4 Different Types of Footing Commonly Used in Construction

Footings in construction are an important part of any building project, providing support to the foundation of the building and helping to ensure the structure is stable and secure. 

They are designed to distribute the weight of the building evenly and to reduce the risk of damage caused by shifting soil and movement. There are many kinds of footing types available depending on how you want your construction to look. 

In this guide, we cover what you might need for your projects.

1) Individual Footing

Individual footing is a type of footing commonly used in construction which is designed to support a single column or load-bearing wall. It is one of the most common types of footing as it is a relatively uncomplicated and inexpensive foundation construction method. 

Individual footing is also known as a spread footing, as it is constructed by spreading the weight from the load-bearing structure across a wide area of the soil. 

This type of footing is typically made from reinforced concrete and is poured and reinforced with steel bars. Individual footings are usually rectangular in shape, with a deep base to ensure a secure foundation. 

2) Strip Footing

Strip footing is a kind of footing used for shallow foundations that is suitable for buildings with low load-bearing capacity and light structure. This type of footing is also called wall footing and consists of a continuous, rectangular strip of concrete that is used to support an entire wall. 

It is usually constructed with dimensions that are the same as the wall’s width and thickness and is laid directly on the soil. 

The main advantage of strip footing is its simplicity; it is easy to construct and requires no formwork or shuttering. It is also suitable for shallow foundations as it will not be affected by the presence of water. Additionally, strip footing is relatively inexpensive compared to other footing types.

3) Raft or Mat Footing

Raft footing is a type of foundation that is constructed by extending the foundation in all directions below ground level, resulting in a large slab-like structure. 

It is one of the most popular and cost-effective foundation systems used in modern construction as it can span large areas, reduce the number of individual footings required, and reduce the amount of excavation and concrete work.

Mat footing is similar to raft footing, but instead of having all of the foundations below the ground level, it is partially above ground level. Mat footing is often used for large buildings, such as bridges, and is designed to spread out the load over a large area.

4) Combined Footing

A combined footing is a type of footing used when two or more columns are so close to each other that they cannot be supported by individual footings. It is a large reinforced concrete slab that supports two or more columns and distributes their load over a large area. 

This type of footing is very useful in cases where the columns are placed close together and the load is large. It also allows the columns to be spaced further apart than individual footings would allow, which can save space and material. 

Conclusion

Footings are an important component in the construction industry, as they provide the necessary support for the structure. Footings help to distribute the weight of the building evenly, providing a strong foundation for the structure. 

Whatever kind of footing you might need, Konstruction Group Inc. has you covered. We provide a number of foundation services, including house footings. Get in touch with us today to learn how.

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