Foundation Engineering

Lecture #10

Combined Footings

- Rectangular Footings.

- Trapezoidal Footings.

- Cantilever or Strap Footings

L. Prieto-Portar 2008
A combined footing is usually used to support two columns of unequal loads. In such a
case, the resultant of the applied loads would not coincide with the centroid of the
footing, and the consequent the soil pressure would not be uniform.

Another case where a combined footing is an efficient foundation solution is when

there are two interior columns which are so close to each other that the two isolated
footings stress zones in the soil areas would overlap.

The area of the combined footing may be proportioned for a uniform settlement by
making its centroid coincide with the resultant of the column loads supported by the
footing.

There are many instances when the load to be carried by a column and the soil
bearing capacity are such that the standard spread footing design will require an
extension of the column foundation beyond the property line. In such a case, two or
more columns can be supported on a single rectangular foundation. If the net
allowable soil pressure is known, the size of the foundation B x L can be determined.
This photo shows an example of
combined footings used in a heavy
industrial plant, where the machinery
loads place very large loads upon
relatively confined space.

The use of combined footings helps

spread out the loads out to the adjacent
footings in order to minimize stresses in
the footings and reduce the differential
settlement between them.
A third case of a useful application of a combined footing is if one (or several) columns
are placed right at the property line. The footings for those columns can not be centered
around the columns. The consequent eccentric load would generate a large moment in
the footing. By tying the exterior footing to an interior footing through a continuous
footing, the moment can be substantially reduced, and a more efficient design is
attained.
A combined footing will deform as shown in the sketch above. The eccentric loading
condition upon the left end, due to the restrictions of a property line, will generate
tensile stresses on the top of the footing. These stresses mean that a combined footing
will require flexural reinforcement both at the top and the bottom of the footing.
Rectangular Combined Footings.

Step #1. The required design area A of a footing can be found from,
Q1 + Q2
A= (1)
qall net
where Q1, Q2 are the loads in columns #1 and #2, and q all (net) is the net allowable soil bearing
capacity.

Step #2. Determine the location of the resultant of the column loads.
Q2 L3
x= (2)
Q1 + Q2
Step #3. For a uniform distribution of soil pressure under the footing, the resultant of the
column loads should pass through the centroid of the foundation. Thus,
L = 2( L2 + x ) (3)
where L = length of the foundation

Step #4. Once the length L is determined from above, the value of L1 can be obtained from,
L1 = L – L2 – L3 (4)
The magnitude of L2 will be known and depends on the location of the property line.
The width B of the foundation then is then found from,
(5)
A
B=
L
L2 Q#1 L3 Q#2 L1

R =Q1 +Q2
X

B qall / unit length

Section view

Property Line C#1 C#2 B

L
Plan view

Figure 1
Trapezoidal Combined Footing.

This type of combined footing, shown in Figure 2, is sometimes used as an isolated spread
foundation for a column that is required to carry a large load in a tight space. The size of
the trapezoidal footing that will generate a uniform pressure on the soil can be found
through the following procedure.

Step #1. If the net allowable soil pressure is known, determine the area of the footing,

Q1 + Q2
A=
qall net
From Figure 2, A = [ ( B1 + B2 ) / 2 ] L (6)

Step #2. Determine the location of the resultant for the column loads,
Q2 L3
x=
Q1 + Q2
B1 + 2 B2 L
From the properties of a trapezoid,
x + L2 = [ ]
B1 + B2 3 (7)

With known values of A, L, x, and L2, solve equations (6) and (7) to obtain B1 and B2. Note
that for a trapezoid (L/3) < (x+ L2) < (L/2).
 Q#1 Q#2
R=Q#1+Q#2

L2 L3
L1
X

B1 qall net / unit length B2 qall net / unit length

Section view

B1 B2

Plan view

Figure 2
Cantilever or Strap Footings.

A strap footing is used to connect an eccentrically loaded column footing to an

interior column.

The strap is used to transmit the moment caused from an eccentricity to the interior
column footing so that a uniform soil pressure is generated beneath both footings.

The strap footing may be used instead of a rectangular or trapezoidal combined

footing if the distance between columns is large and / or the allowable soil pressure is
relatively large so that the additional footing area is not needed.
 Section view

Property line

Plan view

Figure 3
Example #1.
Design a rectangular combined footing, given that f’c = 3.5 ksi, fy = 50 ksi, qall = 5 ksf
with a SF = 3, Df = 5 feet, the edge of column #1 is at the property line, and the spacing
between columns is 18 feet center-to-center (c.c.).

Column #1 (18 in. x 18 in.) Column #2 (24 in. x 24 in.)

DL = 80 kips DL = 130 kips
LL = 175 kips LL = 200 kips
Solution:

Step 1: Determine the ultimate column loads and the soil stress at ultimate loads qult.

P1 = 80 + 175 = 255 P1u = 1.4 ( 80) + 1.7 (175) = 410

P2 = 130 + 200 = 330 P2u = 1.4 (130) + 1.7 (200) = 522
= 585 kips = 932 kips

The ratio of ultimate to design (actual) = U/A = 932/585 = 1.59

The soil stress at ultimate loads is qu = (U/A) qall = (1.59)(5) = 7.97 ksf < 15 ksf (qu) OK

Step 2: Determine the footing dimensions L and B.

Find the location “x” of the resultant R. MA = 0

R x = (P1)(x1) + (P2)(x2)
932 (x) = 410(0.75) + 522(18+0.75) therefore, x = 10.83 feet ; say 11 feet

Thus, L = 2(x) = 2(11) = 22 feet

Note that the rounding out of the 10.83 ft to 11 ft will prevent the perfect closure of the moment diagram, but this is acceptable with hand
calculations. A computer program would not truncate the answer, and thus provides a more precise answer.

B = (P1u + P2u) / (L)(qu) = 932/(22)(7.97) = 5.31 feet Use B = 5 ft-4 in. for construction.
q’ = (qu)(B) = (7.97)(5.31) = 42.3 k/ft.
Step 3: Draw the shear (V) and moment (M) diagrams.
The column loads are treated as concentrated loads acting at the centers of the columns.
The shear and moment diagrams are,
Step 4: Determine the footing thickness T.

Note that the diagonal-tension analysis reflects on a three-sided section for column 1
and a four-sided section for column 2. If column 2 were close to the end of the footing,
a three-sided analysis might be required; however, that’s not the case here. First
determine d via a wide-beam analysis, then check for the diagonal tension. From the
shear diagram, the maximum shear is near column 2. At a distance d from the face of
column 2.

V = 340.8 – 42.3 d

But also, the shear stress vc in the concrete is, vc = V / Bd

Therefore, (B)(d)(vc) = V = 340.8 – 42.3 d

In this problem vc = 2 f’c = 2(0.85) 3500 = 101 psi = 14.5 ksf

Hence (B)(vc)(d) = V is (5.31)(14.5) d = 340.8 – 42.3 d

Solving, d = 2.9 feet = 34.3 in.

Using d = 34.3 in., check the diagonal tension at column 1.

V = column load less upward soil pressure = P1u – (A)(qult) = 410 – A(7.97)
But A = (18 + d/2)(18 + d) = (18 + 17.1)(18 + 34.3) = 1835.7 in2 = 12.75 ft2

Hence, V = 410 – (12.75)(7.97) = 308 kips.

Perimeter = 2(18+d/2) + (18+d) = 122.6 in. = 10.22 ft
vc = (V) / (perimeter)(d) = 308 / (10.22)(2.9) = 10.4 ksf < 4Ø f’c = 29 ksf OK

At column 2,

A = (24” + d)2 = (24”+34.3”)2/144 = 23.6 ft2

Perimeter = 4(24”+d) = 4(24”+34.3”)/12 = 19.4 ft
Shear : V = (522 k) - (23.6 ft2)(7.97 ksf) = 334 kips

vc = (334 k)/(19.4 ft)(2.9 ft) = 5.93 ksf < 4Ø f’c = 29 ksf OK

Step 5: Determine the area of longitudinal reinforcing steel, As,

As (d - a/2) = Mu / Ø fy (B)
For fy = 50 ksi, f’c = 3.5 ksi, b = 12 in., therefore a = (As fy) / (0.85) f’c b = 1.40 As

Hence, As (34.3 - 0.7As) = (1675)(12) / (0.9)(50)(5.31)

Solving, As = 2.59 in2 /ft width

p = As / (d)(b) = 2.59 / (34.3)(12) = 0.0063 > 200 / fy = 0.004 OK

< pmax = 0.016 OK
As tot = (2.59) B = (2.59)(5.31) = 13.75 in2 of steel
Thus for the negative moment use 11 # 10 bars (- As = 13.97 in2 > 13.75 required) at 6
inches c.c. across top of footing (leaving approximately 4 inches from each side).

Provided that 1/3 of the bars extend the full length of the footing, the bars could be cut
off as dictated by the moment requirements (the moment diagram). However, the
saving is not worth the effort (engineering, fabrication, placing, possible mistakes,
etc.). Thus, typically, all bars will run the full length of the footing.

Based on 200 / fy, As min = (0.004)(34.3)(12) = 1.65 in2.

For the positive moment,

+As = (1.65)(5.31) = 8.76 in2. Use 9 # 9 bars, As = 9 in2 > 8.76 in2.

This As is larger than that required by positive +M. Place these bars at 7 in. c.c.
leaving approximately 4 in. from each side and 4 inches above the footing invert.

Also, based upon the moment diagram, running 1/3 of +As (three bars) the full length
of the footing satisfies both ACI and the moment requirements. The other six bars
could be cut off at say, half-length and placed on the right half (under column 2) of the
footing.
Step 6: Determine the area of the transverse reinforcing steel, As,

Refer to the figure below.

The widths S1 = 18 + 0.75(34.3) = 43.73 in. = 3.64 feet and
S2 = 24 + 1.50(34.3) = 75.45 in. = 6.29 feet
q’ = P/(B)(S1) = 410/(5.31)(3.64) = 21.2 ksf
L1 = (5.31-1.5)/2 = 1.91 feet
M1 = (21.21)(1.91)^2(12)/2 = 464 k-in.
Place the transverse steel above the “ positive “ longitudinal steel, d = (34.3 – 1.27) =
33.03 in. Thus,
As (33.03 – 0.7 As) = 464.3 / (0.9)(50)
Solving,
As = 0.31 in2 / ft = 1.13 in2 / per S1 width

Based on pmin, As = (0.004)(3.64)(33.03)(12) = 5.77 in2, therefore, use 6 # 9 at 7 in. c.c.

or As = 6.32 in2 > 5.77 in2 (required) OK
Ld = 0.04(0.60)(50,000) / 3500 = 20.3 in.
Ld = 1.91 x 12 = 22.9 in.
For column #2, the transverse reinforcement +As is found by,
S2 = 6.29 feet; q’ = 522 / (6.29)(5.31) = 15.6 psf
L2 = (5.31 – 2)/2 = 1.66 feet
M2 = (15.63)(1.66)2 (12) /2 = 258 k-in.
Using d = 25.9 in. (with the transverse bars on top of longitudinal bars)
As (33.03 – 0.7 As) = 258 / (0.9)(50) ; As = 0.17 in2

Based on pmin, As = (0.004)(6.29)(33.03)(12) = 9.97 in2 / per S2 width

Thus, use 10 # 9 bars at 8 in. c.c. or As = 10 in2. The development length is same as
before.

Based on pmin, As in 11.96 ft-section = 19 in2, thus, use 19 # 9 bars at 8 in. c.c.
 Step 7. Prepare a drawing showing the design details.

P1 P2
L = 22 ft
B = 5 ft 4 in. 24 in. x 24 in.
18 in. x 18 in.
11 # 10 bars full length
3 ½ in

39 in. 6 # 9 bars full length 35 in.

# 9 bar 3 # 9 bars 11 ft long # 9 bar
•••••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ••
4 in.

3.64 ft 11.96 ft 6.29 ft 0.11 ft

6 # 9 bars 19 # 9 bars in transverse direction 10 # 9 bars

L = 22 ft
Example #2.
Design a strap-footing for the following conditions, f’c = 3.5 ksi, fy = 60 ksi, and qa = 2.5
ksf for both the footing and the strap, with a FS=4. The edge of column 1 is placed at the
property line, and the center of the columns are 25 feet center-to-center (c.c.).

Column #1 (12 in. x 12 in., with 4 # 7 bars) Column #2 (16 in. x 16 in., with 6 # 8 bars)
DL = 80 kips DL = 120 kips
LL = 60 kips LL = 110 kips
Step 1: Determine the ultimate column loads and the soil stress at ultimate loads qult.

P1 = 80 + 60 = 140 P1u = 1.4( 80) + 1.7( 60) = 214

P2 = 120 + 110 = 230 P2u = 1.4(120) + 1.7(200) = 355
= 370 kips = 569 kips

The ratio of ultimate to design (actual) = U/A = 569/370 = 1.54

The soil stress at ultimate loads is qult = (U/A) qall = (1.54)(2.5) = 3.85 ksf < 10 ksf (qu) OK

Try e = 3 feet. From Σ M2 = 0, we have (214)(25) – R1(22) = 0 therefore R1 = 243 kips

From Σ M1 = 0 (355)(22) – (214)(3) – R2(22) = 0 therefore R2 = 326 kips

From Σ Fy = 0 243 + 326 = 569 kips OK

Step 2: Determine the footing dimensions L and B.

L1 = 2(0.5 + e) = 2 (0.5 + 3) = 7 feet

B1 = R1 / (L1)(qult) = 243 / (7)(3.85) = 9 feet
L1 / B1 = 0.778
The ratio appears reasonable. If a specific clearance between the footings is required,
then an adjustment of L1 and L2 would be in order. If we choose to make footing #2 a
square,
B = L = R2 / qult = 326 / 3.85 = 9.2 feet (say 9 feet-3 inches).
Step 3: Draw the shear (V) and moment (M) diagrams.
Step 4: Design the strap.

From the figure, use V = 28.56 kips and M = 546.8 k-ft.

NOTE: While a deeper strap is more efficient than a wider but shallower one (i.e., larger l ),
too narrow a strap may pose some practical or functional concerns (e.g., limited space for
reinforcement, lateral or torsional stiffness). It is recommended that the range for strap widths
b as 2ft b (L’/10) ft, and an effective depth, d, 50 to 100% larger than theoretically needed,
in order to reduce the number of reinforcing bars (thus, accommodating spacing) and to
minimize the effects of an uneven excavation and perhaps eliminate the need for stirrups. L’ =
distance between footings.

In our case L’ / 10 = 1.4 ft; hence, use b = 2 ft.

V = (vc) (b) (d); vc = 2Ø f’c = 100.57 psi = 14.44 ksf
Thus, from 28,560 = (100.57)(24)d, d = 11.83 in. Arbitrarily, use d = 24 in. Also, M
= 546.93 k-ft = 273.46 k-ft / ft width =3281.58 k-in. / ft width.

Hence, 3281.58 = (Ø) (As) (fy) (d – a/2) = 0.9As(60)(24 – a/2)

where a = (As) (fy) /(0.85f’cb) =1.68 As. Thus, 3281.58 = 0.9(60)(24 – 0.84As)As
Simplifying, As2 –28.56 As + 72.33 = 0
Solving, As =2.74 in2 / ft = 5.48 in2 / 2 ft width
Use seven # 8 bars As = 5.5 in2, at 3.25 in. c.c. > pmin ; O.K.
Step 5: Design of the footings.

Footing #1. For b = 9 feet and vc = 14.4 ksf, therefore (9)(14.44) d = 179.34 – 34.65 d
Solving, d = 1.09 feet = 13 inches.

Check for diagonal tension, V = 214 - (A)(qult) = 214 – 3.85A

where A = (12+d/2)(12+d) = (12+6.5)(12+13) = 925 in2 = 6.42 ft2
Perimeter = 2(12”+6.5”) + (12”+13”) = 62 in. = 5.17 feet

Hence, V = 214 – 24.73 = 189.3 kips

And vc = 189.3 / (5.17)(1.09) = 33.6 > 4Ø f’c = 29 ksf. Not acceptable

Thus, tentatively increase d to 16 inches (from 13 in).

Then we have A = 2(20)(28) = 1120 in2 = 7.78 ft2

Perimeter = 2(12”+8”) + (12”+16”) = 68 in. = 5.67 ft
V = 214 – (7.78)(3.85) = 184 kips
and vc = 184 / (5.67)(1.33) = 24.4 < 29 ksf OK

Longitudinal steel (axial direction)

Mmax = 558.5 k-ft = 6703 k-in = 745 k-in / ft width

745 = 0.9(60)(16 – 0.84 As) As which simplifies to As2 – 19.04 As + 16.41 = 0
and solving As = 0.91 in2 / ft = 8.19 in2 / per 9 ft width.

Use 13 # 8 bars ( As = 10.20 in2). Extend 7 # 8 bars from the strap the full length (7 feet)
and add 3 # 8 bars at approximately 16 in. c.c. on each side of strap bars.
Step 6: Prepare a drawing showing the details of the design.
References.

Braja M. Das, “Principles of Foundation Engineering”, 4th Edition.

Joseph E. Bowles, “Foundation Analysis and Design”, 4th Edition.
Arthur H. Nilson, “Design of Concrete Structures, 12th Edition.
Edward G. Nawy, “Reinforced Concrete,
Leonard Spiegel & George F. Limbrunner, “Reinforced Concrete Design, 4th Edition.