In a combined footing, where is the exterior column positioned in relation to the end of the footing?

• A. Flush with the end of the footing
• B. Centered on the footing
• C. Beyond the interior column
• D. At the far edge of the building line

Answer: (A)

The exterior column is placed flush with the end of the footing. In a combined footing, two columns share one footing, and having the exterior column sit at the end keeps the footing extending mainly toward the interior where the other column lies, while the exterior edge aligns with the column line. This arrangement minimizes eccentricity of the load on the footing and keeps the footing footprint within the building line, making load transfer and reinforcement detailing practical. Placing the exterior column centered on the footing would create unlikely symmetry given building constraints; putting it beyond the interior column or at the far edge would violate the footing’s physical footprint and disrupt the intended load path.