What is the minimum footing width of a 2-story light-frame construction building with a soil bearing capacity of 2000 PSF?

What is the minimum footing width of a 2-story light-frame construction building with a soil bearing capacity of 2000 PSF?

• A. 16 inches
• B. 21 inches
• C. 12 inches
• D. 17 inches

Answer: (C)

Distributing the building’s loads safely hinges on giving the footing enough area to keep the soil bearing pressure within what the soil can carry. When the soil bearing capacity is two thousand pounds per square foot, the smallest standard footing width used in residential practice is enough to spread those loads for a two-story light-frame structure. That minimum width keeps construction practical and economical, since wider footings would only be needed if the soil were weaker or the loads were higher. So the option representing the narrowest standard width is the correct choice, while the larger widths are not required under these conditions.

Distributing the building’s loads safely hinges on giving the footing enough area to keep the soil bearing pressure within what the soil can carry. When the soil bearing capacity is two thousand pounds per square foot, the smallest standard footing width used in residential practice is enough to spread those loads for a two-story light-frame structure. That minimum width keeps construction practical and economical, since wider footings would only be needed if the soil were weaker or the loads were higher. So the option representing the narrowest standard width is the correct choice, while the larger widths are not required under these conditions.