Published November 2024

This Bitesize Guide presents key information on foundation selection and aims to assist in making decisions about the choice of foundation design. The options presented here are limited to building projects.

The site and the aims of the development should be well understood and include considerations such as:

• Any constraints on-site, around the site beneath the site
• The geology, hydrogeology, ground model and geotechnical hazards
• Proposed structure and space requirements, loading regime and allowable movements
• Sustainability goals

The presented hierarchy illustrates the recommended priorities that should be considered once the aims of the development are formulated.

The ground profile and allowable foundation movement (more specifically differential movement) are two key factors which determine if the required foundation solution is suitable for the site redevelopment strategy.

Due to variabilities in ground and groundwater conditions, various foundation designs can be applied, each comprising a wide range of components, ancillary processes and assemblages.

The foundation choices included in this guide are limited to shallow and deep foundations; ground improvement regimes, cost and programme implications and temporary works are outside of the scope of this guide.