How do you choose a foundation type for a building on soft soil?

There's no straight forward answer. The type of foundation depends on the depth of the soft clay, the depth to competent material, the building loads, whether the the building will have a basement, allowable total and diffrentential settlements, the presence of adjacent structures and infrastructure, as well as groundwater conditions.

En mi opinión al calcular una cimentación sobre suelos blandos es una excelente alternativa optar por cimentaciones poco profundas que distribuyan la carga del edificio de manera uniforme sobre una mayor área de suelo para evitar asentamientos diferenciales. Las zapatas corridas o aisladas suelen ser una opción adecuada en este tipo de suelos, ya que proporcionan una base estable y segura para la estructura. También es importante evaluar la magnitud de las cargas que soportará el edificio, así como las condiciones sísmicas y de viento de la zona, para garantizar que la cimentación sea capaz de resistir todas las fuerzas actuantes de manera segura y eficiente.

A geotechnical engineering report by a competent person would be the first place to start. This would be achieved by testing trial pits and/or boreholes to determine ground type and settlement potential. From these investigations, recommendations are made to the structural design engineer and the appropriate foundation type is chosen based on the design bearing pressure required.

- Conduct a thorough soil investigation. - Consult geotechnical engineers for recommendations. - Consider shallow (spread footings, mat foundations), deep (piles, drilled piers), or raft foundations. - Ensure the selected foundation can support building loads and meet design requirements. - Evaluate settlement tolerance and choose a foundation type that minimises differential settlement. - Consider cost implications and comply with local regulations and codes.

Shallow foundations should be avoided on soft soil as it has low soil bearing capacity and subgrade modulus. Though if the vertical loads from above structure are low. One can go with the isolated pad or raft foundation. But if the loads are prominent the pile foundation should be used or ground redevelopment should be adopted.

Al elegir un tipo de cimentación para un edificio sobre suelo blando, se pueden considerar las fundaciones profundas. Son una opción viable para transferir las cargas del edificio a estratos más resistentes y estables del suelo. Este tipo de sistemas se emplean cuando los estratos del suelo debajo de la estructura no son capaces de soportar la carga con un asentamiento tolerable o una seguridad adecuada contra esfuerzos cortantes. Entre las técnicas más empleadas se encuentran los pilotes, sistema de pilotaje y muros pantalla.

First step must be the soil test to identify the depth of the stable soil layer. Depending on the type of structure to be constructed on the soil, we can choose between soil strengthening or deep foundation such as pile, pier or caisson in my opinion. Providing cost effective construction innovation without undermining the safety of the built structure is what makes us stand out as a Civil engineer in a project.

This is a better option in the case of soft soil. Again it also depends on which structure to be constructed. For light structure, strengthening the soil might be a cost effective option in comparison with deep foundation wherein Pile foundation or similar is an option.

In my experience deep foundations is more important for construction in soft soil to transfer the loads to a good soil can hold the loads.

Deep foundations, such as piles, piers, or caissons, are often preferred for high-rise buildings on soft soil, as they can bypass the weak upper layers and reach the more competent lower layers or bedrock.

Ground Improvement Techniques: Evaluate the feasibility of ground improvement techniques to enhance the soil's properties and increase bearing capacity. This may include methods such as soil stabilization, compaction, preloading, or soil replacement. By carefully evaluating these factors and consulting with geotechnical engineers and foundation specialists, you can make informed decisions to select the most appropriate foundation type for soft soil conditions, ensuring the stability and longevity of the structure.

En varias obras que hemos ejecutado cimentaciones sobre suelo blando se ha realizado el mejoramiento del suelo para fortalecer la capacidad portante del terreno. Se desarrollan técnicas de compactación, que implican la aplicación de presión controlada para reducir la compresibilidad y aumentar la resistencia del suelo. Este método es efectivo para aumentar la capacidad de carga del terreno y minimizar los asentamientos diferenciales. Otra técnica que hemos realizado con éxito es la inyección de grout o lechadas, que consiste en inyectar materiales estabilizantes en el suelo para mejorar sus propiedades mecánicas. Esto ayuda a aumentar la cohesión y la resistencia del terreno, proporcionando una base sólida para la cimentación del edificio.

Para lidar com solos moles em projetos de construção, uma alternativa viável é a melhoria do solo. Isso pode ser feito por meio de técnicas como a adição de material granular, compactação do solo, uso de geossintéticos ou até mesmo a aplicação de técnicas de vibroflotação. Essas estratégias visam aumentar a capacidade de suporte do solo, reduzindo os problemas associados aos solos moles. A melhoria do solo pode ser uma opção interessante quando as fundações convencionais não são viáveis.

Ground improvement depending on the loads for the building. This will determine the most suitable ground improvement technique to take.

One time in school, we studied ground engineering (improvement) techniques such as soil compaction, preloading, and soil stabilization using methods like vibro-compaction. These techniques increase soil strength, making it suitable for shallow foundations or reducing the depth required for deep foundations.

Foundation selection criteria typically involve soil investigation reports, structural loads, site constraints, and budget considerations. Analyzing these factors helps in making informed decisions about the most suitable foundation type for the specific project requirements.

É de suma importância conhecer o tipo de solo e suas características físicas e mecânicas para se definir o tipo de fundação. É necessário levar em consideração também, a viabilidade financeira para a escolha do tipo de fundação a ser executada.

Foundation selection criteria depends on several factors such as loading conditions, project budget, available techniques. Soil properties must be evaluated to the type of foundation we use because soft soil has a negative response to shallow foundation and also to deep foundation with the consideration of the soil's negative skin friction on the pile's body so we need to avoid any negative reflection from soil and make sure the foundation type is suitable for any load condition and satisfy the safety and economy.

Additionally, considering future changes in land use and potential expansions can influence foundation design decisions. One must engage in collaborative efforts among geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, and architects to integrate a holistic approach that accounts for all factors,

The main criteria for selection of the type of foundation for soft soil depends on the SBC of the soil and total load of the building.

Radier général ou micropieux, cela dépend aussi des charges du bâtiment. Si il s agit d une gratte ciel , on aura besoin obligatoirement des pieux profonds.

1. Take sample soil for bearing capacity. 2. Consider building height. 3. Check the budget. 4. Choose best foundation design with structural team. 5. Excavation, Retaining Wall, Dewatering, Hardcore, Backfilling and Compaction are Critical Points of QC part.

One thing I've found helpful is considering potential future developments in the area. Soft soil conditions may worsen over time due to nearby construction activities or changes in groundwater levels. It's essential to anticipate these factors and design foundations with appropriate safety margins to accommodate future changes

Soft soil...prior to foundation selection consider below factors: 1. Type and purpose of the superstructure inclusive of the made structural analysis 2. Consider Nearby structures and developement plan projections Note that economy and structural integrity of the structures goes together....why because when FOS exceeds the required, then foundation shall be good but it will be a waste of money...

La realización del estudio de suelo es lo principal para la selección del sistema de fundación. A partir de este podemos definir las capacidades resistentes de los estratos para tomar decisiones más certeras. Recién después de un correcto análisis del mismo podemos empezar a tener en cuenta los criterios de costos, viabilidad de la metodología de construcción, mejoramiento del suelo y tiempo de obra. Son muchos los dolores de cabeza que nos ahorraremos mediante un correcto análisis del suelo donde vamos a asentar nuestra estructura.