Concrete Footing vs Foundation: What’s the Difference?
11th May 2024 Every building needs a strong base to stand on. It doesn’t matter how complex the design or how advanced the materials - without a strong base, it won’t be long before the building collapses under its own weight.
Foundations and footings are both crucial to the stability of a structure. There are a few key differences between the two terms, although they’re sometimes used interchangeably. Here, we’ll look at the ways they differ.
At the LGW Group, we specialise in all things concrete. We supply ready mix concrete and liquid screed across the South of England and Wales, and can also deliver precast concrete beams and flooring. Read on for our guide to footings and foundations; you’ll find out all you need to know about these vital parts of the building process.
What is a concrete footing?
A footing is the solid concrete located at the lowest point of a structure. Building it is usually the first step in any new construction project.
Footings are used to evenly distribute the weight of a building across a wider area, preventing it from slumping or sinking into the ground. They aren’t just for houses - they’re used to support single columns, multiple columns and even exterior walls.
Due to the amount of weight they need to support, footings must be constructed using highly durable materials. They can be made from stone, brick, or even wood, but the majority are made of concrete. This is because concrete possesses excellent compressive strength, allowing it to withstand heavy loads without fracturing.
Concrete usually isn’t used in its raw form, as it has relatively low tensile strength. This makes it susceptible to stretching under excessive weight. To avoid this, the concrete mixture is typically reinforced using both horizontal and vertical rebars.
What is a foundation?
A foundation is the underlying structure underneath all buildings. It’s responsible for transferring the weight and loads of the building to the ground in a safe and stable manner.
The foundation is a key part of any construction project, serving several important functions: it distributes the weight of the structure evenly, makes the structure more stable, and resists various forces such as gravity, wind, and seismic activity. The foundation also helps to protect the structure from moisture, preventing water damage.
The design of a foundation depends on the characteristics of the ground it’s going to be built on. Factors such as soil type, bearing capacity, groundwater level, and potential settlement are taken into account.
There are two main types of foundation:
Shallow foundations
These are constructed near or at ground level, and they transfer loads through direct contact to the soil. Examples include spread footings, mat foundations, and slab-on-grade foundations.
Deep foundations
These are used when the soil near the surface is not suited to support the loads of the structure. Deep foundations extend deeper into the ground, transferring the loads to stronger soil or rock layers. Examples include pile foundations and drilled shafts.
Are footings and foundations the same thing?
Yes and no. A footing is part of the foundation, but it’s not the whole thing - you can think of it as the foundation of the foundation. It sits at the very bottom, with the rest of the foundation built on and around it.
More specifically, a footing is the part of the foundation that’s in direct contact with the ground beneath it. It’s designed to support the vertical loads and transfer them to the soil. A foundation, on the other hand, is the entire structure that supports and anchors a building. It encompasses both the footings and the parts of the structure that are built above ground level, such as walls, piers, and slabs.
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