An article is considered the carrying out of the comparative analysis of works connected with soils and construction of the foundations, as anisotropic bodies. In addition, it is given the comparison of rational construction of shallow foundations, in particular forms of the foot of plates of the band foundations and their forms in the plan. Anisotropy of soils is expressed in nonuniformity of bedding (a lens, inclusion, etc.). In plates, anisotropy is shown in the form of a plate or in nature of reinforcing, or at the same times both options of anisotropy.