The foundation accounts for 15–25% of a hangar's cost and 100% of its longevity. Choosing the wrong foundation type leads to settlement, cracking, and expensive remedial work. In Kazakhstan, the situation is complicated further by seismics, frost-heave soils, and extreme temperature swings.
15–25%
foundation share
of a hangar's total cost
14–28 days
strength gain
concrete B25 at +15°C
8–9 points
Almaty seismics
requires a reinforced solution
from 3,000 ₸/m²
strip foundation
on simple ground conditions
Main foundation types for hangars
Strip foundation
The most common foundation for hangars in Kazakhstan. A monolithic concrete strip running along the perimeter and under the frame columns.
Suitable for: simple soils, frost depth up to 1.5 m, buildings up to 3,000 m². Not suitable for: high groundwater table, collapsible soils, heavy loads. Cost: from 3,000–5,000 ₸/m² of hangar footprint.
Pile foundation
Bored or driven piles with a grade beam. Mandatory for weak, waterlogged, or collapsible soils.
Suitable for: weak soils, high groundwater table, regions with deep frost penetration (Astana, northern Kazakhstan). Advantage: independent of season, fast pile installation. Cost: from 5,000–9,000 ₸/m² of hangar footprint.
Slab foundation (floating slab)
A monolithic slab across the full building footprint. Distributes loads evenly.
Suitable for: weak and variable soils, hangars with heavy floor loads (forklifts, heavy equipment), refrigerated warehouses. Disadvantage: high cost, long construction time. Cost: from 8,000–14,000 ₸/m² of hangar footprint.
Pad foundation
Individual footings under each frame column. The most economical option.
Suitable for: lightweight structures, good soils, unheated hangars without loaded floors. Not suitable for: seismics above 6 points, frost-heave soils. Cost: from 1,500–2,500 ₸/m² of hangar footprint.
How to choose the foundation type
| Condition | Recommended type |
|---|---|
| Simple soils, seismics up to 7 points | Strip or pad |
| Weak / waterlogged soils | Piles |
| Seismics 8–9 points (Almaty) | Reinforced strip or piles |
| Heavy floor loads | Slab |
| Northern regions (deep frost penetration) | Piles below frost depth |
Geotechnical survey — the basis of selection
Do not start designing a foundation without a geotechnical investigation of the site. The cost: 150,000–300,000 ₸. A mistake in foundation type selection can cost 3–10 million ₸ in remedial work.
We will help choose the right foundation for your site and hangar
We analyse the ground conditions, seismics, and loads — and propose the optimal solution with a cost estimate.
