Expert: Bill DeShawn - 3/5/2004

Question
I am working on a foundation plan and need some information.  Where should the footings be placed in a foundation plan?  Should they be under all walls or just under main walls? Should there be any footings in the middle of a large room even if no wall is there?  How deep should the footing be under a proposed fireplace? Any help you can provide is appreciated.

Eddie G.


Answer
Eddie:
I answered your previous question about architecture based on my experience, but please remember this is an AutoCAD forum. I will address the questions presented as I am able.
The footings are drawn parallel to the walls, and if the stemwalls are 8", very often the footings are 16" and are offset each side 4".  The footings will vary if retaining walls are required per engineering.  I am unaware of the depth of fireplace footings, and that is not necessary as a rule to call out.  The builder or contractor will know that information and will have to comply to code or his work will not pass inspection.  Sometimes it is OK for a footing to pass over a small portion of space that has no wall above.

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Bill DeShawn
http://my.stering.net/~bdeshawn