What is the minimum required width for concrete footing for a three-story single-family dwelling on soil with a load-bearing capacity of 2000 psf?

The minimum required width for concrete footings is determined by several factors, including load-bearing capacity of the soil and the design and weight of the structure being supported. In this scenario, the specific context involves a three-story single-family dwelling situated on soil with a load-bearing capacity of 2000 psf.

The concrete footing must be wide enough to properly distribute the load of the building across the soil to prevent excessive settlement or failure. For a three-story structure, it's common practice to utilize a wider footing to adequately accommodate the load, especially given the height and potential weight of the building.

The width of the footing must align with building codes and structural engineering principles. In many regions, a minimum footing width of at least six inches is often stipulated for conventional residential constructions when the building height and other load factors come into play. The choice of six inches serves to ensure that the footing can adequately support the structure while maintaining stability and integrity under typical conditions.

Choosing this width also reflects typical industry standards, where footings for larger residential structures are expected to be robust enough to handle both vertical load as well as lateral forces, which might increase in taller buildings. Hence, the selection of a six-inch width serves both practical and safety considerations in construction.