COMBINED FOOTINGS AND MAT FOUNDATIONS.

We Considers the following types of foundations:

1. Cantilever footings
2. Combined footings
3. Mat foundations

When a column is near or right next to a property limit, a square or rectangular footing concentrically loaded under the column would extend into the adjoining property. If the adjoining property is a public side walk or alley, local building codes may permit such footings to project into public property. But when the adjoining property is privately owned, the footings must be constructed within the property. In such cases, there are three alternatives which are illustrated in Fig. 14.1 (a). These are

1. Cantilever footing. A cantilever or strap footing normally comprises two footings connected by a beam called a strap. A strap footing is a special case of a combined footing.
2. Combined footing. A combined footing is a long footing supporting two or more columns in one row.
3. Mat or raft foundations. A mat or raft foundation is a large footing, usually supporting several columns in two or more rows.

The choice between these types depends primarily upon the relative cost. In the majority of cases, mat foundations are normally used where the soil has low bearing capacity and where the total area occupied by an individual footing is not less than 50 per cent of the loaded area of the building.

When the distances between the columns and the loads carried by each column are not equal, there will be eccentric loading. The effect of eccentricity is to increase the base pressure on the side of eccentricity and decrease it on the opposite side. The effect of eccentricity on the base pressure of rigid footings is also considered here.