It has been observed that some designers are adding stepped foundation below the brick walls even in case of RCC Framed structure buildings. In doing so, they are avoiding the Ground Level Tie Beam, also they are providing a Plinth level beam of reduced size considering the fact that load of GF walls will be transferred through the stepped foundations and not through the beam/columns/ footings. They feel it reduces load on columns, subsequently reducing the size of Column/ footings etc. The brick foundation starts from a level upper than the main column foundation depth, thus reducing the depth of wall foundation. Often brick foundation starts from the filled up soil in between the gap of the column footings, which is compacted before laying CC/ Brickwork (Is it allowable?). My question is, why to make a conjugate structure (framed+ Load bearing), why to add extra cost? How it is stronger and economic? How it will affect the seismic responses of the building?
It is difficult to maintain the uniformity in the load transfer mechanism one we allow column and GF wall to carry load parallel to each other. Rather, it is better to give the responsibility to the column to carry the load. In adverse loading condition if GF walls fails earlier than the RCC column, indirectly it will reduce the structural adequacy and stiffness also.
I suggest to avoid such type of structure.
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