This type of foundation was used in olden times wherein spread foundations are replaced by inverted arch. You will find in all old forts these kinds of foundations. One of the advantages inverted arch foundation s that in soft soils that the depth of foundation is greatly reduced. The drawback of this construction is that the end piers (The Brick columns or walls whose load is being transmitted) have to be specially strengthened by buttresses so as to avoid the thrust due to arch action tending to rapture the pier junction.