Difference Between Footing and Foundation: Exploring Footing, Foundation

Difference Between Footing and Foundation

The following is the comparison of footing vs foundation

Footing	Foundation
A part of the foundation is in contact with the ground.	A component of the building that transfers its structural loads to the earth from the superstructure.
A structure that transfers the load from the superstructure to the ground	The foundation is in contact with the earth.
This provides support to the entire building.	This provides support to individual columns.
It is analogized to the feet of the leg.	It can be analogized to the feet of the leg.
Foundations are of two types, shallow & deep foundation	This footing is a type of shallow foundation
This is the basement of the wall	This is under the foundation wall.
This Footing includes slabs and rebar which are fabricated of brickwork, masonry, or concrete.	Foundation types include piles, caissons, footings, piers, lateral supports, and anchors.
Footing reinforces support for an individual column.	This Foundation is extensive support because it gives support to a group of footings as an entire building
The number of footings repose on a foundation.	This Foundation is the support that bears all kinds of loadings.
This Footing transmits loads directly to the soil.	This is because the foundation is in direct contact with the soil and transmits it to the ground.
All foundations can’t be footing	But all footings are foundations.
Types: Strip footing. Spread or isolated footing. Combined footing Strap	Types: Shallow foundation and Deep foundation

What Is Foundation?

Foundation is the lowest part of any structure, which has the main function is to take load coming from upper components and safely transferring it to the below soil. Generally, foundations are of two types named as shallow foundations and deep foundations.

A shallow foundation transfers to a shallow depth of up to 1.5m. The deep foundation transfers the load deeper into hard strata below the ground surface having a depth of more than 1.5m.

A shallow foundation is used for a low-height structure that has a horizontal spread more than a vertical height.

A high-rise building like a skyscraper or a building constructed on very weak soil requires a deep foundation.

If the building is like to extend vertically in the future, then a deep foundation must be suggested.

Read More: Types Of Foundations & Their Uses In Building Construction

Types of Shallow Foundation

Following are the different types of shallow foundations,

• Strip footing.
• Spread or isolated footing.
• Combined footing Strap or cantilever footing.
• Mat or raft Foundation.

Types of Deep Foundation

Following are the different types of deep foundations,

• Basements.
• Buoyancy rafts (hollow box foundations)
• Caissons.
• Cylinders.
• Shaft foundations.
• Pile foundations.

Why Foundation is Required?

The following are the main purpose of proving the foundation of any structure,

• Foundation is a major factor that provides stability to any structure. As the foundation is strong, a more stable structure becomes.
• The properly designed and reinforced foundation offers a great level surface for the upper substructure and provides a firm bed for construction.
• The well-designed foundation plays a major role in avoiding the lateral movements of the supporting material.
• A foundation is essential for the proper distribution of structural load. This proper distribution helps in avoiding unequal settlement of the building. Differential settlement is an undesirable building effect.
• Its main function is to transfer the load from the structure over a large base area and then to the soil underneath. The load transfer by the foundation should be within the allowable bearing capacity of the soil.

Read More: Footing vs foundation

What Is Footing Foundation?

A footing is part of the foundation which supports it and transfers the load to the larger area of soil, so it safe the foundation from settlement. It is generally provided with reinforcement and cast with concrete.

Footings are majorly used in conjunction with shallow foundations commonly. The width and depth of any footing mainly depend on the type of soil and the size and type of foundation.

Read More: 9 Types Of Building Foundation Materials

Types of Footings

Following are the different types of footings,

• Continuous Wall Footing.
• Isolated Footing.
• Combined Footing.
• Strip Footing.
• Strap Footing.
• Raft Footing.
• Pile Footing.

Expert Words: Foundation Vs Footing

Foundation and footing are not two different components of building construction. In fact, both are a single component of a building structure. The footing is the lowest part of any foundation.

Foundation has the lowest part made with footing reinforced with rebar. Types of foundations are selected on the basis of depth of footing, types of soil, and structure.

Generally, footings have more types in shallow-depth foundations compared to deep foundations.

Finally, the foundation and footing are the single components of any building structure; the main difference is that footing lowest part of the foundation.

So, we can say there is a clear difference between footing and foundation.

FAQs

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