According to code, what is the minimum required width of a footing in soil rated at 2000 PSF for a single-story building with 8 inch thick masonry walls?

According to code, what is the minimum required width of a footing in soil rated at 2000 PSF for a single-story building with 8 inch thick masonry walls?

• A. 32 inches
• B. 12 inches
• C. 24 inches
• D. 16 inches

Answer: (B)

Footings must spread a wall’s load over the soil without exceeding its bearing capacity. For a single-story building with 8-inch masonry walls on soil rated at 2000 psf, codes specify a minimum footing width of 12 inches. This width provides enough bearing area to keep the soil pressure within its capacity while keeping construction practical and allowing for proper edge clearances and reinforcement. Wider footings would only be required if loads were higher, soils were weaker, or local rules demanded it, but for this scenario the 12-inch width meets the minimum requirement.

Footings must spread a wall’s load over the soil without exceeding its bearing capacity. For a single-story building with 8-inch masonry walls on soil rated at 2000 psf, codes specify a minimum footing width of 12 inches. This width provides enough bearing area to keep the soil pressure within its capacity while keeping construction practical and allowing for proper edge clearances and reinforcement. Wider footings would only be required if loads were higher, soils were weaker, or local rules demanded it, but for this scenario the 12-inch width meets the minimum requirement.