Floating foundation


floating foundation

[¦flōd·iŋ fau̇n′dā·shən] (civil engineering) A reinforced concrete slab that distributes the concentrated load from columns; used on soft soil. A foundation mat several meters below the ground surface when it is combined with external walls.

Floating foundation

A special type of foundation made to carry the weight of a superstructure which is to be erected on unstable soil. Such a foundation consists of a large raft-like slab composed of concrete and reinforced with steel rods.

floating foundation

A reinforced concrete slab used to support and distribute the concentrated load from columns in a soil having low bearing capacity; also called a raft foundation or mat foundation.