Answer:
[tex]18 ft^{2}[/tex]
Explanation:
Soil bearing pressure=[tex]\frac {Load}{Area}[/tex]
Since we're given pressure of 2500 psf and load of 45000 pounds
The area=[tex]\frac {45000}{2500}=18[/tex]
Therefore, the smallest area of safe footings should not be less than [tex]18 ft^{2}[/tex]