Matalaperustuksiin

Matalaperustukset, meaning shallow foundations in Finnish, are a common type of structural support used in construction. They transfer the building's load to the soil at a relatively shallow depth, typically within a few meters of the ground surface. This contrasts with deep foundations, which extend much further down to reach stronger soil layers or bedrock.

The primary principle behind matalaperustukset is to spread the building's weight over a large area. This reduces the pressure exerted on the underlying soil, making it suitable for sites where the upper soil layers have adequate bearing capacity. Common types of matalaperustukset include strip foundations, pad foundations, and raft foundations (or mat foundations). A raft foundation is a large, continuous concrete slab that covers the entire footprint of the building, effectively acting as a single large foundation.

Matalaperustukset are generally more economical and faster to construct than deep foundations, making them a preferred choice when soil conditions permit. They are frequently used for residential buildings, smaller commercial structures, and in areas with stable, load-bearing soil. However, they are not suitable for sites with weak or compressible soils, high groundwater tables, or significant seismic activity, where deeper foundation systems would be necessary to ensure stability. The selection of a matalaperustus depends heavily on a thorough geotechnical investigation of the site.