In a foundation, how is the load transmitted to the soil?

In a foundation, the load is transmitted to the soil through the footings. Footings provide a stable base that distributes the weight of the structure above them evenly across a larger area of soil. This distribution helps to prevent excessive settling or movement, ensuring the stability of the entire structure. Footings are designed to handle the vertical loads as well as lateral forces from wind or seismic activity. Their direct connection to the soil allows for effective load transfer, which is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the building.

The other options, while they might contribute to the overall structure, do not play a role in the transmission of the load to the soil. Walls and roofs support their own weight and resist various forces but do not directly transfer the structural loads to the soil. Similarly, a drainage system is essential for managing water around the foundation but does not participate in load transfer.