8.2.

2 Continuous or Strip Footings

The most commonly used type of foundation for buildings is the continuous strip footing
(Figure 8-3). For computation purposes, footings with an Lf/Bf ratio ≥ 10 are considered to
be continuous or strip footings. Strip footings typically support a single row of columns or a
bearing wall to reduce the pressure on the bearing materials. Strip footings may tie columns
together in one direction. Sizing and structural design considerations are similar to those for
isolated spread footings with the exception that plane strain conditions are assumed to exist
in the direction parallel to the long axis of the footing. This assumption affects the depth of
significant influence (DOSI), i.e., the depth to which applied stresses are significantly felt in
the soil. For example, in contrast with isolated footing where the DOSI is between 2 to 4
times the footing width, the DOSI in the case of the strip footings will always be at least 4
times the width of the footing as discussed in Section 2.4.1 of Chapter 2. The structural
design of strip footings is generally governed by beam shear and bending moments.

Figure 8-3. Continuous strip footing (FHWA, 2002c).

FHWA NHI-06-089 8 – Shallow Foundations

Soils and Foundations – Volume II 8-6 December 2006