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
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
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.