Foundations for Steel Columns:

The loads carried by steel columns are transmitted to the soil through suitable devices which are known as column bases. In fact, the bearing capacity of the soil being much smaller than the strength of steel, the area of the foundation required is much larger than the area of the column to carry the same load. Also steel is liable to suffer corrosion etc. in contact along with soil, thus special care has to be taken to connect the column to the actual foundation to ensure:

• Proper verticality and alignment of columns;
• A Protection of steel base from ground corrosion and damage; and
• Firm and Proper anchorage to the column base, limiting any foundation settlement or movement.