A spread footing, also known as an isolated footing, is a type of foundation commonly used to support individual columns or isolated loads.
These foundational elements operate by distributing the structural loads originating from above over a larger area of the underlying soil. This mechanism achieves critical objectives for structural stability, including:
- Significantly reducing the pressure exerted on the ground beneath the footing.
- Preventing potential settlement or tilting of the supported structure over time.
By effectively spreading the load, spread footings ensure that the weight of the structure is safely transferred to the soil without exceeding its bearing capacity.