Which type of foundation includes individual footings and mat foundations?

The category of foundation that includes individual footings and mat foundations is known as a shallow foundation. Shallow foundations are used when the load from the structure is not very large, allowing the foundation to rest directly on or just below the surface of the soil.

Individual footings are specifically designed to support individual columns or walls by distributing the load to the ground while mat foundations provide a larger area under the structure to distribute loads from entire buildings. Both of these systems allow for effective weight distribution and stability, which is crucial for supporting the structure above while maintaining an appropriate and economical approach.

In contrast, strip footings are linear foundations that support walls rather than point loads, while deep foundations are required when the surface soils are not strong enough to support the loads, necessitating deeper placement in more stable subsoil layers. Therefore, the characteristics of individual footings and mat foundations align distinctly with shallow foundations as both types serve the purpose of providing stability at or near the ground surface.