Stepped Footing

The stepped footing was popular in the past but is now obsolete, it is also called as stepped footing.

A straightforward method of isolated footing that is used over the soil with little bearing capacity is the stepped footing.

Low soil bearing capacity requires load transmission to a greater area.

In this article you’ll learn:

So, if you’re ready to go with the it, this article is for you.

What is Stepped Footing?

Stepped footing step on top of each other, the steps are often formed by stacking three to four cross-sections on top of one another.

In order to prevent corrosion and efficiently transfer the load into the earth, the Stepped Foundation’s primary goal is to keep the column into direct contact with the soil beneath it.

Purpose of Stepped Footings:

• The primary purpose of the foundation is to transfer the structure’s weight into the subterranean strata.
• The foundation aids in giving the buildings’ construction a level surface.
• It will aid in keeping the structure from moving laterally.
• To offer support against swaying and toppling.
• To avoid the settlement of the difference.

Design of Stepped Footing:

The lower footing is constructed using standard shapes, and footing methods that extend all the way to the back of the slope.

The upper footing is similarly created in a similar manner.

In contrast, the side methods are stretched out and cantilevered over the lower footing until the end of the top footing extends at least 12 inches or more on the back of the dirt slope.

It is sometimes estimated where the vertical face will be in order for normal-width wall forms to fit from that vertical surface back to the following corner.

Over the space between the two, plywood pieces are nailed.

 Also, the plywood sides and the rear of the stepped footing (against the dirt) are banded with metal.

This prevents the forms from separating under the weight of the concrete.

 You can see the loose banding left over after the forms were taken off.

The stepped footing’s vertical front face is then formed by attaching a vertical piece of plywood between the forms.

Then, concrete is simultaneously poured into the top and lower forms.

The concrete normally does not flow out through the bottom form because it is quite stiff for footings.

A baffle may be tacked to the top of the lower forms in situations where it would be an issue to prevent it from occurring.

Advantages of Stepped Footing:

1. Stepping foundations also prevents sudden and extreme level changes that can result in a weakening and movement.
2. When isolated, it is much easier to put together.
3. Increased effective depth against shear/moment at the post’s neck.
4. They will be adequate for pillars that are placed in isolation and relatively simple walls.

Disadvantages of Stepped Footings:

1. When it comes to using steel and concrete, this is relatively wasteful.

Also read: Strap Footing | Types of Footing

Conclusion:

The usage of stepped footings is dependent on the site’s characteristics, finishing grade elevations, finished wall slope, and the several placement and construction challenges involving reinforcing bars.