Introduction
When constructing a strong and durable structure, the foundation forms its crux and the anchor that holds it together. One of the most commonly used types of foundation is the strip footing foundation, used for smaller constructions such as residential and low-rise buildings. They are popular because of their simple design and effectiveness and can support load-bearing walls to help distribute the building’s weight evenly across the ground.
This blog will answer- what is strip footing, what are its advantages, and what sre its design consideration.
What is a Strip Footing?
A strip footing is a shallow foundation type that is built as long and continuous strip or running base made of concrete placed under the walls of the structure providing a solid support system. They work best when the load-bearing capacity of the soil is good. This type of footing is built as a runway under the walls of the structure covering the entire soil area, instead of the load concentrating on one column. Hence, they can support multiple walls and columns.
The strip footing foundation helps distribute the structural load uniformly and is a preferred choice of foundation owing to its simplicity and adaptability to varied soil conditions.
Where is Strip Footing Used?
Strip footings are usually best suited to small and light structures such as residential construction, boundary walls and garden walls.
The strip foundation is used in construction where shallow foundations are required. They use less concrete and labour because of which it is cost-effective and easy to install.
Strip Footing Design
A strip footing diagram usually shows a rectangular concrete strip placed beneath the wall, running the full length of the wall to provide even support.
Strip Footing Design Considerations
Certain factors must be considered when planning a strip footing design–
The Depth and Width of the footing: depending on the condition of the soil, and the load of the structure
Steel Reinforcements are used to enhance strength and for wider footings.
Soil Condition: Strip footing foundation design is ideal for strong, high load-bearing soil conditions.
Load: The ability of the strip footing to carry loads across the wall make them a solid foundation solution.
Placement: In cold regions, the footing should be built below the frost line to prevent it from shifting during thawing.
Advantages of Strip Footing
1. Cost-effective:
As Strip footings are shallow foundations, they require less concrete and excavation compared to deep foundations. This makes them cost-effective.
2. Simple construction:
Strip footings are simply designed and hence easy to construct. The labour required is less, making them simple to build.
3. Uniform load distribution:
They are ideal for load-bearing wall structures, as it distribute weight evenly.
4. Saves time:
Faster installation reduces the overall construction timeline.
5. Versatile:
They can be constructed with bricks or concrete and can be used on varied soil conditions.
In a nutshell, strip footing foundations are best and most efficient in supporting small structures like houses or walls. They are preferred as they offer a strong and reliable foundation solution without burning the budget. If done properly and precisely, strip footing design is one of the most solid types of foundations providing a long lasting support for your home.
FAQs
1. What is strip footing?
Strip footing is a continuous type of foundation laid beneath load-bearing walls. It runs along the full length of the wall and helps transfer the wall load evenly to the ground. This method is commonly used in low-rise buildings where soil conditions are fairly uniform.
2. Where do we typically use strip footings?
Most commonly in residential buildings — single or double-storey homes. Also in compound walls, small commercial buildings, even verandahs. If there’s a continuous wall and the soil is decent, strip footing usually fits.
3. Is strip footing the cheapest foundation option?
If the site conditions are right, yes. Especially compared to pile or raft foundations. It’s quick to execute and doesn’t need heavy machinery. Labour-friendly and budget-friendly, which is why it’s preferred in smaller towns and plotted developments.
4. Does it work in all soil types?
Not really. It works best in firm, non-expansive soils. If you’re dealing with loose sand, clayey soil, or black cotton soil (like in parts of Maharashtra or MP), you’ll need either deeper strip footings or switch to a different type.
5. What’s the ideal depth for a strip footing?
Usually starts from 1 metre and can go deeper depending on the soil and load. But there’s no fixed number — every site engineer knows you decide this after a proper soil test, not guesswork.
6. How is it different from a pad footing?
Pad footing sits under a column. Strip footing runs along the length of a wall. Pad is like a square patch; strip is like a continuous line. Simple as that.
7. Do strip footings always need steel reinforcement?
Not always — depends on the load and span. But these days, most engineers prefer to use reinforcement to prevent cracking, especially in longer walls or if the soil isn’t too trustworthy.
Strip footing is a continuous type of foundation laid beneath load-bearing walls. It runs along the full length of the wall and helps transfer the wall load evenly to the ground. This method is commonly used in low-rise buildings where soil conditions are fairly uniform.
Most commonly in residential buildings — single or double-storey homes. Also in compound walls, small commercial buildings, even verandahs. If there’s a continuous wall and the soil is decent, strip footing usually fits.
If the site conditions are right, yes. Especially compared to pile or raft foundations. It’s quick to execute and doesn’t need heavy machinery. Labour-friendly and budget-friendly, which is why it’s preferred in smaller towns and plotted developments.
Not really. It works best in firm, non-expansive soils. If you’re dealing with loose sand, clayey soil, or black cotton soil (like in parts of Maharashtra or MP), you’ll need either deeper strip footings or switch to a different type.
Usually starts from 1 metre and can go deeper depending on the soil and load. But there’s no fixed number — every site engineer knows you decide this after a proper soil test, not guesswork.
Pad footing sits under a column. Strip footing runs along the length of a wall. Pad is like a square patch; strip is like a continuous line. Simple as that.
Not always — depends on the load and span. But these days, most engineers prefer to use reinforcement to prevent cracking, especially in longer walls or if the soil isn’t too trustworthy.
