The document discusses shell foundations as an alternative to conventional flat foundations. It provides an overview of different types of shell foundations used in practice, including hyperbolic paraboloid, conical, pyramidal, spherical, and elliptical paraboloid shells. Several studies are summarized that have experimentally and numerically analyzed the load-carrying capacity and settlement behavior of various shell foundations in comparison to flat foundations. The studies found that shell foundations generally have higher load capacity, greater stability, and require less material than flat foundations, though they can be more difficult to construct.