Which of the following is a characteristic of a strip footing?

• A. It distributes the load of a single column
• B. It is suited for deep foundation needs
• C. It is utilized for load-bearing walls
• D. It requires poor soil conditions

Answer: (C)

A strip footing is indeed specifically designed to support load-bearing walls. This type of foundation is typically long and continuous, which allows it to distribute the weight of the wall across a wider area of soil. As a result, it helps to prevent excessive settlement by spreading the load more evenly and providing stability to the structure above.

While the other options may seem plausible, they do not accurately describe the function or characteristics of a strip footing. For instance, distributing the load of a single column is more characteristic of isolated footings rather than strip footings which are intended for continuous walls. Similarly, deep foundations are better suited for situations with poor soil conditions or when heavy loads are present, which is outside the typical application for strip footings. Lastly, poor soil conditions would require alternative foundation solutions that can reach deeper or provide greater support, rather than utilizing a strip footing that operates best in adequately supportive soil.