Difference Between Spread Footing and Strip Footing

Difference Between Spread Footing and Strip Footing

When it comes to constructing buildings, two popular types of shallow foundations are commonly used: spread footing and strip footing. Although they serve the same purpose of providing support, there are fundamental differences between the two.

Spread footing, also referred to as isolated footing or pad footing, is primarily used to support individual columns in a building. It is a circular, square, or rectangular slab of uniform thickness that sits beneath the column. The main objective of spread footing is to distribute the load over a larger area, ensuring stability and strength.

In contrast, strip footing, also known as continuous footing, is employed to support load-bearing walls or a row of closely spaced columns. It is a long strip that runs along the exterior boundary of the building. Strip footings are commonly utilized in older masonry buildings and can be constructed using excavation and concrete pouring techniques.

While both spread footing and strip footing serve crucial roles in construction, understanding their differences is essential to determine the most suitable option for specific architectural requirements.

Key Takeaways:

• Spread footing is used to support individual columns, while strip footing supports load-bearing walls or closely spaced columns.
• Spread footing distributes the load over a larger area, while strip footing provides continuous support along the length of the structure.
• Spread footing offers flexibility in column placement, while strip footing eliminates the need for columns at regular intervals.
• Spread footing can be adjusted to accommodate different load requirements, while strip footing is advantageous for buildings with large wall loads or on sloping ground.
• Both types of footings play a crucial role in ensuring the stability and strength of a building’s foundation.

Advantages of Using Spread Footing in Construction

When it comes to constructing a building, spread footing offers several advantages that make it a popular choice among architects and engineers. Spread footing, also known as isolated footing or pad footing, provides a stable and strong support for individual columns, allowing them to bear the load of the building effectively.

This ensures the structural integrity of the entire building. One of the key advantages of spread footing is its flexibility in column placement. Each column can have its own footing, which makes it easier to adapt the building design to specific structural requirements.

This flexibility allows architects to create unique and innovative designs without compromising on stability. Another advantage of spread footing is its ability to distribute loads evenly over a large area. By spreading the load, it reduces the chances of settlement or uneven settling, which can lead to structural damage over time.

The thickness of the spread footing can also be adjusted to accommodate different load requirements, providing the necessary strength for the structure.

In summary, spread footing offers stability, flexibility, and load distribution advantages in construction. Its ability to provide strong support for individual columns, along with its customizable design options, makes it an ideal choice for constructing buildings that require a solid foundation.

Advantages of Strip Footing

Strip footing offers several advantages in construction. Firstly, it provides continuous support along the length of load-bearing walls or a row of closely spaced columns, ensuring the stability and integrity of the structure. This is particularly beneficial in buildings with large wall loads or on sloping ground.

Strip footings can be constructed more easily and efficiently than individual spread footings, as they only require excavation and concrete pouring along the strip. The use of strip footings also allows for more flexibility in architectural design, as they eliminate the need for columns at regular intervals along the wall.

This can result in more open and versatile spaces within the building, creating a sense of freedom and adaptability. Additionally, strip footings can be designed to distribute the load more evenly, reducing the potential for settlement and ensuring the durability of the structure.

In summary, the advantages of strip footing include continuous support for load-bearing walls or closely spaced columns, ease of construction, flexibility in architectural design, and improved load distribution. These benefits make strip footing an excellent choice for various construction projects, providing stability, efficiency, and versatility to the overall structure.