Footings in foundations
Foundations provide support for structures, transferring their load to layers of soil or rock that have sufficient bearing capacity and suitable settlement characteristics.
The term ‘footing’ or ‘footings’ is an ambiguous one that can be interpreted in a number of ways.
In some cases ‘footings’ is used as a synonym for shallow foundations. Shallow foundations are typically used where the loads imposed by a structure are low relative to the bearing capacity of the surface soils. Here, the most commonly used term is ‘strip footing’ (or footings), referring to a strip foundations, used to provide a continuous strip of support to a linear structure such as a wall. Approved Document A of building regulations defines minimum widths for strip footings based on the load of load-bearing walling they support.
‘Pad footings’ or ‘isolated footings’ refer to rectangular or circular pads used to support localised loads such as columns. ‘Raft footings’ or ‘raft foundations’ refer to foundation slabs that cover a wide area, often the entire footprint of a building,
However, the term ‘footings’ is also used sometimes to describe the brickwork or blockwork between the foundation and the damp proof course (DPC) level. In this situation, ‘footings’ maybe constructed as cavity walls, single skin blockwork or as blocks lain on their side.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Building foundations.
- Compensated foundation.
- Continuous flight auger piles.
- Ground anchor.
- Ground conditions.
- Ground heave.
- Groundworks.
- How to design a pad foundation.
- Micropiles.
- Pad foundation.
- Pile foundations.
- Raft foundation.
- Screw pile foundations.
- Settlement.
- Slab.
- Stepped foundation.
- Strip foundation.
- Subsidence.
- Substructure.
- Trench fill foundation.
- Types of pad foundation.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.