How To Determine Whether A Shallow Foundation Or Deep Foundation Is Right, Based On Soil Conditions In The Northeastern U.S.
- SJ Hauck Construction
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
Foundation decisions are rarely about preference. In The Mid-Atlantic Region(namely New Jersey, New York & Pennsylvania), they are driven by soils, groundwater, fill history, load demands, and tolerance for settlement. The type of foundation that will be selected for your project will take all of the factors mentioned into account for this decision. This guide explains when shallow foundations are the right answer, when deep foundations (pilings) become the realistic path, and what to verify early so you do not discover bad news after the design is locked.
Regional Mid-Atlantic Shallow & Deep Foundation FAQs
When do shallow foundations work better?
When near-surface soils can support the load, settlement tolerance is reasonable, and groundwater is manageable for excavation and long-term performance.
When are pilings required for foundations?
When near-surface soils are weak or compressible, groundwater and excavation conditions are challenging, loads are high, or the project has tight settlement limits.
How does frost depth affect footings?
Footings typically need frost protection, usually by extending below local frost depth or using an approved frost-protected design. Requirements vary by jurisdiction.
What is the best way to avoid foundation redesign?
Verify soils and groundwater early (geotech), and confirm site constraints (neighbors, utilities, access) before finalizing foundation type.
When does SOE become part of the plan?
When excavation is deep and close to property lines, adjacent structures, or sensitive utilities, support of excavation is often required to control movement and protect surroundings.
Do I need pilings in New Jersey?
Not always. Pilings are more likely when near-surface soils are weak, groundwater is high, loads are significant, or settlement tolerance is tight. A geotechnical report is the fastest way to replace assumptions with real data.
How deep do footings need to be in NJ?
Footings typically need frost protection, commonly achieved by extending below local frost depth or by using an approved frost-protected design. Confirm local requirements and exposure conditions with your municipality and design team.
What is the difference between footings and piles?
Footings spread load near the surface. Piles transfer load deeper to stronger soil/rock or rely on friction when surface soils cannot reliably support the structure.
Why does groundwater change a foundation plan?
Groundwater affects excavation stability, construction sequencing, and long-term performance. High groundwater often increases complexity and can push projects toward deeper or more engineered approaches.
How do I avoid foundation redesign?
Do not lock foundation type before soils and groundwater are verified and site constraints are confirmed. Early geotech and constructability review beats expensive corrections later.
First, Let's Define the Terms: Shallow vs. Deep
Shallow foundations (spread footings, strip footings, mats/rafts) transfer load to soil near the surface. Deep foundations (pilings or drilled shafts/caissons) transfer load deeper - either to a stronger bearing layer or through skin friction when near-surface soils cannot reliably support the structure.
When Shallow Foundations Win
Shallow foundations often make sense when:
Near-surface soils have adequate bearing capacity.
Settlement risk is acceptable for the structure and use.
Groundwater is manageable for excavation and long-term performance.
Loads are moderate and relatively uniform.
The site allows conventional excavation without extreme shoring or specialty sequencing.
Frost protection reality: in cold climates, footings typically must extend below local frost depth or be otherwise frost-protected. How that is applied can differ by municipality and site conditions, so confirm early.
When Deep Foundations (Pilings) Become Necessary
Pilings become likely when any of these show up:
Weak or compressible soils near the surface.
High groundwater that complicates excavation, stability, or long-term performance.
Historic fill or unknown site history (variable soils, buried debris, obstructions).
High loads or a structure with low tolerance for settlement.
Tight conditions where movement control matters (near utilities, neighboring structures, or sensitive infrastructure).
This is where the cheapest foundation becomes the most expensive decision - because it forces redesign or creates a future performance problem.
Cost Drivers: What Makes Foundations Expensive Fast
Whether shallow or deep, costs rise quickly when:
Groundwater requires dewatering or specialty sequencing.
Obstructions or refusal conditions slow production (i.e. Oil Storage Tanks, boulders).
Access constraints limit equipment and staging.
Verification, testing, and inspection requirements add steps.
The project needs engineered temporary works (common in tight sites).
As a contractor, we can only perform the work as defined by the engineer for a given project. It is important to understand not all engineers are privy to SOE designs and it is best to engage with an engineer that has experience in this type of design.
Engineers would be responsible for determining:
Type of foundation used.
Quantities of the material / number of courses.
Flood Zone Requirements–implications related to each zone therein.
Soil classifications – determining if a Geotech report is required for better understanding of the site and soil conditions.
If you have a project in the tristate area that requires deep foundations and you are looking to get pricing? Send your plans to ryanv@sjhauck.com or lisaf@sjhauck.com and we will review with our team to get you our best price.