Foundation
In Civil Engineering, a foundation is the lower portion of a building structure that transfers the building’s gravity load into the earth. A strong foundation is required in order for a building to stand the test of time and survive for decades or even centuries. Foundations are commonly separated into two distict categories: shallow foundations and deep foundations. A building’s foundation is made by first digging a trench into the ground. Dig deep enough to reach the subsoil. Subsoil is more solid than topsoil, which is where plant roots grow. Concrete is then poured into the trench, supported and strengthened further with steel rods. When the concrete dries, the steel holds it all together. This is known as reinforced concrete, and once it is in place, the structure can be built on top.
Footing
In Civil Engineering, a footing is a foundation that is constructed under the base of a wall or a column. The purpose of the footing is to distribute the weight of the building over a large area. The term footing is generally used in conjunction with shallow foundations, not deep foundations. Footing is placed directly below the lowest part of the structure it supports.
Footing vs Foundation
Followings are the differences between Footing and Foundation
| Footing | Foundation | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The footing is a formation which is in contact with the ground. | Foundation is a structure which transfers its gravity loads to earth from superstructure. |
| 2 | Footing can be analogized with the feet of the leg. | Foundation can be compared with legs. |
| 3 | The footing is a type of shallow foundation. | Foundation can be shallow and deep. |
| 4 | Footing includes slab, rebar which are fabricated of brickwork, masonry or concrete. | Foundation types include piles, caissons, footings, piers, the lateral supports, and anchors. |
| 5 | Footing reinforces support to an individual column. | Foundation is an extensive support because it gives support to a group of footings as an entire building |
| 6 | A number of footings repose on a foundation. | Foundation is the support that bears all kinds of loadings. |
| 7 | A footing is under the foundation wall. | Foundations are the basement walls. |
| 8 | Footing transmits loads directly to the soil. | Foundation is in direct contact with the soil and transmits it to the ground. |
| 9 | All footings are foundations. | Not all foundations are footings. |
