Foundations cast at the same elevation as the soil grade are referred to as?

Foundations cast at the same elevation as the soil grade are referred to as shallow foundations. This type of foundation transfers the building load to the ground at or near the surface, which generally provides stability for smaller structures. Shallow foundations are usually used when soil conditions are favorable, and they involve lower construction costs due to the less intensive excavation and material requirements compared to deeper alternatives.

In contrast, deep foundations are installed to transfer loads to deeper, more stable soil layers, making them suitable for larger buildings or when surface soil conditions are inadequate. Flexible foundations are not a standard term used in foundation types, while footing foundations can refer to a type of shallow foundation specifically designed to support walls or columns but do not encompass all shallow foundation types. Thus, the most accurate classification for foundations that are at the same elevation as the soil grade is shallow foundations.