Construction Supervisor License Practice Exam

What is the purpose of footings in construction?

1. Support structures above ground

2. Transfer loads to the soil

3. Improve drainage around a building

4. Increase thermal insulation

The correct answer is: Transfer loads to the soil

The purpose of footings in construction is to transfer loads to the soil. Footings are an essential component of a building's foundation system. They provide the necessary stability by distributing the weight of the structure, including walls and other load-bearing elements, across a larger area of soil. This is crucial because it helps prevent excessive settlement or movement that could lead to structural failures. The soil beneath the footings acts as a support medium, transferring the loads down into the ground safely and effectively. Support structures above ground refers more to the structural framework rather than the role of footings, while improving drainage around a building deals with water management, which is handled through other foundation elements rather than footings specifically. Similarly, increasing thermal insulation pertains to how a building retains heat and is not a function of footings in the structural context. Thus, footings play a vital role in ensuring a stable and safe foundation for any construction project.