What Is Floating Foundation? Advantage Of Floating Foundation?

What Is Floating Foundation? Advantage Of Floating Foundation?

What Is Floating Foundation?

A floating foundation is a type of foundation system used to support structures or buildings that are situated in water, such as docks, wharves, pontoons and jetties.

This specialized form of deep-water construction involves using airtight containers filled with heavy material (such as gravel, sand or concrete) that are then floated into place and added beneath the structure’s base.

As the pressure on the container increases so does the density of the material inside it, creating an anchor for increased stability.

Engineering and design considerations for these systems vary depending on various factors including soil type and regional differences in tidal patterns.

Where Do You Use Floating Foundation?

Floating foundations are commonly used in modern homes and buildings as they provide great protection against damage due to moisture, such as rot, mold, and water damage.

Floating foundations also prevent shifting of soil or slabs because of their ability to float on top of the ground rather than being directly secured into the ground.

They can be used in basements, garages, and other areas where there is a potential for increased moisture levels.

Additionally, they are less expensive to install than traditional foundations because they require less labour-intensive work in comparison.

What Is The Advantage Of Floating Foundation?

Floating foundations are an invaluable asset for projects requiring support on soft ground.

They have the advantage of creating a stable foundation that can be adjusted to accommodate changing moisture levels in the soil below.

This is especially important when working on marginal lands and waterways, where fluctuating water levels can cause shifts in the soil and make traditional foundations unstable.

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In addition, since they do not require excavation or piling, floating foundations minimize disturbance to fragile areas such as environmentally sensitive wetlands.

Finally, they provide cost advantages over traditional methods since they are quicker to install and generally require less material than other methods.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Floating Structure?

Floating structures have a number of disadvantages; most importantly, the structure needs to be securely anchored to prevent drifting or sinking.

  • As waves and wind can cause the structure to move very quickly, it is important for the anchors to be strong enough.
  • Additionally, floating structures are also more expensive than traditional structures as they require more materials and a higher level of engineering expertise.
  • Furthermore, maintenance costs can be high due to corrosion caused by saltwater affecting not only the superstructure but also the equipment and machinery used on board.
  • Finally, these types of structures may require more frequent inspections than traditional buildings due to their active environment, which can add further expense.

Is Floating Foundation A Deep Foundation?

Floating foundations are technically considered a shallow foundation as they do not require deep excavation.

This makes them cost-efficient and easy to construct, since they can be built on land or in water and don’t need to be supported by deep piles in the soil.

However, although they only rest a short distance below ground level, they still offer strong support against lateral forces due to their large area of contact with the surrounding soil.

They are often used under structures such as bridges and dams where high loads need to be resisted but there isn’t enough room for deep excavations.

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How Do You Pour A Floating Foundation?

  • Pouring a floating foundation involves first removing any debris or obstructions from the intended area before levelling it out with a rake and compacting it with a tamper.
  • You then need to mark out the foundation’s perimeter by driving wooden stakes into the ground of the required width and length.
  • With your measurements taken, you can now use 2×4 boards to create the formwork around the perimeter, which will be used as boundaries for concrete to take shape within.
  • Once this is complete you can prepare your concrete mix and begin pouring until it reaches the desired depth.
  • Finally, utilize a trowel to smooth over any imperfections in the surface while taking care not to compromise its integrity.

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