The article is a review, devoted to the instruments used for the experimental study of the stress-strain state of the soil base, and methods of their use. The authors considered two types of mesdoses, analyzed the possible advantages of their different designs. General cases of operation and loss of bearing capacity of shallow foundations are described.

Keywords: Foundation, construction, shallow foundation, soil mechanics, building structures, soil stress measuring device

The article is an overview and is devoted to shallow foundations. The authors classify existing shallow foundations according to various criteria; consider non-standard foundations with an "atypical" structure that is rarely used in construction; emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of certain solutions, their features.

Keywords: foundation, construction, shallow foundation, strip foundation, column foundation, building structures

The article is devoted to the issue of effective design solutions for shallow foundations. Options for optimizing standard designs of strip and columnar foundations are considered. A new configuration of the foundation with a stepped sole is proposed, which has a greater bearing capacity and less resource intensity. This effect is achieved due to a more uniform distribution of contact stresses along the base of the foundation and the accumulation of significant lateral friction. Due to the cross-sectional shape of such foundations, the volume of excavation and formwork is significantly reduced.

Keywords: foundation, construction, shallow foundation, strip foundation, column foundation, modified geometry, non-planar footing, soil mechanics, construction efficiency

The article is devoted to the question of the effectiveness of separate foundations. In particular, a specific version of the foundation with a modified geometry is considered - steps down. The foundation with a stepped sole has a greater bearing capacity and stability, as well as its device requires less labor, which makes it more efficient, analogs with a flat sole.

Keywords: foundation, construction, modified geometry, non-planar sole, soil mechanics, construction efficiency, earthworks, critical pressure