2. Introduction
• A load-bearing structure transfers building
loads through walls to the foundation.
• No beams or columns for load distribution.
• Cost-effective for low-rise buildings.
• Common in rural and semi-urban areas.
3. Importance of Foundation
• Uniform load distribution.
• Prevents differential settlement.
• Ensures stability during earthquakes/floods.
• Improves durability of the building.
4. Types of Load-Bearing Foundations
• Shallow Foundations:
• - Strip Footing: Continuous under walls.
• - Spread Footing: Wider base for load
distribution.
• Deep Foundations:
• - Pier Foundation: Vertical support to deeper
soil.
• - Pile Foundation: Used in weak soil
conditions.
5. Strip Footing
• Continuous strips of concrete under load-
bearing walls.
• Ideal for strong soil.
• Width: 600–1000 mm.
• Reinforced to resist cracking.
• Common in low-rise residential projects.
6. Spread Footing
• Wider base for soils with low bearing capacity.
• Transfers load over a larger area.
• Suitable for light columns.
• Square or rectangular in shape.
7. Pier Foundation
• Cylindrical concrete columns supporting
structure.
• Ideal for poor surface soil.
• Common in hilly terrain.
• Constructed by digging and filling with
concrete.
8. Construction Process
• 1. Site clearance and layout.
• 2. Excavation of trenches.
• 3. Base preparation and soil compaction.
• 4. Pouring concrete and curing.
• 5. Constructing walls on the foundation.
• 6. Damp-proofing and backfilling.
9. Advantages & Disadvantages
• Advantages:
• - Low cost.
• - Simple construction technique.
• - Suitable for small buildings.
• Disadvantages:
• - Thick walls reduce usable space.
• - Not suitable for multi-story buildings.
• - Limited architectural flexibility.
10. Case Study – Load-Bearing House
in Gujarat
• Project: Two-story residential building.
• Type: Strip footing.
• Foundation depth: 1.2 meters.
• Wall material: Brick masonry.
• Challenge: Uneven soil, solved with stepped
footing.
• Outcome: Economical and stable structure.
11. Conclusion
• Reliable and economical for low-rise buildings.
• Ideal in stable soil and rural contexts.
• Limited flexibility for vertical expansion.
• Framed structures preferred in urban
development.
