What is the minimum footing width for a two-story light-frame building on soil bearing capacity of 2000 PSF?

What is the minimum footing width for a two-story light-frame building on soil bearing capacity of 2000 PSF?

• A. 8 inches
• B. 12 inches
• C. 16 inches
• D. 24 inches

Answer: (B)

To determine the minimum footing width for a two-story light-frame building on soil with a bearing capacity of 2000 PSF, it's important to understand the relationship between load and footing dimensions. The footing must be designed to distribute the building's load across the soil without exceeding the allowable bearing capacity. In this case, a footing width of 12 inches allows for adequate distribution of the load considering that the soil can support 2000 PSF. This width will effectively minimize the risk of excessive settlement or failure while ensuring that the structure remains stable and secure. Larger footing widths could be considered, but they may not be necessary given the specified soil bearing capacity and the nature of the building. Opting for 8 inches might not provide sufficient area to support the loads, risking overloading the soil and potential structural issues. Similarly, while larger footings like 16 inches or 24 inches could be used for added safety, they may not be required based on the specific parameters given, leading to unnecessary material use and cost. In summary, a 12-inch footing width is adequate to ensure stability and effective load distribution for a two-story light-frame building on soil with a bearing capacity of 2000 PSF.

To determine the minimum footing width for a two-story light-frame building on soil with a bearing capacity of 2000 PSF, it's important to understand the relationship between load and footing dimensions. The footing must be designed to distribute the building's load across the soil without exceeding the allowable bearing capacity.

In this case, a footing width of 12 inches allows for adequate distribution of the load considering that the soil can support 2000 PSF. This width will effectively minimize the risk of excessive settlement or failure while ensuring that the structure remains stable and secure.

Larger footing widths could be considered, but they may not be necessary given the specified soil bearing capacity and the nature of the building. Opting for 8 inches might not provide sufficient area to support the loads, risking overloading the soil and potential structural issues. Similarly, while larger footings like 16 inches or 24 inches could be used for added safety, they may not be required based on the specific parameters given, leading to unnecessary material use and cost.

In summary, a 12-inch footing width is adequate to ensure stability and effective load distribution for a two-story light-frame building on soil with a bearing capacity of 2000 PSF.