spread foundation
A foundation distributing structural loads through one or more broad horizontal footings, mats, or pads.
For spread foundation systems, the structural load is literally spread out over a broad area under the building. Spread foundation systems utilize one or more horizontal mats, or pads, to anchor the building as a whole or to anchor individual columns or sections separately. Spread foundations are also known as footing foundations and are a type of foundation often utilized in low-rise buildings.
The footing spreads the supported load across an area of ground. It can support a whole building or individual columns or sections.
One footing or several separate pads are included. The definition does not impose a multiple-footing requirement, despite the common use of separate supports.