Spread and Strip Footings

A spread footing is generally a discrete pad that distributes a column or pier load. A strip footing is continuous and distributes a wall load along its length. The engineer sets each footing's dimensions and reinforcing from structural loads, soil bearing capacity, settlement limits, eccentricity, and the geometry of the supported member.

The project's geotechnical consultant reviews the exposed founding material against the geotechnical recommendations. Harrowgate prepares and protects the surface, exposes questionable zones, completes directed corrective work, and keeps the area accessible. Concrete placement proceeds after required geotechnical, structural, and municipal hold points have been released.

Yes. The structural drawings define each step length, height, reinforcing continuity, and wall transition. Harrowgate forms the step accurately, installs the scheduled continuity and diagonal bars, consolidates concrete into the lower corner, and checks wall starter positions. Unplanned vertical offsets are referred to the engineer before work continues.

Column dowels are assembled into a cage and secured to a rigid template or braced support. We check centreline, bar spacing, cage rotation, verticality, and projection before placement. Concrete is placed evenly around the cage and vibrated without contacting the bars excessively, followed by a position check before initial set.

Settlement can result from inadequate bearing capacity, disturbed soil, undocumented fill, loose replacement material, groundwater-related softening, or loads that differ from the design. Harrowgate controls the construction variables by exposing intact bearing, following geotechnical replacement direction, compacting specified fill, preventing water damage, and documenting the accepted founding surface.

No structural footing dimension should be reduced or shifted without written engineering direction. Unexpected services, rock, property constraints, or over-excavation can require a revised detail. Harrowgate documents the condition, protects the bearing area, and coordinates a buildable response with the structural and geotechnical consultants before concealment.

The required delay depends on concrete strength gain, temperature, member loads, form pressure, and the engineer's criteria. Harrowgate tracks placement time, curing conditions, and available test results, then sequences wall forms, column cages, or construction loading only after the applicable release has been met.