What is often used for an exterior column along a property line where a square column footing would extend beyond the building line?

What is often used for an exterior column along a property line where a square column footing would extend beyond the building line?

• A. Combined footing
• B. Isolated footing
• C. Mat foundation
• D. Strap footing

Answer: (A)

When an exterior column sits close to a property line, a single square footing under that column would often extend beyond the building line. To keep within the boundary, engineers commonly use a combined footing that supports two columns on one continuous footing. This approach distributes the load over a larger area and allows the footing to be placed so its outer edge stays inside the lot line. A strap footing is a specific type of combined footing where two separate footings are connected by a strap; while useful in some layouts, the general solution in this scenario is the combined footing, which is why it’s the best choice.

When an exterior column sits close to a property line, a single square footing under that column would often extend beyond the building line. To keep within the boundary, engineers commonly use a combined footing that supports two columns on one continuous footing. This approach distributes the load over a larger area and allows the footing to be placed so its outer edge stays inside the lot line. A strap footing is a specific type of combined footing where two separate footings are connected by a strap; while useful in some layouts, the general solution in this scenario is the combined footing, which is why it’s the best choice.