Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License (CSL) Practice Test

What is the minimum required width for a concrete footing in a two-story single family dwelling supported by soil with a 2000 psf load bearing capacity?

1. 8 inches

2. 10 inches

3. 12 inches

4. 14 inches

The correct answer is: 12 inches

The minimum required width for a concrete footing is determined by various factors, including the load-bearing capacity of the soil and the overall load that the footing must support. For a two-story single-family dwelling situated on soil with a load-bearing capacity of 2000 pounds per square foot (psf), the footing width must be sufficient to distribute the weight of the structure over the soil without exceeding its load-bearing capacity. In general, building codes and engineering guidelines recommend specific footing widths based on the load requirements and soil conditions. For typical residential structures, when soil has a load-bearing capacity of 2000 psf, a minimum footing width of 12 inches is commonly prescribed. This width allows for a proper distribution of the weight, ensuring that the footing can adequately support the structure while providing stability and minimizing the risk of settling or failure. Choosing a minimum width of 12 inches aligns with standard practices in the field of construction and structural engineering, based on the nature of the dwelling and the soil bearing capacity.