What is the minimum size of a footing for a two-story light frame construction home on soil with a load-bearing value of 2,000 psf?

The minimum size of a footing for a two-story light frame construction home on soil with a load-bearing value of 2,000 psf is determined by analyzing the loads that the structure imposes on the foundation. In this case, a two-story home will typically exert significant vertical loads due to both the weight of the building and any additional loads such as furnishings and occupants.

To effectively distribute these loads onto the soil, the footing must be wide enough to ensure that the pressure exerted by the foundation does not exceed the soil's bearing capacity. The larger the footing, the more area it covers, which reduces the pressure on the underlying soil.

In standard building practice, a footing width of at least 12 inches is often recommended for two-story structures in similar conditions, as it provides a good balance between adequate load distribution and minimizing material costs. By using a footing that is 12 inches wide, builders ensure that the pressure on the soil does not approach the critical load-bearing value, thus safeguarding the integrity of the structure over time.

This dimension not only helps meeting safety and stability requirements but also aligns with local building codes that may prescribe specific footing sizes based on the type of construction and soil conditions. Therefore, a 12-inch footing is a prudent