A concrete footing is part of the foundation construction of a building it is the attachment point between the foundation and the soil.
Alternatively, you can describe footing as the lowest load-bearing part of a building that is typically below ground level.
In every building, there is a foundation and under most foundations, there are footings.
It is quite common for one to take footings for granted because you are unaware of the purpose they serve.
Normally, a standard 16- or 20- inch-wide concrete footing can support a relatively lightweight of a typical house in most areas.
When building your house on soft clay or it happens that there is a soft zone under the foundation, then you will be treading on dangerous ground.
Soft clay is not the best soil when constructing a building. Thus, a footing that normally performs well in good soil will not do well in such a bearing.
Before you start out your constructions you have to check how the soil if cannot hold a footing that means your building can collapse anytime.
Often, unusual situations will cause the most trouble. For instance, if the footing is laid out off center, the wall will miss its bearing mostly when it comes across a soft zone.
Therefore making the footing undersized. You have to be careful at the start like this.
When this is missed out it can cost you a lot and yet you could have prevented this by involving professionals. In such cases, the builder will be under scrutiny.
That is why it is important to understand the bearing strength of the soil and footing design rules.
Importance of Concrete Footings
When constructing the foundation, you will notice that footings are an important part of the foundation.
Typically, most concrete footings are concrete with rebar reinforcement, usually poured in an excavated trench.
Footings serve the purpose of ensuring that it supports the base, prevents settling, and supports the structure as well.
Builders construct various types of footings depending on the type of soil topography of the location type of the structure and any other necessary local requirements.
Footings support the entire weight of the building. The building becomes stable when the bases distribute the importance of the walls and that of the entire building.
In cases where the walls are unevenly distributed, you will notice that the walls are sagging, stem walls, and broken floors.
Important Aspects to Consider when Constructing Footings
When building or planning to construct a concrete footing, it is best to leave it to professionals.
This is because certain factors need to be considered before you can construct a concrete footing.
One of these important factors is the soil condition of the area you plan to put up the foundation. It would be best to decide on the correct depth and width of the footing and its position.
Take time to do your research on the place you want to build. Buildings have collapsed due to weak foundations and it is a draining thing as cash has been used to and it collapses when you have used all the materials and its complete
The size and type of the structure will determine the dimensions of the footing. They should correspond in terms of design, size, and type.
Therefore, the footing placement is crucial as it offers support for the foundation and structure.
Concrete footings come in handy in projects such as the deck, pergola, retaining wall, and any other form of construction.
Therefore, the most important thing to pay attention to is the bearing of the soil capacity.
A reminder about what a concrete footing is
A concrete footing is part of the foundation construction of a building it is the attachment point between the foundation and the soil.
Footings holds still the foundation and prevent the structure from settling.
It is important to pay attention to factors such as the bearing capacity of the soil, the depth, and the width of the footing.
When constructing a building and you want it to last for years the key thing is the foundation. You have to have a well-designed footing to sustain a building for years.
