Final answer:
Footings support the load transmitted by the two columns, the weight of the building, and the foundation. They are part of the building's structure that ensures stability from the ground up, assisting in distributing and handling compression and other loads through the building.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question, What does the footing support?, relates to the role of footings within the structure of a building. Architecturally, footings are an integral part of the building's foundation, designed to support the entire structure. The correct answer is that footings primarily support the load transmitted by the two columns and the weight of the building, which includes the foundation and all other elements of the span. The foundation serves as the stable base upon which the rest of the structure is built, so it is also correct to say that footings support the foundation of the building. While the roof is an important part of the structure, the footings themselves are not directly supporting the roof; instead, the load of the roof is transmitted through the structure to the footings. Construction begins with laying a stable foundation, and this foundation must be able to handle the compression loads resulting from the building's weight. Also, elements like buttresses and iron rods are sometimes incorporated to counter lateral forces and ensure stability. Engineers also take into account the forces exerted on elements like bridges supported by piers, ensuring that all components work together to maintain the structural integrity of the building.