ABSTRACT
The purpose of a footing is to distribute the loads of the structure sufficiently so that the soil can support the loads. Concrete has a compressive strength that ranges from 3000psi to over 6000psi depending on the mix. Soils have a soil bearing capacity that can range from 1000psf (6.94psi) for loose sandy soils to over 4000psf (27.78psi) for rock or hardpan. As a result, a structure without a footing to distribute the loads over a larger area would likely sink into the soil.
