Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -

amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

भारतीय मानक IS 1904 : 2021

Indian Standard

मृदा में नींवों के डिजाइन और

निर्माण के लिए
सामान्य अपेक्षाएँ — रीति सहं िता
(  चौथा पनु रीक्षण )

General Requirements for Design

and Construction of Foundations
in Soils — Code of Practice
( Fourth Revision )

ICS 93.020

© BIS 2021

भारतीय मानक ब्रयू ो

B U R E A U O F I N D I A N S TA N D A R D S
मानक भवन, 9 बहादरु शाह ज़फर मार्ग, नई िदल्ली – 110002
MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI-110002
   www.bis.gov.in  
www.standardsbis.in

 Price Group 7
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

Soil and Foundation Engineering Sectional Committee, CED 43

FOREWORD
This Indian Standard (Fourth Revision) was adopted by the Bureau of Indian Standards, after the draft finalized by
the Soil and Foundation Engineering Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil Engineering Division
Council.
Series of Indian Standards on design and construction of various types of foundations (shallow, deep and special
types) have been formulated covering their specific requirements. Many of the requirements for designing of such
foundations are common for all types of foundations. In order that these general requirements are not repeated in
each of such Indian Standards, this basic standard covering such general requirements has been formulated.
This Indian Standard was first published in 1961 and subsequently revised in 1966, 1978 and 1986. The standard
till its third version covered requirements for shallow foundations. Considering that subsequent to its second
revision, various new Indian Standards covering design and construction of various types of foundations had been
formulated, the standard was again revised so as to cover the general requirements for design and construction
not only for shallow foundation but also for all other types of foundations. Opportunity was utilized to transfer to
this standard, the general requirements covered in IS 1080 : 1985 ‘Code of practice for design and construction
of shallow foundations in soils (other than raft, ring and shell) (second revision)’, which was also revised
simultaneously, so that it covers only the specific requirements applicable to design and construction of shallow
foundations. This revision of the standard has been taken up to take into account changes that were required in
view of recent advancements in the field. In this revision, following major modifications have been incorporated:
a) Combined foundation, referred as a type of deep foundation, has been deleted.
b) Suitable precautions to be taken in case of foundations in localities where considerable amount
of soluble salts are contained in ground water and soil have been deleted and a reference to
IS 456 : 2000 ‘Plain and reinforced concrete — Code of practice (fourth revision)’ has been included
for such provisions.
c) Minimum distance to be ensured between large size trees and foundation of buildings in case of
clayey soil has been changed from 8 m to 6 m.
d) Common methods of site exploration suggested in the standard have been deleted, as it has to be
suitably decided in accordance with IS 1892 : 2021 ‘Subsurface investigation for foundations —
Code of practice (second revision)’.
e) Provisions for footings at different levels, loads on foundations and settlement of foundations have
been modified for clarity. Reference to relevant Indian Standards for determination of various loads
acting on the foundation has been made.
f) Need for liquefaction analysis in case of non-cohesive soils as per IS 1893 (Part 1) : 2016 ‘Criteria
for earthquake resistant design of structures: Part 1 General provisions and buildings (sixth revision)’
has been added.
g) Provisions on backfilling of the excavation have been modified.
The design of the foundation, superstructure and the characteristics of the ground are inter-related. In order to
obtain maximum economy, the supporting ground, foundation and superstructure should be studied as a whole.
The design of a foundation involves both geotechnical aspects of supporting ground and the structural aspects of
the foundation materials. The aim is to proportion the foundation (plan dimensions) in such a way that net loading
intensity of pressure, called the net foundation pressure on the soil does not exceed the safe bearing capacity and
that structural design which involves the determination of the thickness of elements so that maximum stress in
concrete (plain or reinforced) and masonry is within permissible limits.
The composition of the Committee responsible for the formulation of this standard is given in Annex B.
For the purpose of deciding whether a particular requirement of this standard is complied with the final value,
observed or calculated, expressing the result of a test or analysis shall be rounded off in accordance with
IS 2 : 1960 ‘Rules for rounding off numerical values ( revised )’. The number of significant places retained in the
rounded off value should be the same as that of the specified value in this standard.
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

Indian Standard
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION OF FOUNDATIONS
IN SOILS — CODE OF PRACTICE
( Fourth Revision )

1 SCOPE 4.2.1 The various types of deep foundations are as

under:
This standard covers the general requirements for
design and construction of all types of foundations a) Pile Foundations
(shallow, deep and special types). 1) Driven cast in-situ — See IS 2911
(Part 1/Sec 1).
2 REFERENCES
2) Bored cast in-situ — See IS 2911
The standards given in Annex A contain provisions, (Part 1/Sec 2).
which through reference in this text, constitute 3) Driven precast — See IS 2911 (Part 1/Sec 3).
provisions of this standard. At the time of publication
4) Bored precast — See IS 2911 (Part 1/Sec 4).
the editions indicated are valid. All standards are subject
to revision, and parties to agreement based on this 5) Timber — See IS 2911 (Part 2).
standard are encouraged to investigate the possibility 6) Under-reamed pile — See IS 2911 (Part 3).
of applying the most recent editions of the standards b) Caissons — See IS 9527 (Part 1).
indicated in Annex A.
c) Diaphragm walls — See IS 9556.
3 TERMINOLOGY d) Well foundations (a detail code on this subject is
formulated by IRC).
For the purpose of this standard, the definition of terms
given in IS 2809 shall apply. 4.3 Foundations for Special Structure
Foundations for certain structures and/or machineries
4 TYPES OF FOUNDATIONS
require special design and detailing procedure
4.1 Shallow Foundations taking into consideration the impact and vibration
characteristics of the load and the soil properties under
These cover such types of foundations in which load dynamic conditions.
transference is primarily through shear resistance of the
bearing strata. 4.3.1 The various types of such foundations are as
under:
4.1.1 The various types of shallow foundations are as
under: a) Machine foundations
1) Reciprocating type — See IS 2974 (Part 1).
a) Spread or pad foundation — See IS 1080.
2) Impact type — See IS 2974 (Part 2).
b) Strip foundation — See IS 1080.
3) Rotary type (medium and high frequency) —
c) Raft foundation — See IS 2950 (Part 1).
See IS 2974 (Part 3).
d) Ring and shell foundation — See IS 11089 and
4) Rotary type low frequency — See IS 2974
IS 9456.
(Part 4).
4.2 Deep Foundations 5) Impact type (other than hammer) — See
These are foundations generally in the form of piles, IS 2974 (Part 5).
caissons, diaphragm walls, well foundations used b) Tower foundations
separately or in combination, to transmit the loads to 1) Transmission line towers and poles — See
deeper load bearing strata, when, no adequate bearing IS 4091.
strata exists at shallow depths. The transfer of load to
deeper strata may be through friction, end-bearing or a 2) Radar antenna, microwave and TV tower —
combination of both. See IS 11233.

1
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

5 GROUND On sloping ground, there may be a tendency for the

upper layers of soil to move downhill. The extent of
The natural geological deposits over base rock
such movement, however, depends on the type of soil,
extending to the surface level of the earth should be
the angle of slope, ground water regime and climatic
examined.
conditions. Instability may develop even after a long
6 SITE INVESTIGATION period of apparent stability, particularly in stiff, fissured
and over consolidated clayey soil.
6.1 The investigation of the site is an essential Uneven surface of a slope on natural ground, curved
prerequisite to the construction of all civil engineering tree trunks, tilted fence posts, tilted boundary walls,
works with a view to assess the general suitability of etc, indicate the creep of the surface layers. Areas
the site for the proposed new works and to enable in subject to land slip and unstable slopes shall therefore,
preparing an adequate and economic design. be avoided.
In particular, it is necessary to assess the impact during
6.3.3 Some clayey soils are susceptible to shrinkage
or after the construction of the structure due to the type
and cracking in dry and hot weather, and swelling in
of materials, methods of construction, etc which may
wet weather. These conditions may also occur due to
adversely affect the safety of the structure or alter its
extraneous agencies like trees, boiler installations,
performance or utility.
furnaces, kilns, underground cables, services and
6.2 The subsurface investigation of the site shall be refrigeration installations. These factors shall be
carried out in accordance with the principles set in considered carefully before designing any foundations.
IS 1892. As a preliminary, it is usually judicious Shrinkage of clayey soils may be increased by the
to collect information relating to the site prior to drying effect produced by nearby trees and shrubs.
commencing its exploration. The exploration of the site Swelling may occur, if they are cut down. No trees
for a structure requires the exploration and sampling which may grow to a large size shall be planted within
of all strata likely to be significantly affected by the 6 m of foundations of buildings.
structural load. The extent of this exploration will
6.3.4 New constructions may interfere with drainage
depend on the site and structure. Particular attention
regime of the ground and affect the stability of existing
shall be paid to the ground water level, underground
structure. Adequate precautions should be taken to
water courses, old drains, pits, wells, old foundation,
protect these. On the uphill side of a building on a
etc, and presence of excessive sulphates, chlorides
sloping site, land drainage requires special consideration
and/or other injurious compounds in the ground water
for diverting the natural flow of water away from the
and soil. The site should also be explored in detail,
foundations. If excavation involves cutting through
where necessary, to ascertain the type, consistency,
existing land drains, consideration should be given for
thickness, sequence and dip of the strata.
diverting into the ground-drainage system.
6.3 Mass movements of the ground are liable to occur
6.3.5 Increase in moisture content results in substantial
from causes independent of the loads imposed by the
loss of bearing capacity in case of certain types of
structure. These include mining subsidence, land slips,
soils which may lead to differential settlement of
unstable slopes and creep on clay slopes. These factors
foundations. On sites liable to be water logged in wet
shall be taken into account in the layout and design
weather, it is desirable to determine the contour of the
of the proposed works. However, if necessary, expert
water-table surface in order to indicate the directions
advice regarding the geological and hydrological
of the natural drainage and to obtain the basis of the
characteristics of the site shall be sought.
design of intercepting drains to prevent the influx of
6.3.1 Mining subsidence is liable to occur in mining ground water into the site from higher ground. The
areas. The magnitude of the movement and its seasonal variation of the water table is of importance
distribution over the area and their vicinity can be in some cases. In case of soils with low permeability,
roughly estimated. Where future subsidence is likely, the water levels in boreholes or observation wells may
care should be taken to design the superstructure and take a considerable time to reach equilibrium with
foundation sufficiently strong to cater for probable ground water. Spot readings of water level in boreholes
ground movements. Long continuous buildings should may, therefore, give an erroneous impression of the
be avoided and large building should be divided into true ground water level. It is generally determined
independent sections of suitable size, each with its own by measuring the water level in the borehole after a
foundations. Expert advice from appropriate mining suitable time lapse of 14 h or more, as the case may
authority may be sought. be. In soils with high permeability, such as sand and
gravels, lesser time will usually be sufficient, unless
6.3.2 Cuttings, excavations or sloping ground near the hole has been sealed with drilling mud. In such
foundations may increase the possibility of shear cases, it may be necessary to resort to indirect means
failure in the ground supporting the foundations. to determine the water table. Where deep excavation is

2
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

required, the location of water bearing strata should be 7.4 A foundation in any type of soil shall be below the
determined so that necessary precautions may be taken zone significantly weakened by root holes or cavities
during excavation. produced by burrowing animals or works. The depth
shall also be enough to prevent the rainwater scouring
6.3.6 In certain localities where considerable amount below the footings.
of soluble salts are contained in ground water and soil,
cement concrete, especially thin members or buried 7.5 Clayey soils, like black cotton soils, are seasonally
metals are subjected to deterioration and corrosion. affected by drying, shrinkage and cracking in dry and
Certain soils have corrosive action on metals, hot weather, and by swelling in the following wet
particularly on cast iron, due to either chemical or weather to a depth which will vary according to the
bacteriological agency. In industrial areas, corrosive nature of the clay and the climatic condition of the
action may arise from industrial wastes that have been region. It may be necessary in such soils, either to place
dumped on the site. Chemical analysis of samples of the foundation on the strata where the effects of seasonal
ground water or soil (or sometimes both) should be changes are not significant or to make the foundation
done to assess the necessity of special precautions capable of eliminating the undesirable effects of
(see also IS 456) and precautions as given in IS 456 relative movement. Adequate load counteraction
shall be adopted. against swelling pressures also provides satisfactory
foundations.
7 DEPTH OF FOUNDATION

7.1  The depth of foundation depends upon the 8 FOUNDATIONS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS
following principal factors:
8.1 Where footings are adjacent to sloping ground or
a) Getting adequate allowable bearing capacity. where the bottoms of the footings of a structure are
b) In the case of clayey soils, penetration below the at different levels or at levels different from those of
zone where shrinkage and swelling due to seasonal the footings of adjoining structures, the depth of the
weather changes, and due to trees and shrubs are footings shall be such that the difference in footing
likely to cause appreciable movements. elevations shall be subject to the following limitations:
c) In fine sands and silts, penetration below the depth a) When the ground surface slopes downward
of frost penetration. adjacent to a footing, the sloping surface shall not
d) Maximum depth of scour, wherever relevant, intersect a frustum of bearing material under the
should also be considered and the foundation footing having sides which make an angle of 30°
should be located sufficiently below this depth. with the horizontal for soil and horizontal distance
e) Other factors, such as ground movements and heat from the lower edge of the footing to the sloping
transmitted from the building to the supporting surface shall be at least 600 mm for rock and
ground may be important. 900 mm for soil (see Fig. 1).
b) In the case of footings in granular soil, a line drawn
7.2 All foundations shall extend to a depth of at least
between the lower adjacent edges of adjacent
500 mm below natural ground level. On rock or such
footings shall not have a slope steeper than one
other weather resisting natural ground, removal of
vertical to two horizontal (see Fig. 2).
the top soil may be all that is required. In such cases,
the surface shall be cleaned and, if necessary, stepped c) In case of footing in clayey soils, a line drawn
or otherwise prepared so as to provide a suitable between the lower adjacent edge of the upper
bearing and thus prevent slipping or other unwanted footing and the upper adjacent edge of lower
movements. footing shall not have a steeper slope than one
vertical to two horizontal (see Fig. 3).
7.3 Where there is excavation, ditch, pond, water course,
filled-up ground or similar condition of the subsoil on 8.2 The requirement given in 8.1 shall not apply where
which the structure is to be erected, the foundation of adequate provision is made for the lateral support
such structure shall either be carried down to a depth (such as with retaining walls) of the material supporting
beyond the detrimental influence of such conditions, the higher footing.
or retaining walls shall be provided for the purpose of
shielding from the effects of such conditions.

3
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

Fig. 1 Footing in Sloping Ground

Fig. 2 Footing in Granular Soil

4
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

Fig. 3 Footing in Clayey Soil

9 EFFECT OF SEASONAL WEATHER mining subsidence, landslips on unstable slopes and

CHANGES creep on clay slopes.
During periods of hot, dry weather, a deficiency of 10.1 Mining Subsidence
water develops near the ground surface. In clayey soils,
In mining areas, subsidence of the ground beneath a
this may be associated with a decrease of volume or
building or any other structure is liable to occur. The
ground shrinkage and the development of cracks. The
magnitude of the movement and its distribution over
shrinkage of clay will be increased by drying effect
the area are likely to be uncertain and attention shall,
produced by fast growing and water seeking trees.
therefore, be directed to make the foundations and
The range of influence depends on size and number of
structures sufficiently rigid and strong to withstand the
trees and it increases during dry periods. In general, it
probable worst loading condition and probable ground
is desirable that there shall be a distance of at least 6 m
movement. In this connection, reference should also be
between foundations of buildings and such trees. Boiler
made to 6.3.1.
installations, furnaces, kilns, underground cables and
refrigeration installations and other artificial sources of 10.2 Landslide Prone Areas
heat may also cause increased volume changes of clay
by drying out the ground beneath them, the drying out 10.2.1 The construction of structures on slopes which
can be to a substantial depth. Special precautions either are suspected of being unstable and are subject to
in the form of insulation or otherwise should be taken. landslip shall be avoided.
In periods of wet weather, clayey soils swell and the
cracks tend to close, the water deficiency developed in 10.2.2 On sloping ground on clayey soils, there is
the previous dry periods may be partially replenished always a tendency for the upper layers of soil to move
and a subsurface zone or zones deficient in water may downhill, depending on type of soil, the angle of slope,
persist for many years. Leakage from water mains and climatic conditions, etc. In some cases, the uneven
underground sewers may also result in large volume surface of the ground will indicate that the area is
changes. Therefore, special care shall be taken to subject to small land slips and, therefore, if used for
prevent such leakages. foundation, will obviously necessitate special design
consideration as specified in IS 14243 (Parts 1 and 2).
10 EFFECT OF MASS MOVEMENTS OF
10.2.3 On sloping sites, spread foundations shall be
GROUND IN UNSTABLE AREAS
on a horizontal bearing and stepped. At all changes of
In certain areas, mass movements of the ground are levels, they shall be lapped at the steps for a distance at
liable to occur from causes independent of the loads least equal to the thickness of the foundation or twice
applied by the foundations of structures. These include the height of the step, whichever is greater. The steps

5
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

shall not be of greater height than the thickness of the 14  SPACING BETWEEN EXISTING AND NEW
foundation, unless special precautions are taken. FOUNDATION
10.2.4 Cuttings, excavations or sloping ground near and The minimum horizontal clear spacing between the
below foundation level may increase the possibility of edges of the existing and new footings shall be equal
shear failure of the soil. The foundation shall be placed to the width of the wider footing. While the adoption
beyond the zone of such shear failure. of such provision shall help minimizing damage to
adjacent foundation, an analysis of bearing capacity and
10.2.5 If the probable failure surface intersects a settlement shall be carried out to have an appreciation
retaining wall or other revetment, the later shall be of the effect on the adjacent foundation. Suitable
made strong enough to resist any unbalanced thrust. In site-specific protection measures shall be adopted for
case of doubt, as to the suitability of the natural slopes the existing foundation, as required.
or cuttings, the structure shall be kept well away from
the top of the slopes, or the slopes shall be stabilized. 15 LOADS ON FOUNDATIONS
10.2.6 Cuttings and excavations adjoining foundations
15.1 Loads on a foundation are those forces imparted
reduce stability and increase the likelihood of differential
by the structure, it is supporting, in any of the form,
settlement. Such an effect should be investigated when
(a) vertical either upwards or downwards, (b) horizontal
they exist or when made subsequently.
or lateral, and (c) moment or couple.
10.2.7 Where a structure is to be placed on sloping
ground, additional complications are introduced. The 15.2 Foundation shall be analyzed and designed for all
ground itself may be subject to creep or other forms of the load combinations used for super-structure analysis
instability, which may be enhanced if the strata dip in and design. In the load combinations for analysis of
the same direction as the ground surface. If the slope of foundations (for calculating bearing pressure or pile
the ground is large, the overall stability of the slope and reaction), minimum load factor considered in design
substructure may be affected. These aspects should be shall be unity.
carefully investigated.
15.3 The loads as in 15.3.1 to 15.3.7 shall be considered
11 PRECAUTIONS FOR FOUNDATIONS ON for design of foundations.
INCLINED STRATA 15.3.1 Permanent Load
In the case of inclined strata, if they dip towards a cutting This is the actual service load/sustained load consisting
or basement, it may be necessary to carry foundation of dead loads and imposed loads of a structure which
below the possible slip planes. Land drainage also give rise to stresses and deformations in the soil below
requires special consideration, particularly on the foundation causing its settlement.
uphill side of a structure to divert the natural flow of
water away from the foundations. 15.3.2 Transient Load
This is a momentary or sudden load imparted to a
12  STRATA OF VARYING THICKNESS
structure due to wind or seismic vibrations. Due to
Strata of varying thickness, even at appreciable depth, its transitory nature, the stresses in the soil below the
may increase differential settlement. Where necessary, foundation carried by such loads are allowed certain
calculations should be made of the estimated settlement percentage increase over the allowable safe values.
from different thicknesses of strata and the structure
should be designed accordingly. When there is large 15.3.3 Foundations shall be proportioned for the
change of thickness of soft strata, the stability of following combination of loads:
foundation may be affected. Subsurface investigation a) Dead load + imposed load, and
of the site should, therefore, ensure detection of
b) Dead load + imposed load + wind load or seismic
significant variations in strata thickness.
force.
13 LAYERS OF SOFTER MATERIAL Loads and forces shall be calculated in accordance with
IS 875 (Parts 1, 2 and 3) and IS 1893 (Part 1).
Some soils and rocks have thin layers of softer material
between layers of harder material, which may not 15.3.4 Dead load also includes the weight of
be detected unless thorough investigation is carried column/wall, footings, foundations and the overlying
out. The softer layers may undergo marked changes fill but excludes the weight of the displaced soil.
in properties if the loading on them is increased or
decreased by the proposed construction or affected 15.3.5 Imposed loads from the floors above as specified
by related changes in ground water conditions. These in IS 875 (Part 2) shall be taken in proportioning and
should be taken into account. designing the foundations.

6
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

15.3.6 Where wind or seismic load is less than 16.2 Differential Settlements
25 percent of that due to dead and imposed loads, it The foundations of different elements of a structure may
may be neglected in design. have unequal settlements and the difference between
15.3.7 Where wind or seismic load is more than such settlements will cause differential settlement in the
25 percent of that due to dead and imposed loads, structure. Some of the causes of differential settlements
foundations may be so proportioned that the pressure are as follows:
due to combination of load, that is, dead + imposed a) Geological and physical non-uniformity or
+ wind load, does not exceed the safe bearing capacity anomalies in type, structure, thickness, and density
by more than 25 percent. When seismic forces are of the soil medium, an admixture of organic
considered, the safe bearing capacity shall be increased matter, peat, mud, etc;
as specified in IS 1893 (Part 1) or IS 1893 (Part 4), as b) Non-uniform pressure distribution from
applicable. Analysis for liquefaction and the influence foundation to the soil due to non-uniform loading
of earthquake shall also be made in accordance with of the foundations;
IS 1893 (Part 1).
c) Variation of ground water table;
16 SETTLEMENT OF FOUNDATION d) Overstressing of soil at adjacent site by heavy
structures built next to light ones;
16.1 Uniform Settlement e) Overlap of stress distribution in soil from adjoining
The magnitude of the settlement that should occur, when structures;
foundation loads are applied to the ground, depends f) Unequal expansion of the soil due to excavation
on the rigidity of substructure and compressibility of for footing;
the underlying strata. In silts and clays, the settlement
g) Non-uniform development of extrusion causing
may continue for a long period after the construction
settlements; and
of structure. Due allowance shall, therefore, need to
be made for this consolidation settlement. In sand and h) Non-uniform structural disruptions or disturbance
gravels, the settlement is likely to be over by the end of of soil due to freezing and thawing, swelling,
the construction. In strata of organic soils, settlement softening and drying of soils.
may continue for a long time after construction. For 16.3 Criteria for Settlement Analysis for Shallow
the safety of foundations, the Engineer-in-Charge Foundation
should be well familiar with all causes of settlement.
Foundations may settle due to some combination of the 16.3.1 For foundations resting on coarse grained soils,
following reasons: the settlements shall be estimated by considering the
a) Elastic compression of the foundation material load mentioned in 15.3.3 (b). In such type of soils,
and the underlying soil; settlements occur within a very short period of loading.
b) Consolidation including secondary compression; 16.3.2 For fine grained soils, the settlements shall
c) Ground water lowering — Specially repeated be estimated corresponding to the load mentioned in
lowering and raising of water level in cohesionless 15.3.3 (a).
soils tend to compact the soil and cause settlement
16.3.3 It is possible to minimize differential settlement
of the footings. Prolonged lowering of the
under an imposed load by providing appropriate
water table in fine grained soils may introduce
foundations to keep the differential settlement of
settlements because of the extrusion of water
adjacent foundations within permissible limits. This
from the voids. Pumping water or draining water
may be done by the following procedure:
by wells or pipes from granular soils without
adequate filter material as protection may, in a a) Determine the required bearing area for a column
period of time, carry a sufficient amount of fine having the largest imposed load to dead load ratio.
particles away from the soil and cause settlement; ln the conventional method of design, the area (A)
d) Seasonal swelling and shrinkage of expansive is given by:
clays; Dead load  Imposed load
A
e) Ground movement on earth slopes, for example, Allowable bearing pressure
surface erosion, slow creep or landslides; and
b) Compute for the same column, the design bearing
f) Other causes, such as nearby excavation, mining
value:
subsidence and underground erosion by streams or qd =
Service load
floods. A

7
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

c) Determine the area for all other columns by the dead load, imposed load and earth pressures only
use of qd, that is: are considered, the factor of safety shall be not less
Service load than 2. The factor of safety of other types of foundation
Bearing area = is covered in relevant Indian Standards (see 4).
qd
18 BEARING CAPACITY
d) For calculation of settlement of foundations,
IS 8009 (Part 1) may be referred. The net safe bearing capacity for shallow foundation
shall be calculated in accordance with IS 6403. The
16.3.3 The total settlement of the foundations caused
method of computation of safe bearing capacity for
by elastic and consolidation settlement of the soil shall
other types of foundations has been specified in the
be not more than permissible.
relevant Indian Standards.
16.3.4 The permissible value of settlement for different
types of structures are given in Table 1. 19 PRELIMINARY WORK FOR
CONSTRUCTION
16.3.5 Differential settlement and/or tilt (angular
distortion) of the structures shall not be more than the 19.1 The construction of access roads, main sewers
permissible values. The differential settlement shall be and drains should preferably be completed before
obtained by taking the difference between maximum commencing the work of foundations; alternatively,
and minimum settlement. Tilt shall be calculated by sufficient precautions shall be taken to protect the
dividing the differential settlement by the distance already constructed foundations during subsequent
between points of related maximum and minimum work.
settlement.
19.2 Clearance of Site
16.4  Settlement Analysis for Deep Foundation Any obstacles, including the stump of trees, likely
The permissible value of total settlement, differential to interfere with the work shall be removed. Holes
settlement, and tilt (angular distortion) of the foundation left by digging, such as those due to removal of old
shall be judiciously adopted by the designer considering foundation, uprooted trees, burrowing by animals, etc,
the type of structure and functional requirements. shall be back-filled with soil and well compacted.
The settlement shall be calculated according to
IS 8009 (Part 2). 19.3 Drainage
If the construction site is such that surface water drain
17 STABILITY AGAINST SLIDING AND towards the structure, the land may be dressed or drains
OVERTURNING laid to divert the water away from the structure.
17.1 The stability of the foundation against sliding and 19.4 Setting Out
overturning shall be checked, and the factors of safety Generally the site shall be levelled before the layout of
shall conform to the requirements specified in 17.1.1 foundations are set out. In case of sloping terrain, care
and 17.1.2. shall be taken to ensure that the dimensions on plans
17.1.1 Sliding are set out correctly in one or more horizontal planes.
The factor of safety against sliding of structures which 19.5 The layout of foundations shall be set out in
resist lateral forces (such as retaining walls) shall be accordance with IS 11134.  The setting out of walls
not less than 1.5 when dead load, imposed load and shall be facilitated by permanent row of pillars, parallel
earth pressures are considered together with wind load to and at a suitable distance beyond the periphery of the
or seismic forces. When dead load, imposed load and building. The pillars shall be located at junctions of cross
earth pressure only are considered, the factor of safety walls with the peripheral line of pillars. The centreline
shall be not less than 1.75. of the cross walls shall be extended to and permanently
NOTE — For structures founded on soils with low frictional erected on the plastered tops of the corresponding sets
coefficient (that is, slippery material), safety against sliding of pillars. The datum lines parallel to and at the known
may be improved by providing anchor type cut-off walls or fixed distance from the centreline of the external walls
piles to take the excess load over that resisted by friction or an also be permanently worked on the corresponding rows
inclined underside of the base.
of pillars to pillars to serve as checks on the accuracy
17.1.2 Overturning of the work as it proceeds. The top of these pillars shall
The factor of safety for shallow foundation against be at the same level and preferably at the plinth or floor
overturning shall be not less than 1.5 when dead level. The pillars shall be of sizes not less than 250 mm
load, imposed load and earth pressures are considered wide and shall be bedded sufficiently deep into ground
together with wind load or seismic forces. When so that they are not disturbed.

8
 Table 1 Permissible Settlement, Differential Settlement and Tilt
(Angular Distortion) for Shallow Foundation in Soils
( Clause 16.3.4 )
Sl Type of Structure Isolated Foundations Raft Foundations
No.

Sand and Hard Clay Plastic Clay Sand and Hard Clay Plastic Clay

Maximum Differential Angular Maximum Differential Angular Maximum Differential Angular Maximum Differential Angular
settlement Settlement Distortion settlement Settlement Distortion settlement Settlement Distortion settlement Settlement Distortion
mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14)
i) For steel structure 50 .003 3L 1/300 50 .003 3L 1/300 75 .003 3L 1/300 100 .003 3L 1/300
ii) For reinforced concrete 50 .001 5L 1/666 75 .001 5L 1/666 75 .002 1L 1/500 125 .002L 1/500
structures
iii) For multi-storeyed buildings:
a) RC or steel framed 60 .002L 1/500 75 .002L 1/500 75 0.002 5L 1/400 125 0.003 3L 1/300
buildings with panel
walls

9
b) For load bearing walls
    1) L/H = 21) 60 .000 2L 1/5 000 60 .000 2L 1/5 000
Not likely to be encountered
    2) L/H = 71) 60 .000 4L 1/2 500 60 .000 4L 1/2 500
iv) For water towers and silos 50 .001 5L 1/666 75 .001 5L 1/666 100 .002 5L 1/400 125 0.002 5L 1/400

1)
For intermediate ratios of L/H, the values can be interpolated.
L denotes the length of deflected part of wall/raft or centre-to-centre distance between columns.
H denotes the height of wall from foundation footing.
NOTES — The values given in the table may be taken only as a guide and the permissible total settlement/different settlement and tilt (angular distortion) in each case should be decided as per the requirements of
the designer. L denotes the length of deflected part of wall/raft or centre-to-centre distance between columns. H denotes the height of wall from foundation footing.
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].
Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -

IS 1904 : 2021
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

20 PROTECTION OF EXCAVATION excavation shall be protected immediately by laying at

least 80 mm thick layer of cement concrete not leaner
20.1 The protection of excavation during construction than mix 1 : 5 : 10 over which shall come the foundation
and dewatering operations, where necessary, shall be concrete, or in order to obtain a dry hard bottom, the
done in accordance with IS 3764. last excavation of about 100 mm shall be removed only
before concreting.
20.2 After excavation, the bottom of the excavation
shall be cleared of all loose soil and rubbish and shall 20.4 The backfilling of the excavation shall he done
be levelled, where necessary. The bed shall be wetted with care so as not to disturb the constructed foundation,
and compacted by heavy rammers to an even surface. and shall be compacted in layers not exceeding
150 mm compacted thickness, with sprinkling of
20.3 Excavation in clayey or other soils that are
minimum quantity of water necessary for proper
liable to be effected by exposure to atmosphere shall
compaction.
be concreted as soon as they are dug. The bottom of

10
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

ANNEX A
( Clause 2 )
LIST OF REFERRED INDIAN STANDARDS

IS No. Title IS No. Title

456 : 2000 Plain and reinforced concrete — 2950 (Part 1) : Code of practice for design and
Code of practice (fourth revision) 1981 construction of raft foundations:
Part 1 Design (second revision)
875 Code of practice for design loads
(other than earthquake) for buildings 2974 Code of practice for design and
and structures construction of machine foundations
(Part 1) : 1982 Foundation for reciprocating type
(Part 1) : 1987 Dead loads — Unit weights of
machines (second revision)
building materials and stored
materials (second revision) (Part 2) : 1980 Foundations for impact type
machines (hammer foundations)
(Part 2) : 1987 Imposed loads (second revision)
(first revision)
(Part 3) : 2015 Wind loads (third revision) (Part 3) : 1992 Foundations for rotary type machines
1080 : 1985 Code of practice for design and (medium and high frequency)
construction of shallow foundations (second revision)
in soils (other than raft, ring and (Part 4) : 1979 Foundations for rotary type
shell) (second revision) machines of low frequency
1892 : 2021 Subsurface investigation for (first revision)
foundations — Code of practice (Part 5) : 1987 Foundations for impact machines
(second revision) other than hammer (forging and
1893 Criteria for earthquake resistant stamping press, pig breaker, drop
design of structures crusher and jolter) (first revision)
(Part 1) : 2016 General provisions and buildings 3764 : 1992 Excavation work — Code of safety
(sixth revision) (first revision)
(Part 4) : 2015 Industrial structures including stack- 4091 : 1979 Code of practice for design and
like structures (first revision) construction of foundations for
transmission line towers and poles
2809 : 1972 Glossary of terms and symbols
(first revision)
relating to soil engineering
(first revision) 6403 : 1981 Code of practice for determination
of breaking capacity of shallow
2911 Design and construction of pile foundations (first revision)
foundations — Code of practice
8009 Code of practice for calculation of
(Part 1/Sec 1) Part 1 Concrete piles, Section 1 settlements of foundations
: 2010 Driven cast in-situ concrete piles
(second revision) (Part 1) : 1976 Shallow foundations subjected to
symmetrical static vertical loads
(Part 1/Sec 2) Part 1 Concrete piles, Section 2
: 2010 Bored cast in-situ concrete piles (Part 2) : 1980 Deep foundations subjected to
(second revision) symmetrical static vertical loading

(Part 1/Sec 3) Part 1 Concrete piles, Section 3 9456 : 1980 Code of practice for design
: 2010 Driven precast concrete piles and construction of conical and
(second revision) hyperbolic paraboloidal types of
shell foundations
(Part 1/Sec 4) Part 1 Concrete piles, Section 4
: 2010 Precast concrete piles in prebored 9527 (Part 1) : Code of practice for design and
holes (first revision) 1981 construction of port and harbour
structures: Part I Concrete monoliths
(Part 2) : 2021 Timber piles (second revision)
9556 : 1980 Code of practice for design and
(Part 3) : 2021 Under-reamed piles (second revision) construction of diaphragm walls

11
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

IS No. Title IS No. Title

11089 : 1984 Code of practice for design and 14243 Selection and development of site for
construction of ring foundation building in hill areas — Guidelines
11134 : 1984 Code of practice for setting out of (Part 1) : 1995 Microzonation of urban centres
buildings (Part 2) : 1995 Selection and development
11233 : 1985 Code of practice for design and
construction of radar antenna,
microwave and TV tower foundations

12
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

ANNEX B
( Foreword )

COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
Soil and Foundation Engineering Sectional Committee, CED 43

Organization Representative(s)

In Personal Capacity (Flat No. 202/395, Jodhpur Dr N. Som (Chairman)

Park, Kolkata 700068)
In Personal Capacity (D-1903, PWS, 7 Hills, Dr D. N. Naresh (Vice Chairman)
Narsingi(v), Kokapet Road, Ranga Reddy
500089)
AFCONS Infrastructure Limited, Mumbai Shri P. S. Bansod
Shri V. Ramamurty (Alternate)
AIMIL Limited, New Delhi Shri Sharique Khan
Shri Lalit Mohan Pathak (Alternate)
Association of Consulting Civil Engineers (India), Shri Sudhanwa Amol Shingarey
Bengaluru Shri Chandramouleeswar S. (Alternate)
Association of Piling Specialists (India), Mumbai Shri V. T. Ganpule
Shri Madhukar J. Lodhavia (Alternate)
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd, Noida Shri C. Pushpakaran
Shri Hemant Malhotra (Alternate)
CEM Engineers & Consultants Pvt Ltd, Bhubaneswar Shri Ashok Basa
Cengrs Geotechnica Pvt Ltd, Noida Shri Sanjay Gupta
Shri Ravi Sundaram (Alternate I)
Shri Sorabh Gupta (Alternate II)
Central Board of Irrigation and Power, New Delhi Director
Central Designs Organization, Water Resources Superintending Engineer
Deptt, Govt of Maharashtra, Nashik Executive Engineer (Alternate)
Central Electricity Authority, New Delhi Shri Neeraj Kumar
Shri Sidhartha Mitra (Alternate)
Central Public Works Department, New Delhi Shri Rajesh Khare
Shri Saurobh Kumar (Alternate)
Central Soil and Materials Research Station, New Dr R. Chitra
Delhi Shri Mahabir Dixit (Alternate)
Consulting Engineering Services (India) Pvt Ltd, Shri Dipankar Paul
New Delhi Shri T. K. Roy Choudhury (Alternate)
CSIR-Central Building Research Institute, Roorkee Shri Manojit Samanta
Dr S. Ganesh Kumar (Alternate)
CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi Shri Kanwar Singh
Dr P. S. Prasad (Alternate)
CSIR-Structural Engineering Research Centre, Dr P. Kamatchi
Chennai Shrimati R. Sreekala (Alternate)
D-CAD Technologies, New Delhi Dr K. G. Bhatia
Delhi Development Authority, New Delhi Shri Govind Ram Shiromani
Shri K. K. Gupta (Alternate)
Delhi Technological University, Delhi Prof Ashok Kumar Gupta

13
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

Organization Representative(s)

Engineers India Limited, New Delhi Shri V. K. Panwar

Shri Sanjoy Bhowmik (Alternate)
F S Engineers Pvt Limited, Chennai Dr A. Verghese Chummar
Gammon Engineers and Contractors Pvt Ltd, Mumbai Shri Venkataramana. N. Heggade
Shri Sandeep M. Ghan (Alternate)
Geodynamics Ltd, Vadodara Shri Ravi Kiran Ramesh Vaidya
Shri Sujan Kulkarni (Alternate)
Geological Survey of India, Kolkata Dr Timir Baran Ghosal
Shri Prashant Tukaram Ilamkar (Alternate)
Ground Engineering Limited, New Delhi Shri Ashok Kumar Jain
Shri Neeraj Kumar Jain (Alternate)
Gujarat Engineering Research Institute, Vadodara Shri K. A. Keshvani
Shri R. S. Vasava (Alternate)
Hydraulic and Engineering Instruments (HEICO), Shri Jattinder Singh
New Delhi Shri Raunaq Singh (Alternate)
Indian Geotechnical Society, New Delhi Secretary
Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru Prof T. G. Sitharam
Prof G. L. Sivakumara Babu (Alternate)
Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi Dr G. V. Ramana
Dr J. T. Shahu (Alternate I)
Dr Prashanth Vangla (Alternate II YP)
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur Prof Priyanka Ghosh
Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai Prof Subhadeep Banerjee
Prof Ramesh K. Kandasami (Alternate)
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai Prof Deepankar Choudhury
Prof Dasaka Murty (Alternate)
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee Prof Mahendra Singh
Prof Vishwas A. Sawant (Alternate)
Indian Road Congress, New Delhi Secretary General
Director (T) (Alternate)
Indian Society of Earthquake Technology, Roorkee Prof T. G. Sitharam
Dr B. K. Maheswari (Alternate)
ITD Cementation India Ltd, Kolkata Shri Manish Kumar
Shri Sachin Kamat (Alternate)
Jadhavpur University, Kolkata Prof Sibapriya Mukherjee
Prof Ramendu Bikas Sahu (Alternate)
Keller Ground Engineering Pvt Ltd, Chennai Shri V. V. S. Ramadas
Shri Madan Kumar Annam (Alternate)
Larsen and Toubro Limited, Chennai Dr K. S. Ramakrishna
Shri Jesudoss Asirvatham (Alternate)
Military Engineer Services, Engineer-in-Chief’s Shri Ranjan Kumar Pandey
Branch, Integrated HQ of MoD (Army), New Shri Ajay Kumar (Alternate)
Delhi
M N Dastur & Company (P) Limited, Kolkata Dr Abhijit Dasgupta
Shri Suvendu Dey (Alternate)
MECON Limited, Ranchi Shri Shankar Ray

14
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

IS 1904 : 2021

Organization Representative(s)

Ministry of Shipping, New Delhi Shri H. N. Aswath

Shri Anil Pruthi (Alternate)
Mumbai Port Trust, Mumbai Dy Chief Engineer (Design)
Superintending Engineer (Design) (Alternate)
Nagadi Consultants Pvt Limited, New Delhi Dr V. V. S. Rao
Dr N. Santosh Rao (Alternate)
National Institute of Disaster Management, New Dr Chandan Ghosh
Delhi Shri Amir Ali (Alternate)
NTPC Limited, Noida Shri Jitender Kumar
Shri Mohit Jhalani (Alternate)
Research Designs and Standards Organization Shri Sameer Singh
(Ministry of Railways), Lucknow Shri S. K. Ojha (Alternate)
RITES Limited, Gurugram Shri Alok Garg
Shri S. K. Kapoor (Alternate I)
Shri Sandipan Hore (Alternate II)
Safe Enterprises, Mumbai Shri Vikram Singh Rao
Shri Suryaveer Singh Rao (Alternate)
School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi Prof Y. K. Jain
Simplex Infrastructures Limited, Chennai Shri Shankar Guha
Dr V. Balakumar (Alternate)
Tata Consulting Engineers Limited, Mumbai Shri Sanjeev Gupta
Shri B. N. Nagaraj (Alternate)
Telangana State Research Laboratories, Hyderabad Shrimati J. Sridevi
Shri P. John Victor (Alternate)
The Pressure Piling Co (I) Pvt Limited, Mumbai Shri V. C. Deshpande
Shri Pushkar V. Deshpande (Alternate)
In Personal Capacity, New Delhi (Flat No. 220, Ankur Dr V. Thiruvengadam
Apartments Mother Dairy Road, Patparganj,
Delhi 110092)
BIS Directorate General Shri Sanjay Pant, Scientist ‘F’ and Head (Civil Engineering)
[ Representing Director General ( Ex-officio ) ]

Member Secretary
Shrimati Madhurima Madhav
Scientist ‘D’ (Civil Engineering), BIS

15
Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].
Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].
 Free Standard provided by BIS via BSB Edge Private Limited to YEDIDA Viswanadh -
amalapuram([email protected]) 183.82.3.70 [for non-commercial use only].

Bureau of Indian Standards

BIS is a statutory institution established under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016 to promote harmonious
development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods and attending to
connected matters in the country.

Copyright

BIS has the copyright of all its publications. No part of these publications may be reproduced in any form without
the prior permission in writing of BIS. This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the
standard, of necessary details, such as symbols and sizes, type or grade designations. Enquiries relating to
copyright be addressed to the Director (Publications), BIS.

Review of Indian Standards

Amendments are issued to standards as the need arises on the basis of comments. Standards are also reviewed
periodically; a standard along with amendments is reaffirmed when such review indicates that no changes are
needed; if the review indicates that changes are needed, it is taken up for revision. Users of Indian Standards
should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest amendments or edition by referring to the latest issue of
‘BIS Catalogue’ and ‘Standards: Monthly Additions’.
This Indian Standard has been developed from Doc No.: CED 43 (14122).

Amendments Issued Since Publication

Amend No. Date of Issue Text Affected

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

Headquarters:
Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002
Telephones: 2323 0131, 2323 3375, 2323 9402 Website: www.bis.gov.in
Regional Offices: Telephones
Central : Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg
NEW DELHI 110002 { 2323 7617
2323 3841
Eastern : 1/14 C.I.T. Scheme VII M, V.I.P. Road, Kankurgachi
KOLKATA 700054 { 2337 8499, 2337 8561
2337 8626, 2337 9120
Northern : Plot No. 4-A, Sector 27-B, Madhya Marg
CHANDIGARH 160019 { 265 0206
265 0290
Southern : C.I.T. Campus, IV Cross Road, CHENNAI 600113
{ 2254 1216, 2254 1442
2254 2519, 2254 2315
Western : Manakalaya, E9 MIDC, Marol, Andheri (East)
MUMBAI 400093 { 2832 9295, 2832 7858
2832 7891, 2832 7892
Branches : AHMEDABAD. BENGALURU. BHOPAL. BHUBANESHWAR. COIMBATORE.
DEHRADUN. DURGAPUR. FARIDABAD. GHAZIABAD. GUWAHATI.
HYDERABAD. JAIPUR. JAMMU. JAMSHEDPUR. KOCHI. LUCKNOW.
NAGPUR. PARWANOO. PATNA. PUNE. RAIPUR. RAJKOT. VISAKHAPATNAM.
Published by BIS, New Delhi