A strap footing is used to connect an eccentrically loaded column footing to an interior column.

The strap is used to transmit the moment caused from eccentricity to the interior column footing so that a
uniform soil pressure is computed beneath both footings. The strap serves the same purpose as the interior
portion of a combined footing but is much narrower to save materials.

The strap footing may be used in lieu of a combined rectangular or trapezoid footing if
the distance between columns is large and/or the allowable soil pressure is relatively large
so that the additional footing area is not needed. Three basic considerations for strap footing
design are these:

1. Strap must be rigid to control rotation of the exterior footing.

2. Footings should be proportioned for approximately equal soil pressures and avoidance of
large differences in B to reduce differential settlement.

3. Strap should be out of contact with soil so that there are no soil reactions to modify the
design assumptions. It is common to neglect strap weight in the design.

The strap proper is generally constructed so that it will not bear on the soil. This
can be achieved by providing formwork not only for the sides but also for the bottom face and
by withdrawing it before backfilling.

A strap footing should be considered only after a careful analysis shows that spread
footings—even if oversize—will not work. The extra labor and forming costs for this type of
footing make it one to use as a last resort. Again, it is not desirable to use shear reinforcement
in either the two footings or the strap so that base rigidity is increased.