1.

Grade Beam
In construction. A grade beam is a type of foundation system used to distribute the
weight of a building over unstable soil. The grade beam may sit directly on the loose soil, or
be supported by pipe pilings that extend deep underground. Builders then position a series of
piers or foundations wall on top of the beam to support specific building components. These
foundation systems consist of heavy-duty concrete beams that are often reinforced with rebar
or steel mesh for additional strength. Unlike standard spread footings, grade beams are
designed to minimize deflection instead of simply transferring loads directly to the ground
below. This allows the beam to span loose or unstable areas of soil, and redistribute building
loads to areas where soil is more compact.

Figure 1.1: Grade Beams

2.

Plinth Beam

Basically plinth beam connects all pillars and serves as the base for construction of walls.

Figure 2.1: Plinth Beams

Coming to your question,

Isnt we really required the Grade beam and plinth beam in a normal building?
Ans: Its not about the type of building, its all about the soil we speak here for grade beam.
Grade beam is a type of foundation system used to distribute the weight of a building over
unstable soil. As shown in figure 1.1, Grade beams are casted and placed directly on the
ground, in place of any footing or onto any pile.
But, Plinth beams are the beams used to connect the pillars above ground to serve as base
for walls etc. (See figure 2.1).
You require a foundation for building a plinth; the foundation may be masonry or RCC. But
Grade beam itself is a foundation and also acts as plinth because of its continuous nature.
Grade beam acts as a foundation and also serves as plinth for construction walls but a plinth
can only serve as base for walls but not as foundation.
I hope your doubt has been cleared k. Subramanian Sir