Raft foundations provide a uniform support system for the entire building structure. By spreading the load evenly, they minimise the risk of structural damage, such as cracks in the walls or floors, which can occur due to uneven settlement.
Raft foundations can also help with soil consolidation. The weight of the raft compresses the soil beneath it, increasing its density and improving its load-bearing capacity over time. This consolidation process helps to stabilise the foundation further.
