Understanding Deep Foundations

Not all soil surfaces are suitable for pouring a foundation – and not all structures are suitable for a standard concrete foundation.

What do you do if the soil present at your job site is weak? Maybe it is not stable enough to support heavy loads. Or maybe you are building a very large, multi-level structure? These are both examples of when a deep foundation may be needed. At Red Star Construction – one of the best concrete contractors in Dallas, Texas – our team specializes in deep foundations, excavating, and more. Read on as we explain the different types of deep foundations:

Pile Foundations

This type of foundation is used when building high-rise buildings, bridges, etc. The goal with a pile foundation is to drive the weight of the structure down into the lower layers of the soil, providing more stability and strength. Pile foundations use long tubes that are drilled into the ground and then filled with concrete to reinforce the structure. This is done either before or after the tubes are drilled down.

Caisson Foundations

This type of foundation is often used when working within bodies of water. This is because caissons can float through the water, then the concrete contractors in Dallas, Texas can proceed to submerge them into place for the foundation.  You may hear some talk about cylinders, and these are simply single cell caissons. This type of foundation is also known as a pier foundation and is a close relative of the pile foundation method.

Drilled Shaft Foundations

Shaft foundations are constructed in similar ways to other deep foundation methods, by drilling deep into the ground and making a series of cylindrical holes. These holes are then filled with concrete. Drilled shaft foundations are good for retrofit projects, sound barriers, retaining walls, and the like. 

Basement Foundations

Basement foundations are open, hollow structures deep within the ground. As you would expect, these foundations are constructed in a way that the lower levels can be used and support is built around these areas beneath the soil. 

Hollow Box Foundations/Buoyancy Rafts

Hollow box foundations are constructed with buoyant parts within the foundation in areas where soil structure is not good. This sub-surface can be entirely buoyant or semi-buoyant in nature. This allows for a floating foundation of sorts, and in cases where flooding can occur, the entire structure can rise above the flood level. 

Need a Deep Foundation in the Dallas-Fort Worth Area?

Red Star Construction – one of the leading concrete contractors in Dallas, Texas – would love to help you with your deep foundation, excavating, and commercial concrete needs. We have years of experience in the field and can give your expert opinion on your construction project. Give us a call today for a consultation.