Most of the structure consist of two parts, one above the ground which is known as super structure and the other sub-structure of the foundation which lies below the ground level.
Every structures are provide with foundation at the base to fulfill the following objectives and purposes:
To distribute the load of the structure over a large bearing area.
To load the bearing surface at uniform rate so as to avoid unequal settlement.
To prevent the lateral movement of the supporting material.
To increase the stability of the structure as a whole.
Shallow Foundation
In this type of foundation the width is 2-3 times the width of the wall at ground level. Wall footing may be constructed through stone, brick, plain or reinforced cement concrete.