ABSTRACT
The base of a reinforced concrete column is generally a reinforced concrete block, or it may consist of a rectangular block of plain concrete. A major decision that must be made when designing spread foundations is whether uplift should be allowed. The principal types of concrete foundations for buildings are as follows: separate column bases, reinforced concrete or plain concrete strip footings, reinforced concrete raft foundation, and piled foundation. In small bases, the bars should be spaced uniformly across the full width of the base. The resistance to bending and the amount of reinforcement necessary are determined by applying the requirements of BS8110 that the critical plane for bending occurs at the face of the column. An alternative type of concrete foundation comprises a plain concrete block which may sometimes be surmounted by a smaller block of higher-grade concrete.
