Precast Wall Panel Axial Load Distribution

[RPMG]

For a precast wall panel with vertical joints supporting a steel girder, should one assume a load distribution similar to a cast concrete/masonry wall or similar to a 8'-0" wide concrete column? In other words, is it better to use a uniform width wall footing or a spread footing below the girder?

 

[KootK]

1) I feel that, in general, localized foundation support near large, localized loads is always a good thing. That said, construction economics tends to favor the opposite when possible.

2) I do think that a load distribution similar to CIP concrete and masonry is sensible but you should be aware that, often, the joints between panels are not designed to transmit axial loads from one panel to its neighbors.

 

[jayrod12]

Due to KootK's point number 2, we treat it like a load distribution in masonry walls. And when it reaches a panel joint, the load spread stops just like a masonry control joint.