Caribbean Disaster
Mitigation Project
Implemented by the Organization of American States
Unit of Sustainable Development and Environment
for the USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the Caribbean Regional Program
FOUNDATIONS
THE FOUNDTATION IS THE PART OF THE HOUSE WHICH TRANSFERS THE WEIGHT OF THE BUILDING TO THE GROUND. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO CONSTRUCT A SUITABLE FOUNDATION FOR A HOUSE AS THE STABILITY OF A BUILDING DEPENDS PRIMARILY ON ITS FOUNDATION.
For low cost construction the main types of foundation are:
SLAB OR RAFT FOUNDATION
Used on soft soils.
Spread the weight over a wider area
STRIP FOUNDATION
Used for areas where the soil varies.
Most common.
Supports a wall.
STEPPED FOUNDATION
Used on sloping ground.
Is a form of strip foundation.
PILE FOUNDATION
Are deep foundations for heavy buildings.
Not often used in small buildings.
PAD FOUNDATION
Used on firm soil.
Used for columns and poles.
NOTE: Tie beams between pads are used in some islands of the Caribbean.