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Code of Practice For Design And Construction Of Shallow Foundations In Soils (Other Than Raft, Ring And Shell)

IS 1080:1985 provides a comprehensive code of practice for the design and construction of shallow foundations in soils, excluding raft, ring, and shell foundations. It is intended for civil and geotechnical engineers involved in foundation design, offering technical guidelines to ensure safe load transfer through bearing strata up to a depth of 3 meters. This standard emphasizes uniform design approaches based on soil mechanics and structural considerations, covering materials, construction methods, and load distribution principles specific to shallow foundations.

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118Clauses Indexed
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1985Edition
Soil and Foundation EngineeringCategory
Alternative search terms: IS 1080 PDF, IS 1080 pdf free download, IS 1080 free download pdf, IS1080 PDF, IS-1080 PDF, IS 1080 1985 PDF, IS 1080:1985 PDF, IS 1080-1985 PDF, IS 1080 (1985) PDF, IS 1080 1985 edition PDF, IS 1080 edition 1985 PDF

What This Standard Covers

IS 1080:1985 provides a comprehensive code of practice for the design and construction of shallow foundations in soils, excluding raft, ring, and shell foundations. It is intended for civil and geotechnical engineers involved in foundation design, offering technical guidelines to ensure safe load transfer through bearing strata up to a depth of 3 meters. This standard emphasizes uniform design approaches based on soil mechanics and structural considerations, covering materials, construction methods, and load distribution principles specific to shallow foundations.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Civil Engineers
  • Geotechnical Engineers
  • Structural Engineers
  • Foundation Designers
  • Construction Managers
  • Soil Mechanics Specialists
  • Consulting Engineers

Key Topics Covered

Scope and application of shallow foundations
Design principles for shallow foundations
Load transfer mechanisms through bearing strata
Materials specifications including concrete and masonry
Construction practices and curing requirements
Design of belled piers and stepped foundations
Use of ground beams with load-bearing walls
Load dispersion angles for unreinforced foundations
Handling foundations on sloping sites
Filling techniques when bearing capacity is at greater depth
Reinforcement criteria for shallow foundations
Compliance with related IS codes for concrete and masonry

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 1080: Scope Summary

  • Applicability: Covers design and construction of shallow foundations (excluding raft, ring, shell).
  • Exclusions: Raft, ring, conical, hyperbolic paraboloidal shell foundations have separate IS codes (IS 1904, IS 1081, IS 1082).
  • Design Basis: Uniform technical approach replacing empirical thumb rules, suitable for soils with special problems.
  • General Requirements: Transferred to IS 1904 (Foundations: General requirements).
  • Dimensioning: Foundation width should be based on actual soil investigation, not fixed thumb rules.
  • Excavation Dimensions: Must allow safe, efficient working (see IS 3764).
  • Rounding Off: Follow IS 2-1960 for rounding test/analysis values.

Key References

AspectIS Code
General foundation req.IS 1904-1985
Raft foundationsIS 1080 Part 1
Ring foundationsIS 1081
Shell foundationsIS 1082
Excavation dimensionsIS 3764-1966
Rounding off valuesIS 2-1960

This ensures standardized, technically sound design of shallow foundations.

2Definitions

IS 1080 - Definitions and Key Points

  • Reference for Definitions:
    All terms in IS 1080 are defined as per IS 2809-1972 (Glossary of terms and symbols relating to soil engineering).

  • Scope:
    IS 1080 covers shallow foundations excluding raft, ring, and shell foundations.

  • Load Eccentricity Clause (4.1):
    If the load resultant deviates more than 1/6 of the least footing base dimension, reinforcement is mandatory.

  • Rounding Off (Clause 0.3):
    Final calculated or observed values should be rounded according to IS 2-1960, retaining the same significant figures as specified.


Summary Table: Load Eccentricity Check

ParameterLimitAction
Load eccentricity (e)e ≤ (1/6) × least base dimension (b)No special reinforcement needed
Load eccentricity (e)e > (1/6) × bProvide suitable reinforcement

References for Further Details:

  • IS 2809-1972 — Definitions in soil engineering
  • IS 2-1960 — Rules for rounding numerical values
  • IS 1904-1985 — General foundation requirements
flowchart LR
    A[Load on Footing] --> B{Eccentricity e}
    B -->|e ≤ b/6| C[Normal Design]
    B -->|e > b/6| D[Reinforcement Required]

This ensures uniform technical design for shallow foundations under IS 1080.

3General Requirements

IS 1080: General Requirements for Shallow Foundations (Summary)

Scope:

  • Covers design & construction of shallow foundations (excluding raft, ring, shell foundations).
  • General requirements for all foundations are in IS 1904-1985.

Key Points & Specifications:

  • Design Basis:
    Earlier empirical thumb rules replaced by uniform technical approach for reliable design, especially in problematic soils.

  • Load Resultant Eccentricity:
    If the resultant load deviates more than 1/6 of the least base dimension, reinforcement is mandatory to resist moments.
    [ e \leq \frac{B}{6} ] where ( e ) = eccentricity, ( B ) = least base dimension

  • Rounding Off Values:
    Follow IS 2-1960 for rounding numerical results, retaining significant digits as per specified values.

  • Separate Codes for Other Foundations:

    • Raft foundations: IS 2950 (Part 1)-1981
    • Ring foundations: IS 11089-1984
    • Shell foundations: IS 9456-1980

Reference Table: Foundation Types & Applicable IS Codes

Foundation TypeIS CodeNotes
Shallow FoundationsIS 1080Excluding raft, ring, shell
Raft FoundationsIS 2950 (Part 1)Design & construction
Ring FoundationsIS 11089Design & construction
Shell FoundationsIS 9456Conical & hyperbolic paraboloidal

flowchart LR
    A[General Requirements] --> B[IS 1904-1985]
    A --> C[Shallow Foundations: IS 1080]
    C --> D[Exclude Raft, Ring, Shell]
    D --> E[Raft: IS 2950-1981]
    D --> F[Ring: IS 11089-1984]
    D --> G[Shell: IS 9456-1980]

For detailed structural design, refer to IS 1080 clauses and IS 1904 for general foundation requirements.

4Design Considerations

IS 1080: Design Considerations for Shallow Foundations

Key Points from IS 1080:

  • Scope: Applies only to shallow foundations (excluding raft, ring, shell foundations).
  • Design Basis: Uniform technical approach replacing empirical thumb rules.
  • Load Eccentricity: If the load resultant deviates > 1/6 of the footing base's least dimension, reinforcement is necessary (Clause 4.1).
  • Foundation Dimensions: Refer Clause 4.5 for sizing guidelines (based on soil bearing capacity and load).
  • Material Design:
    • Cement concrete foundations: Design per IS 456-1978.
    • Masonry foundations: Design per IS 1905-1980 (Clause 4.11).
  • Rounding Off: Final values rounded as per IS 2-1960.

Important Design Formulae and Concepts:

  1. Eccentricity Check
    [ e \leq \frac{B}{6} ] Where:

    • ( e ) = eccentricity of load from footing centerline
    • ( B ) = least dimension of footing base
  2. Allowable Bearing Pressure
    [ q_{allow} = \frac{P}{A} ] Where:

    • ( P ) = load on footing
    • ( A ) = footing area
  3. Footing Size (Square/Rectangular)
    [ B = \sqrt{\frac{P}{q_{allow}}} ]


References for Further Details:

AspectIS Code
General Foundation RequirementsIS 1904-1985
Concrete DesignIS 456-1978
Masonry DesignIS 1905-1980
Rounding Off RulesIS 2-1960

flowchart TD
    A[Load on Foundation] --> B{Is eccentricity > B/6?}
    B -- No --> C[Design footing as per IS 1080]
    B -- Yes --> D[Provide suitable reinforcement]
    C --> E[Check allowable bearing pressure]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Determine footing size
5Construction Practices

Key Construction Practices from IS 1080 (Clause 5.4)

  • Masonry over concrete base:

    • Masonry should be laid only after the base concrete has cured for at least 3 days.
    • Ensures adequate strength and bonding.
  • Foundation bed preparation:

    • The bed of the foundation pit/trench must be thoroughly compacted by manual ramming before laying concrete.
    • Prevents settlement and ensures uniform support.
  • Design references:

    • Cement concrete foundations (plain/reinforced) per IS 456:1978.
    • Masonry foundations per IS 1905:1980.

Summary Table: Construction Practices

ActivitySpecification/StandardNotes
Curing period before masonryMinimum 3 daysFor concrete base before masonry work
Foundation bed compactionManual rammingTo ensure uniform support
Concrete foundation designIS 456:1978Plain or reinforced concrete
Masonry foundation designIS 1905:1980Masonry walls and foundations

flowchart TD
    A[Excavate foundation pit] --> B[Compact foundation bed by manual ramming]
    B --> C[Pour concrete base]
    C --> D{Cure concrete for 3 days}
    D --> E[Lay masonry over cured concrete]

Note: For detailed mix designs, reinforcement, and workmanship, refer to IS 456 and IS 1905 as per clause 4.11.

6Materials

IS 1080: Key Specifications & Guidelines for Materials (Clause 5.4)

  • Foundation Concrete Curing: Base concrete must cure for minimum 3 days before masonry construction.
  • Foundation Pit Preparation: The bed of the foundation pit/trench must be thoroughly compacted by manual ramming before laying concrete.
  • Masonry Construction: Masonry is to be constructed over the cured base concrete ensuring proper bonding and stability.

Related IS Codes for Materials and Masonry:

  • IS 1904: Design and construction of foundations (general requirements)
  • IS 2809: Definitions related to masonry
  • IS codes for lime concrete, lime pozzolana mixture, brickwork, and stone masonry provide detailed material specifications.

Practical Notes:

  • Ensure moisture content and quality of materials (bricks, stones, mortar) comply with respective IS codes.
  • Use manual ramming for soil compaction to achieve adequate bearing capacity.
  • Follow curing times strictly to achieve design strength.

Summary Table (Material Preparation & Construction)

StepRequirement
Base Concrete Curing≥ 3 days
Foundation Pit PreparationManual ramming (compaction)
Masonry Construction StartAfter base concrete curing

flowchart TD
    A[Excavate Foundation Pit] --> B[Compact Soil by Manual Ramming]
    B --> C[Pour Base Concrete]
    C --> D[Cure Concrete for ≥ 3 Days]
    D --> E[Start Masonry Construction]

This ensures a stable, durable masonry foundation as per IS 1080.

7Load Transfer and Bearing Capacity

IS 1080 Key Points on Load Transfer & Bearing Capacity

1. Load Transfer & Bearing Spread (Clause 4.8, 4.10)

  • Load dispersion angles:
    • Masonry foundations: 1 vertical : 1 horizontal
    • Cement concrete: 1 vertical : 1 horizontal
    • Lime concrete: 1 vertical : 2/3 horizontal
  • Minimum foundation thickness: 150 mm at edges
  • If allowable bearing capacity is deeper, foundation base can be raised and the gap filled by:
    • Concrete with compressive strength ≥ allowable bearing pressure, OR
    • Compressible fill (sand, gravel), with width extended by load dispersion ratio 2 vertical : 1 horizontal beyond foundation width on each side.

2. Reinforcement Requirement (Clause 4.1, 4.8)

  • If resultant load deviates > 1/6 of least base dimension → reinforcement mandatory.
  • If depth to load transfer < permissible spread angle → foundation must be reinforced.

3. Ground Beams (Clause 4.4)

  • Ground beams can transmit loads and act compositely with reinforced walls.
  • Must be structurally connected by reinforcement for composite action.

Load Dispersion Illustration

graph LR
    A[Load at Pier/Base] --> B[Foundation Base]
    B --> C[Ground]
    subgraph Load Spread
      direction LR
      B -->|1V:1H (Concrete)| D[Concrete Bearing Area]
      B -->|1V:2/3H (Lime Concrete)| E[Lime Concrete Bearing Area]
      B -->|1V:1H (Masonry)| F[Masonry Bearing Area]
    end

Summary Table: Load Spread Angles

MaterialVertical : Horizontal SpreadMin. Thickness (mm)
Masonry1 : 1150
Cement Concrete1 : 1150
Lime Concrete1 : 2/3150

Note: For compressible fill, extend foundation width by 2 vertical : 1 horizontal dispersion on each side.

8Foundation Types and Details

IS 1080 – Foundation Types and Details: Key Points

1. Types of Foundations (Clause 3.1.1)

  • Pad or Spread Footing: Isolated masonry/concrete foundation transferring load safely to soil.
  • Strip Footing: Continuous foundation supporting walls or beams longitudinally.

2. Load Eccentricity (Clause 4.1)

  • If load resultant deviates > 1/6 of footing’s least base dimension, provide suitable reinforcement to resist moments.

3. Footing Dimensions (Clause 4.5.1)

  • Width ( B ) of wall foundation (cm) should satisfy:

    [ B \geq W ]

    Where:
    ( B ) = width at base (cm)
    ( W ) = width of supported wall (cm)

  • Ensure maximum stress in concrete/masonry ≤ permissible limits per IS 1904-1985.

4. General Design Notes

  • Foundations must be designed to keep soil bearing pressure within safe limits.
  • Refer to IS 2950, IS 11089, and IS 9456 for raft, ring, and shell foundations respectively.

Summary Table: Foundation Types

Foundation TypeDescriptionApplication
Pad/SpreadIsolated footingColumns, isolated loads
StripContinuous footingWalls, beams

flowchart TD
    A[Load on Structure] --> B{Type of Foundation}
    B -->|Isolated Load| C[Pad/Spread Footing]
    B -->|Continuous Load| D[Strip Footing]
    C --> E[Check Bearing Pressure]
    D --> E
    E --> F{Load Eccentricity > 1/6 base?}
    F -->|Yes| G[Provide Reinforcement]
    F -->|No| H[Normal Design]

Note: Always verify footing width and stresses using IS 1904 and soil bearing capacity for safe design.

9Reinforcement and Structural Connections

IS 1080: Reinforcement and Structural Connections Key Points

  1. Reinforcement in Continuous Wall Foundations (Clause 4.2)

    • Provide adequate reinforcement especially at:
      • Abrupt changes in load magnitude.
      • Variations in ground support.
    • Ensures structural integrity under uneven stresses.
  2. Reinforcement for Load Eccentricity (Clause 4.1)

    • If load resultant deviates > 1/6 of footing’s least base dimension from centerline:
      • Provide suitable reinforcement to resist bending moments.
  3. Construction Practice (Clause 5.4)

    • Base concrete must cure for at least 3 days before masonry.
    • Foundation bed should be compacted by manual ramming before concrete laying.

Typical Reinforcement Check for Eccentric Load

[ e \leq \frac{d}{6} \implies \text{No reinforcement needed} ]

Where:

  • ( e ) = eccentricity of load from centerline
  • ( d ) = least dimension of footing base

If ( e > \frac{d}{6} ), provide reinforcement to resist bending moments.


Summary Table: Reinforcement Trigger Conditions

ConditionReinforcement Required?
Load eccentricity ( e \leq d/6 )No
Load eccentricity ( e > d/6 )Yes, suitable reinforcement
Abrupt load or ground support changesYes, adequate reinforcement

flowchart LR
    A[Load on Foundation] --> B{Eccentricity \(e\)}
    B -->|≤ d/6| C[No Reinforcement Needed]
    B -->|> d/6| D[Provide Reinforcement]
    A --> E{Abrupt Load/Ground Changes}
    E -->|Yes| D
    E -->|No| C

References:

  • IS 1080 Clause 4.1, 4.2, 5.4
  • Good practice: cure base concrete 3 days, compact foundation bed before concrete.
10Special Site Conditions

IS 1080 (1985) focuses on shallow foundations excluding raft, ring, and shell types. For Special Site Conditions, the code does not provide explicit formulas or tables but emphasizes:

  • Design based on actual soil investigation rather than empirical thumb rules.
  • Foundation width and depth should be determined from site-specific soil parameters.
  • Refer to IS 1904 (1985) for general foundation requirements.
  • Use IS 2-1960 for rounding off calculated or observed values.

Key points for special site conditions:

  • Avoid standard width formulas; use soil test data (bearing capacity, settlement).
  • Consider soil anomalies like soft layers, high water table, or expansive soils.
  • Design must ensure stability against shear failure and excessive settlement.
  • Use bearing capacity equations (Terzaghi’s or Meyerhof’s) adapted to site conditions:

[ q_u = c'N_c + \sigma' N_q + 0.5 \gamma B N_\gamma ]

Where:

  • (q_u) = ultimate bearing capacity
  • (c') = effective cohesion
  • (\sigma') = effective overburden pressure
  • (\gamma) = unit weight of soil
  • (B) = foundation width
  • (N_c, N_q, N_\gamma) = bearing capacity factors based on soil friction angle

For complex sites, consult geotechnical experts and apply site-specific tests and analyses beyond IS 1080’s scope.

11Inspection and Quality Control

IS 1080: Inspection and Quality Control – Key Points

  1. Base Concrete Curing:

    • Masonry to be constructed only after the base concrete has cured for at least 3 days (Clause 5.4).
  2. Foundation Bed Preparation:

    • The bed of the foundation pit/trench must be thoroughly compacted by manual ramming before laying concrete.
  3. Inspection Checklist:

    • Verify curing period of base concrete (≥ 3 days).
    • Check compaction quality of foundation bed.
    • Confirm materials comply with relevant IS codes (e.g., IS 1904 for foundations, IS 456 for concrete).
  4. Quality Control Tests:

    • Concrete compressive strength tests (cube/cylinder).
    • Visual inspection for compaction and surface uniformity.
    • Check moisture content and curing conditions.

Summary Table: Inspection Points

Inspection ItemRequirementReference
Base concrete curing time≥ 3 daysIS 1080 5.4
Foundation bed compactionManual ramming, thoroughIS 1080 5.4
Material complianceIS codes for concrete, masonryIS 1080, IS 456

Quality Control Flowchart

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Foundation Preparation] --> B{Is base concrete cured ≥3 days?}
    B -- No --> C[Delay masonry construction]
    B -- Yes --> D[Compact foundation bed by manual ramming]
    D --> E[Inspect compaction quality]
    E --> F{Compaction satisfactory?}
    F -- No --> D
    F -- Yes --> G[Proceed with masonry construction]
    G --> H[Conduct material & strength tests]
    H --> I[Pass QC?]
    I -- No --> J[Rework or reject]
    I -- Yes --> K[Continue construction]

This ensures structural integrity and durability in shallow foundation construction as per IS 1080 guidelines.

12References to Related Standards

IS 1080: References to Related Standards for Shallow Foundations

  • Key Reference Standard:

    • IS 2809-1972 — Definitions of terms used in IS 1080.
  • Related IS Codes for Foundations:

    • IS 1904-1985 — General requirements for foundation design and construction (3rd revision).
    • Code of Practice for Raft Foundations (Part 1: Design, 2nd revision).
    • Code of Practice for Ring Foundations.
    • Code of Practice for Shell Foundations (Conical and Hyperbolic Paraboloidal types).
  • Rounding Off Values:

    • Follow IS 2-1960 for rounding off results of tests or calculations.
    • Maintain the same number of significant digits as the specified values.

Summary

IS 1080 focuses on shallow foundations (excluding raft, ring, and shell types) and directs users to specialized IS codes for other foundation types and general requirements. It emphasizes uniform design approaches based on technical considerations rather than empirical thumb rules.

flowchart LR
    A[IS 1080: Shallow Foundations] --> B[IS 2809-1972: Definitions]
    A --> C[IS 1904-1985: General Requirements]
    A --> D[Raft Foundations Code]
    A --> E[Ring Foundations Code]
    A --> F[Shell Foundations Code]
    A --> G[IS 2-1960: Rounding Off Rules]

This ensures consistent, technically sound foundation design across various soil conditions.

Popular Questions About IS 1080

?What types of shallow foundations are covered under IS 1080?

IS 1080 covers the design and construction of shallow foundations in soils, specifically excluding:

  • Raft foundations (covered under IS 2950 Part 1)
  • Ring foundations (covered under IS 11089)
  • Shell foundations (covered under IS 9456)

Types of Shallow Foundations covered under IS 1080:

  • Isolated footings (square, rectangular, circular)
  • Combined footings (strap, rectangular, trapezoidal)
  • Strip footings
  • Pad footings

Key points:

  • General requirements for all foundations, including shallow ones, are in IS 1904.
  • IS 1080 focuses on specific technical design aspects for shallow foundations other than raft, ring, and shell types.
  • Width and dimensions should be based on actual soil investigation, not empirical thumb rules.
Loading diagram...

Summary: Use IS 1080 for typical shallow footing types except raft, ring, and shell foundations.

?How does IS 1080 address load transfer through bearing strata?

IS 1080 addresses load transfer through bearing strata primarily by controlling the angular spread of load from the pier or bed plate to the soil, ensuring safe bearing pressure is not exceeded.

Key Points from IS 1080:

  • Angular Spread of Load (Clause 4.8):

    • For masonry foundations: max 1 vertical : 1 horizontal
    • For cement concrete: max 1 vertical : 1 horizontal
    • For lime concrete: max 1 vertical : 2/3 horizontal
    • If the depth to transfer load is less than this spread, reinforcement is required.
  • Minimum Thickness: Foundation edge thickness should be ≥ 150 mm.

  • Ground Beams (Clause 4.4):

    • Ground beams can transmit loads and act compositely with walls if reinforced and structurally connected.
    • Reinforced concrete beams connected to reinforced brickwork can also be used.

Summary:

Load transfer is ensured by controlling the load dispersion angle into the soil and reinforcing foundations when this spread is insufficient, preventing overstressing of the bearing strata.

Loading diagram...

This ensures safe load transfer without exceeding soil bearing capacity.

?What materials and construction methods are recommended for shallow foundations?

IS 1080 recommends the following for materials and construction of shallow foundations (depth ≤ 3 m):

  • Materials:

    • Use well-graded, compacted granular materials or lean concrete for foundation beds.
    • Concrete used should comply with relevant IS codes (e.g., IS 456 for plain and reinforced concrete).
    • Use durable materials resistant to soil and moisture effects.
  • Construction Methods:

    • Excavate to the bearing strata ensuring removal of loose soil.
    • Provide a level and compacted base before placing concrete or masonry.
    • Avoid disturbing the bearing soil during construction.
    • Ensure proper curing of concrete to achieve design strength.
    • Foundations should be constructed with care to maintain alignment and dimensions as per design.
  • Additional Notes:

    • General foundation requirements like drainage, soil treatment, and load considerations are covered in IS 1904-1985.
    • Width and depth should be based on soil investigation, not thumb rules.
Loading diagram...

This ensures stable load transfer primarily through bearing soil shear resistance, as per IS 1080.

?When is reinforcement required for shallow foundations according to this standard?

According to IS 1080, reinforcement in shallow foundations is required when:

  • The resultant load deviates from the center line by more than 1/6 of the least base dimension of the footing (Clause 4.1).
    This eccentricity causes bending moments, necessitating reinforcement to resist tension.

  • For continuous wall foundations, reinforcement must be provided especially where there is an abrupt change in load magnitude or ground support variation (Clause 4.2).

Summary:

ConditionRequirement
Eccentricity > (1/6 × least base dimension)Provide suitable reinforcement
Abrupt load or support changes in wall footingsProvide adequate reinforcement

This ensures structural safety by controlling bending stresses and preventing cracking.

Loading diagram...
?How should foundations be designed on sloping sites as per IS 1080?

As per IS 1080 (1985), Clause 4.3, foundations on sloping sites should be designed with:

  • Horizontal bearing surface to ensure uniform load distribution.
  • Stepped and lapped foundation at level changes, with steps extending at least:
    • Equal to the thickness of the foundation, or
    • Twice the height of the step, whichever is greater.
  • Step height should not exceed the thickness of the foundation.

Additionally, per Clause 4.11, the foundation materials should be designed as per relevant codes:

  • Cement concrete foundations → IS 456-1978
  • Masonry foundations → IS 1905-1980

Summary Table for Steps on Sloping Sites

ParameterRequirement
Bearing surfaceHorizontal
Step length≥ foundation thickness or 2 × step height
Step height≤ foundation thickness

This stepped foundation design prevents differential settlement and ensures stability on slopes.

Loading diagram...

This approach ensures safe load transfer and structural integrity on sloped terrain.

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