What type of loads are interior footings usually subject to?

Interior footings are primarily subject to vertical loads. These loads come from the weight of the structural elements that rest on the footings, such as walls or columns. The design of interior footings is largely focused on supporting and transferring these vertical loads down to the foundation and ultimately to the earth below.

Vertical loads include the weight of the building materials and live loads, such as furniture and occupants within the structure. The footing must be adequately sized and constructed to ensure stability and prevent excessive settlement or failure.

In contrast, while some structures might experience horizontal forces due to wind or seismic activity, interior footings are generally not primarily designed to resist these horizontal loads, which is why the answer focuses on vertical load considerations. Tension forces, typically related to materials being pulled apart, are not a primary concern for the design of interior footings.