The frost-protected shallow foundation is a system developed in Scandinavia. The system combines a shallow concrete footing with rigid foam insulation placed around the foundation perimeter. The number of heating-degree days for a climate determines the width and thickness of insulation that should be applied.
Frost protected shallow foundations reduce building costs because less excavation and backfill is required. In most climates the amount of concrete used in the foundation is also significantly reduced by not needing to pour footings below the frost line. The frost-protected shallow foundation works particularly well in combination with in-floor radiant hydronic heating.
Frost-protected shallow foundations have been used successfully for projects across the United States. The frost-protected shallow foundation is one of the innovative technologies listed by the Partnership for Advancing Technologies in Housing.
Bottom line:
The frost-protected shallow foundation is resource efficient because it offers Reduced Material Use. Using different levels of insulation, it can be adapted to be Climate Appropriate for many regions. When fly-ash concrete is used, the system also applies Recycled Materials.
Go on to another foundation system example
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|||