The recommended placement of reinforcement for footings is in the?

The recommended placement of reinforcement for footings is in the lower 25% of the footing. This placement is crucial because footings primarily resist bending and shear forces due to the loads transferred from the structure above. Most of the tensile stresses, which reinforcement is intended to counteract, occur at the bottom of the footing when the footing experiences bending.

By positioning the reinforcement in the lower portion, it enhances the footing's ability to handle these stresses effectively. Additionally, reinforcing in this area ensures that the concrete can support the weight and movement of the structure appropriately while minimizing the risk of cracking or failure.

Other locations such as the middle or upper parts of the footing do not provide the same level of effectiveness for resisting these specific types of forces. The perimeter might be more focused on lateral stability rather than the primary tensile stresses that occur at the bottom, making the lower portion the most effective placement for reinforcement.