What is the difference between a foundation and a footing in building construction?

In building construction, a foundation refers to the part of the structure that sits directly on the soil and provides support for the building. It typically consists of a reinforced concrete slab or a series of concrete piers that transfer the weight of the building to the ground.

A footing, on the other hand, is a type of foundation component that spreads the load of the building over a wider area of the soil. It is a wider base that is placed beneath the foundation and is designed to distribute the weight of the building more evenly across the ground.

In summary, a foundation is the overall structure that sits on the soil and supports the building, while a footing is a specific component of the foundation that spreads the load of the building over a wider area of the soil.

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