What is the minimum footing width required for a 2-story light frame construction building with a soil bearing capacity of 2000 PSF?

For a 2-story light frame construction building with a soil bearing capacity of 2000 pounds per square foot (PSF), determining the minimum footing width is critical for ensuring proper load distribution and structural stability. The minimum footing width is often calculated based on the building's load and the soil's bearing capacity.

In general, for light frame structures, a common rule of thumb is to have a minimum footing width that is adequate to carry the load without exceeding the soil’s bearing capacity. Given the soil bearing capacity of 2000 PSF, a footing width of 12 inches is typically sufficient for distributing the load effectively. This width provides a large enough surface area to avoid excessive pressure on the soil and mitigate the risk of settlement or failure.

Moreover, building codes and engineering practices often recommend minimum dimensions to ensure safety and performance. The selected width ensures that the vertical loads from the structure are adequately supported. Thus, a 12-inch footing can safely accommodate the combined effects of the weight from two stories while adhering to standard construction practices.

While narrower footings may not provide the necessary stability or safety factor, wider footings may be unnecessary and could lead to increased costs and time. Therefore, 12 inches aligns with both engineering principles and practical guidelines for