Introduction
The stump is the simplest and most familiar footing used for the vertical support and the transfer of building loads to the foundation. Stumps are used to support timber-framed houses for which they are currently the most cost effective.
Three types of materials are commonly used for stumps:
- timber
- concrete
- steel.
Stumps must have a concrete or timber footing placed underneath the base of the stump. This is to spread the load transferred to the stump from the building. This support beneath the stump is called a 'pad' or 'soleplate'. Usually concrete stumps are provided with concrete pads poured in situThe term in situ means in the original or appropriate place. on the site. Timber stumps are provided with timber soleplates.