What is another name for a mat foundation?

• A. Deep foundation
• B. Raft foundation
• C. Strip foundation
• D. Pad foundation

Answer: (B)

A mat foundation is also known as a raft foundation. This type of foundation is designed to distribute the load of a structure over a large area, which helps to reduce the pressure on the soil underneath. Mat foundations are typically used in situations where soil bearing capacity is low, and they provide an effective solution for large buildings or structures that require deep foundations.

In contrast, deep foundations generally refer to types of foundations that extend deep into the ground, such as piles and drilled shafts, which are used when the surface soil is not capable of supporting the loads of structures. Strip foundations are continuous strips that support load-bearing walls, while pad foundations are isolated footings intended to support individual columns. Neither of these serve the same purpose as mat or raft foundations, which are employed to spread out loads over a wider area or to support extensive floor areas. This is why "raft foundation" is the correct and commonly used name for a mat foundation.