After defining design criteria in general for foundations
of earthquake resisting reinforced concrete structures, principles 
are set out which govern the choice of suitable foundation systems
for various types of shear wall structures. The choice of
foundation systems depends on whether the seismic response of the superstructure during the largest expected earthquake is to be elastic or inelastic. For inelastically responding superstructures, preferably the foundation system should be designed to remain elastic. For elastically responding superstructures, suitable foundation systems may be energy dissipating, elastic or of the rocking type. Design criteria for each of these three foundation types are suggested.