A Study on the Design Feasibility and Construction Cost-Efficiency of Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations (FPSF) in Korea

Haeju Kwon

doi:10.21086/ksles.2025.6.32.3.379

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2025 Vol.32, Issue 3 Preview Page

Research Article

A Study on the Design Feasibility and Construction Cost-Efficiency of Frost-Protected Shallow Foundations (FPSF) in Korea 동결 방지 얕은기초(FPSF)의 국내 설계 적용성 및 시공 경제성 연구

30 June 2025. pp. 379-391

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Abstract

This study investigates the applicability and cost-effectiveness of Frost Protected Shallow Foundations (FPSF) in Korea. FPSF, widely used in North America and Northern Europe, enables shallower foundation depths by preserving subsurface temperatures through insulation. While recent changes in Korean building codes permit thermal protection in lieu of deep excavation, practical design guidelines for FPSF remain absent. A simplified design method from ASCE 32-01 was adopted to assess FPSF application in three Korean regions—Taebaek, Seoul, and Suncheon. Foundation depths and insulation requirements were calculated using Korean freezing indices and compared with conventional frost-depth-based designs. Material quantities and construction costs were also estimated for both methods. Results show that FPSF reduces excavation depth by up to 1 meter, significantly lowering construction costs—by 5 to 10 million KRW per 100 m² building—depending on the region. Given Korea's high volume of small residential projects, national-scale adoption of FPSF could yield substantial economic and environmental benefits. The study concludes that Korea should establish regionally tailored FPSF guidelines, referencing proven international standards, and integrate them into national codes to promote sustainable and cost-efficient construction practices.

Keywords

FPSF

AFI

Frost depth

Foundation design for building

Foundation construction cost

References

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Information

Publisher :The Korean Society of Living Environmental System
Publisher(Ko) :한국생활환경학회
Journal Title :Journal of The Korean Society of Living Environmental System
Journal Title(Ko) :한국생활환경학회
Volume : 32
No :3
Pages :379-391
Received Date : 2025-05-28
Revised Date : 2025-06-09
Accepted Date : 2025-06-11
DOI :https://doi.org/10.21086/ksles.2025.6.32.3.379

Journal of The Korean Society of Living Environmental System ISSN:1226-1289(Print) 한국생활환경학회

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