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Concrete Footing Design

When designing a structure’s foundation, it’s important to take into account the soil’s bearing capacity when designing the footing. The lower the bearing capacity of the soil, the wider the footing needs to be to offset the reduced capacity.

If the structure is going to reside on expansive soil or soil with low bearing capacity, additional foundation support may need to be designed to prevent structural damage. Deep foundations can minimize or eliminate structure settlement or problems caused by expansive or weak soil.

Minimum Widths of Concrete & Masonry
Footings (inches)

Load-Bearing value of soils (psf)

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

Conventional wood frame construction

1-story	16	12	10	8	7	6
2-story	19	15	12	10	8	7
3-story	22	17	14	11	10	9

4" brick veneer over wood frame or 8" hollow concrete masonry

1-story	19	15	12	10	8	7
2-story	25	19	15	13	11	10
3-story	31	23	19	16	13	12

8" solid or fully grouted masonry

1-story	22	17	13	11	10	9
2-story	31	23	19	16	13	12
3-story	40	30	24	20	17	15

Table source: Table 403.1; CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code; 1995