Inverted Arch Foundation

Inverted Arch Footing/Foundation is used to be provided for multi-storeyed buildings in olden times. However, with the advent of reinforced cement concrete construction practice, inverted arch foooting is rarely done these days. One of the drawbacks in this type of construction is that the end piles have to be specially strengthened by buttresses to avoid the arch thrust tending to rapture the pier junction. However, the advantage  of inverted arch construction is that in soft soils the depth of foundation is greatly reduced. Inverted arch footing has been illustrated below.