Shallow foundation
![Shallow foundation construction example](/Images/godic/202502/13/-Construcción_de_una_cimentación_por_zapata_aislada.ogv0000.jpg")
![In ground reinforced concrete foundation in cyclonic area, Northern Australia.](/Images/godic/202502/13/Wall-foundation0000.jpg")
![In ground reinforced concrete foundation in cyclonic area, Northern Australia.](/Images/godic/202502/13/In-ground-foundation0000.gif")
![Example of slab on grade foundation](/Images/godic/202502/13/Slab_on_grade0000.JPG")
A shallow foundation is a type of foundation which transfers building loads to the earth very near the surface, rather than to a subsurface layer or a range of depths as does a deep foundation. Shallow foundations include spread footing foundations, mat-slab foundations, slab-on-grade foundations, pad foundations, rubble trench foundations and earthbag foundations.