do combined footing (2 pedestals) always have top reinforcement? + and - moment all the time?

[delagina]

it became a habit for me to put t&b bars for combined footing but not so sure now if that is always the case.

 

[jayrod12]

I would be inclined to say no. There are possibilities where there is no need for top steel. But those would be odd geometries where the two pedestals are close enough together that they could probably be treated as one.

I would generally be providing top and bottom steel for combined footings.

 

[KootK]

I asked a related question recently that you may find interesting delagina: Link.


I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.