When is a strip footing, also known as a continuous footing, primarily used?

When is a strip footing, also known as a continuous footing, primarily used?

• A. For individual columns
• B. For high load-bearing capacity soils
• C. For close-spaced columns and load-bearing walls
• D. When the soil is unstable

Answer: (C)

A strip footing, or continuous footing, is primarily utilized for close-spaced columns and load-bearing walls because it is designed to distribute the load of structural elements over a wider area of the soil. This type of footing is effective in providing the necessary support when there are multiple points of load that need to be connected, ensuring stability and even distribution of weight across the foundation. In instances where columns or walls are closely spaced, strip footings offer a continuous concrete element that ties them together, preventing differential settlement and potential structural issues. This arrangement is particularly beneficial in building designs where walls are utilized as load-bearing elements, ensuring the integrity of the structure while accommodating lateral loads and providing significant resistance against settlement. Using strip footings in this context also contributes to cost-effectiveness and construction efficiency since it simplifies the excavation and pouring process compared to individual footings. By addressing the load distribution requirements of both walls and columns in a cohesive footing system, strip footings help to optimize the overall performance of the foundation.

A strip footing, or continuous footing, is primarily utilized for close-spaced columns and load-bearing walls because it is designed to distribute the load of structural elements over a wider area of the soil. This type of footing is effective in providing the necessary support when there are multiple points of load that need to be connected, ensuring stability and even distribution of weight across the foundation.

In instances where columns or walls are closely spaced, strip footings offer a continuous concrete element that ties them together, preventing differential settlement and potential structural issues. This arrangement is particularly beneficial in building designs where walls are utilized as load-bearing elements, ensuring the integrity of the structure while accommodating lateral loads and providing significant resistance against settlement.

Using strip footings in this context also contributes to cost-effectiveness and construction efficiency since it simplifies the excavation and pouring process compared to individual footings. By addressing the load distribution requirements of both walls and columns in a cohesive footing system, strip footings help to optimize the overall performance of the foundation.