A footing is a part of the foundation of a structure that spreads and transmits the load to the soil. A footing is also characterized as a shallow foundation, where the loads are transferred to the ground near the surface.
Beam footings are elements that are in bending and are supported clear of the ground. They will normally span between piers, piles or pile caps. They are distinguished from beams in the building superstructure since they will normally require a lower grade of finish. They are distinguished from strip footings since they are clear of the ground surface and hence require support to the lower face while the concrete is curing.