What is the key characteristic of shallow foundations?

The key characteristic of shallow foundations is their reliance on stable soil with adequate bearing capacity. Shallow foundations are typically placed at a depth where the soil properties can support the load of the building or structure above. They are designed for structures that do not impose high loads or require deep embedment into the ground, which means that the good quality, stable soil layer must be present relatively close to the surface to transmit the loads effectively.

This characteristic is essential because if the soil beneath the foundation is not stable or does not have the necessary strength, it can lead to settlement or failure of the foundation, which could ultimately compromise the structural integrity of the building. Shallow foundations are most suitable in scenarios where the upper layers of soil possess sufficient bearing capacity to support the loads without excessive settlement.

Using shallow foundations typically avoids the complexities and costs associated with deeper foundations, making them an efficient choice when the site conditions are favorable.