Under what condition are footings required to be stepped?

Under what condition are footings required to be stepped?

• A. Stepped footings are not permitted
• B. The ground surface slopes more than one unit vertical to ten units horizontal or where necessary to change the top footing surface elevation
• C. Stepped footings are required only in unstable soils
• D. Footings must always be stepped regardless of slope

Answer: (B)

Footings are stepped when the ground grade changes enough that a single continuous footing would not give a level bearing surface for the wall. If the ground slope is steeper than a 1 vertical unit in 10 horizontal units (that is, more than 10% slope), a single footing would end up with parts at different elevations, making it hard to align the wall.bottom and risking uneven support or drainage problems. By stepping, you create horizontal footing segments at the required elevations with vertical drops between them, matching the grade while keeping the top of the footing level for the wall above. This also helps prevent voids or differential settlement along a sloped site. Footings on flat ground or with minimal grade changes don’t require stepping.

Footings are stepped when the ground grade changes enough that a single continuous footing would not give a level bearing surface for the wall. If the ground slope is steeper than a 1 vertical unit in 10 horizontal units (that is, more than 10% slope), a single footing would end up with parts at different elevations, making it hard to align the wall.bottom and risking uneven support or drainage problems. By stepping, you create horizontal footing segments at the required elevations with vertical drops between them, matching the grade while keeping the top of the footing level for the wall above. This also helps prevent voids or differential settlement along a sloped site. Footings on flat ground or with minimal grade changes don’t require stepping.