Grillage Foundation

Shallow foundation
- When the depth of foundation is equal or less than the width
of foundation , then it is termed as shallow foundation. It is also
known as open foundation.
- A shallow foundation is placed immediately below the lowest
part of the superstructure.
WHERE IT IS APPLIED :
(1) applied where heavy structural loads from columns, piers
or beams are expected.

(2) used to transfer load to soil whose soil bearing capacity is

comparatively poor.

(3) High rise buildings are built with steel columns encased in
concrete . Such columns carry very heavy load and hence
they need special foundations to spread the load to the
larger area of soil. Grillage foundation is one such special
foundation.
WHAT FUNCTION IT PERFORMS :
(1) The grillage foundation helps in distributing the load over a
wider area of the subsoil.

(2) This foundation helps in avoiding deep excavations as the

necessary base area is provided for the load of the
transmission. The depth of foundation is limited from 1m to
1.5m.

(3) It is lighter and more economical, for which deep

excavation is not required and provides more area at the base,
so that the intensity of pressure can be reduced within safe
bearing capacity of soil.
CONSTRUCTION METHOD :
(1) a trench of the required width and depth is excavated.
Surface of trench is leveled and rammed.

(2) Over the rammed surface, a layer of cement concrete is

spread and is well compacted so as to make if impervious.

(3) two or more tiers of beams of desirable size are laid at

right angles to distribute the load over a large area.

(4) Top tier consists of less numbers but large size steel
sections while the lower tier consists of larger numbers but
smaller size steel sections.
CONSTRUCTION METHOD :
(5) the Steel I –sections are connected together by pipes and
bolts. The bolts are driven into web of the Steel I –sections.

(6) G.I. pipe pieces are placed between Steel I –sections , and a
long bolt is pass through all the holes and pipes. This connects
the Steel I –sections together thereby forming a rigid mass.

(7) The lower flanges of the I – Sections are embedded into the
concrete by pouring rich cement mortar . This connects the
Steel I –sections together thereby forming a rigid mass. Concrete
helps to keep beams in proper position & prevents from
corrosion.
CONSTRUCTION METHOD :
(8) Column load is transferred to the top tier through base
plate.

(9) The grillage beams are unpainted, as painted beams do not

bond with concrete effectively and are encased in concrete with
minimum cover of 100mm beyond the edges of steel sections.

(10) A minimum clear space of 75mm should be maintained

between the flanges of the adjacent grillage beams so that
concreting can be made properly.

(11) To maintain the spacing, pipe separators are used.

• Load from steel stanchion is
distributed by top tier in one
direction & spread by the
bottom tier in opposite
direction; the load is thus
uniformly distributed over
a relatively wide area. (equal
to the load divided by the
bearing capacity of soil)
Grillage Foundations Advantages :
- The speed of Installation – Contractors can save time using a
foundation of grillage.

- Convenience – grillage foundation uses to avoid poured

concrete and saves time with easy installation.

- Costs effective method – Contractor can reduce cost through

minimal disruption of transport infrastructure.

- Versatile foundation solution – the technology suits many

different applications.
Calculation for Grillage Foundation
• Muddy soil ( with high water table) = Soil capacity = 5 tones/sq.mts
• Total concentrated load from Steel stanchion = 50 tones
• Therefore the foundation area required = 50/5 = 10 sq.mts
• Grillage foundation size = 10sq.mts = 3.16 x 3.16,say 3000 mm x 3000 mm

• Arrange bottom tier of 75mmx125mm of 13 no's of R.S.J

• Therefore , 3000 – (13x75) = 3000 -975= 2025
• Therefore total spaces = 2025/14 = 144.64 each space. (150mm)

• Assume upper tier base plate size = 600mmx600mm

• Arrange upper tier of 125mmx300mm of 3 no's of R.S.J
• Therefore, 600 – (3 x125) = 600 – 375 = 225
• Therefore total spaces = 225/2 = 112.5 each space (150mm)
Grillage Foundation dimensions
• Footing size = 3000mm x 3000mm
• Bottom tier of I –Beam = 75mmx125mm (13no.s) with spacing 150mm
• Upper tier of I-Beam = 125mmx300mm (3 no's) of R.S.J with spacing 150mm
• Base plate = 600mmx600mm
• Steel stanchion = 250mmx250mm
• Spacer bar = 20mm dia & spacer pipe = 25mm dia
• Angle cleat = 100mmx100mm

• Gusset plate thickness = 12mm/15mm

• Base plate thickness = 25mm