Foundation Footings

Stepped footing can support a concrete block wall. Blocks have nominal dimensions of 8 by 8 by 16 inches (the actual dimensions are actually 3/8 inch smaller than these to allow for mortar joints). They are hollow when laid-up; steel reinforcing bar called rebar is added and the hollows in the blocks are often filled with concrete. They lend themselves to construction where forming concrete is difficult or impractical.

Concrete blocks are also used for standard foundation wall construction. Here they are supported by a concrete footing; both are reinforced with steel rods and the concrete blocks are filled with grout.

A concrete pier, resting on a footing, may be used to help support beams at mid-span. Though some older homes rest entirely on piers, this method has been phased out in favor of stronger foundations.

MORE ABOUT:
/ Load-bearing walls / / Foundations /
/ Standard wood framing / / Balloon framing / / Wall framing 1 / / Wall framing 2 / / Floor & ceiling framing 1 /
/ Floor & ceiling framing 2 / / Roof framing 1 / / Roof framing 2 /

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