What is the purpose of a metal base plate on footings?

The purpose of a metal base plate on footings primarily relates to its function in enhancing load distribution. A base plate helps to spread the load from a structure over a larger area of the footing, which can prevent localized failure and reduce stress concentrations. By doing this, the base plate ensures stability and support, particularly in situations where the underlying soil conditions may vary or when higher loads are applied.

In many construction scenarios, ensuring robust load distribution is essential to avoid issues such as settling or tilting, which can lead to structural failures over time. While the appearance of a structure and protection against wildlife might be considerations in some designs, they do not serve the primary structural and functional role that a base plate fulfills in load management and support. As for concrete shrinkage, while it can be a concern in other contexts, the metal base plate does not function to compensate for this issue; instead, it is designed for structural integrity and stability.