[dipak.jain]

Mat Foundation

A continuous thick-slab foundation supporting an entire structure. This type of foundation may be thickened or have holes in some areas and is typically used to distribute a building's weight over as wide an area as possible, especially if soil conditions are poor.

The types of mat foundation commonly employed are

1. Flat plate mat
   
2. Plate thickened under columns
   
3. Two-way beam and slab
   
4. Plate with pedestal
   
5. Rigid frame mat
   
6. Piled raft