davelinde
10-25-2007, 09:04 AM
I'm trying to get myself up to speed on how homes are built "on stilts" near the beach. Is the proper terminology for this a pier foundation?
It would make sense that the size (eg 8x8, 10x10) and spacing (eg 4', 8' etc) and depth of the pier (how deep ARE they?) would factor into the load bearing capability. I guess the soil would matter too... are there lots of kinds of sand?
Anything else to consider? How are these things installed? I thought they could be impact driven or vibrated into the sand - in this case there's no concrete footing or equivalent for them to sit on, right? I'm thinking footings are not needed?
Are the piers ever installed by excavation and backfill? Does this change the load bearing characteristics?
For the possible variations here... on 30 year old construction, what is possible to inspect - eg how would I know how deep they are, if that matters (and I think it does). For planning an addition, eg a second story or deck/porch, what are key considerations? For installation options, how much access is needed to bring in the equipment required to install any new piers? Is it impossible to install new piers under the footprint of the existing structure?
Looking for wisdom to help us evaluate properties we may purchase and renovate. We will get an engineer and experienced contractor to do this, but I want to understand it before I buy a property, and know what to be asking about when I engage the professional services. Piers are new to me.
It would make sense that the size (eg 8x8, 10x10) and spacing (eg 4', 8' etc) and depth of the pier (how deep ARE they?) would factor into the load bearing capability. I guess the soil would matter too... are there lots of kinds of sand?
Anything else to consider? How are these things installed? I thought they could be impact driven or vibrated into the sand - in this case there's no concrete footing or equivalent for them to sit on, right? I'm thinking footings are not needed?
Are the piers ever installed by excavation and backfill? Does this change the load bearing characteristics?
For the possible variations here... on 30 year old construction, what is possible to inspect - eg how would I know how deep they are, if that matters (and I think it does). For planning an addition, eg a second story or deck/porch, what are key considerations? For installation options, how much access is needed to bring in the equipment required to install any new piers? Is it impossible to install new piers under the footprint of the existing structure?
Looking for wisdom to help us evaluate properties we may purchase and renovate. We will get an engineer and experienced contractor to do this, but I want to understand it before I buy a property, and know what to be asking about when I engage the professional services. Piers are new to me.