Which footing primarily supports load from a single vertical column?

The spread footing is designed specifically to support vertical loads from a single column. It provides a larger base area that helps to distribute the load over a wider area of soil, reducing the pressure exerted on the ground and minimizing the risk of settlement or failure. Spread footings are commonly used in situations where a single concentrated load needs to be transmitted efficiently to the underlying soil, allowing for adequate load bearing while ensuring structural integrity.

In contrast, a strip footing is intended for continuous loads, such as those from walls, and is not suitable for supporting individual columns. Cantilever footings are used in scenarios where one side is free and are typically employed in retaining walls or overhanging structures, rather than for supporting single columns. Combined footings serve to distribute loads from two or more columns, effectively allowing them to share the footing; therefore, they are not specifically meant for just one column. Each of these alternatives has distinct applications, making the spread footing the most appropriate choice for supporting loads from a single vertical column.