What Are Footings in Construction and Why Are They Important?

Footings in Construction are the most important element of any construction design. It ensures that the foundation of a building is durable enough to support its entire weight, including equipment and people. Even if a building is designed perfectly, without the proper foundation, it won't last for a long period. That is why footing in construction is crucial for the construction process.

What is Footing in Construction?

They make sure that the structure is supported along with additional stability to the foundation. It is placed beneath the foundational walls or columns. They are usually made from concrete with rebar reinforcement.

Footings are particularly important where the ground can be problematic. That is why the structure with additional load bearing points were required. In other words, they are specifically needed in buildings with shallow foundations. Footings will help in transferring the weight to the ground so that the building does not have to bear all the weight.

How do footings in Construction differ from the foundation?

There is a common misperception that footing and foundation are the same. But that is not the case. One of the primary differences is that one can be more essential than the other, where required. To elaborate it more, all projects are built on foundations, but not all foundations are supported with footings. Presently, regulations have been made to make sure that a building's foundation is supported by footer construction to ensure structural stability. The reason behind this is that it acts as a preventive measure against differential settlement.

Shifting of soil beneath the foundation is known as differential settlement. It can cause the structure to sink, leak or crack. Lack of footings in construction can also lead to poor weight distribution, water damage, etc.

Essential Footings Elements to Consider

The following are the essential components that must be considered:

Frost line

This is the lowest point at which water in the soil freezes. Footings must go beyond this point to avoid any weight shifting.

Groundwater Table

Also known as the water table, is the point where the underground soil is drenched with water. As water and concrete do not mix well and this table provides you with a border between dry and wet soil. 

Bearing Capacity of Soil

It refers to how much pressure each class of soil can bear. This is one of the most important elements that impact footer construction.

All of the above can affect the estimation process. Knowing these elements will help in Cost Estimation. This knowledge will help you to prepare the site accordingly. Because commencing any kind of work you have to be sure that the site is prepared and there will be no hiccups to deal with as the construction progresses. 

Common Types of Construction Footings

Footings in construction are commonly divided into 4 types which are as follows:

1) Individual Footings

These footings are typically used in sheds or porches. They can also be used for all four walls of a building provided that it has a high water table.

2) Combined footings

When two or more foundation walls share a load and are close, combined footings are incorporated. It is also incorporated where one wall differs in dimensions, either taller or longer than the other. Thus, during Concrete Estimation it is important to be precise in measuring the dimensions. This is to avoid any unbalanced load bearing in the future.

3) Raft or Mat

This type uses a one big slab of concrete that is sufficiently built to support the entire building weight. It is used when a building is large in magnitude or the soil is too weak.

4) Strip Footings

These footings are used particularly to support the foundation wall. They are also used to support load-bearing walls that are parallel to each other.

Importance of Footings in Construction

Let's discuss why this has become a necessity in the construction industry:

1) Structural Integrity Assured

Footings distribute the weight of a building evenly thus preventing any uneven settling. That ensures the durability of a structure. They are designed as per TLA project's requirements.

2) Soil Adaptability

Every construction project soil has its own unique characteristics. Footings in construction are specifically tailored to these characteristics. This will assure that the foundation will remain stable regardless of the soil conditions.

3) Damage Prevention

Footing's features extend beyond mere support. It also ensures that the foundation is safe from any possible damage. It does so by efficiently separating the foundation from contacting the ground. Thus, avoiding any potential moisture and shifting of soil.

4) Compliance with Regulations

It is important to comply with all the codes and regulations. They make sure that the foundation is strong and meets all the safety thresholds. This is done by fulfilling all the requirements, either general or specific. Such as depth or width, and what material is needed and how much will be sufficient. A Construction Estimator is the one who is responsible for making sure that all the requirements have been met.

Conclusion

This article can help and guide you to make sure that you have fully comprehended everything. From introduction to the difference between foundation and footings in construction. It discusses in detail for you to have a better understanding. On top of that, it also mentions what factors are essential before starting the work and the importance of footings is increasing in the realm of construction.