According to code, what is the minimum required width of a footing in soil rated at 2000 PSF for a single story building with 8 inch thick masonry walls?

In determining the minimum required width of a footing for a single-story building with 8-inch thick masonry walls in soil rated at 2000 PSF, several factors are considered, including the load per linear foot that the foundation must support based on the wall’s thickness, the type of soil, and the associated codes and standards.

For masonry walls, the typical practice involves applying a load-bearing calculation based on the weight of the wall and any additional imposed loads. In this context, the footing width is derived from the load that the soil can safely support.

Given the soil rating of 2000 PSF, if we consider the wall thickness of 8 inches, it is essential to ensure that the footing is wide enough to distribute the load effectively across the bearing surface of the soil. The code often specifies minimum widths that correlate with specific construction loads, and for a structure such as this, a width of 12 inches provides adequate support.

This measurement ensures that there is sufficient bearing area to prevent excessive settlement, provides stability against lateral forces, and adheres to safety guidelines set forth in building codes. The chosen width accommodates the wall weight without overstressing the soil, ensuring compliance with building regulations designed to maintain structural integrity and longevity.