What is a typical use case for isolated footings?

• A. To support load-bearing walls
• B. For supporting individual columns
• C. As a deep foundation solution
• D. For wide distribution of loads

Answer: (B)

Isolated footings are specifically designed to support individual columns in a construction project. This type of foundation is used when the load from a column is concentrated and requires a footing that can accommodate that specific load without affecting surrounding structures. Isolated footings provide adequate support for the vertical loads transferred from the column, ensuring stability and minimizing differential settlement.

In contrast, while supporting load-bearing walls is important, it typically requires continuous or strip footings rather than isolated footings. Isolated footings are not utilized as a deep foundation solution, as they are shallow foundations, and they do not serve to uniformly distribute loads over a wider area, which is a characteristic of mat or raft foundations. The primary purpose of isolated footings is precisely to adapt to discrete load points, making them ideal for columns instead of broader load distributions.