Arched Truss Beam and Foundation Column Introduction

Simple foundation and roof shaping strategy for up-scaling naturalistic designs accurately into full scale size while integrating the structures into the natural, unaltered terrain. The foundation and beam approach allows exact 2-D cross-sectional profiles to be represented in the shape of the beam and the insulated columns can provide a sturdy foundation design for many situations such as building on natural bouldars, steep rocky ground and even soft ground situations can be accommodated with this custom column foundation approach. This foundation and arch truss combo allows the entire armature of the structure to be completed before any mixing of composite or fill is initiated. This alone saves important resources for a project and enables greater momentum and freedom for the sculpting portion of building sturdy shelter.

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The Bell Bottom Pier Method of Foundation Repair

The poured concrete pier, or Bell Bottom Pier, method of foundation repair is the most thoroughly researched and most permanent solution for concrete slab foundations. There are a number of methods of foundation repair available to building owners and homeowners. Some of these methods are quick and relatively cheap. But there is only one method that utilizes the same construction concept used for building massive support columns for highway overpasses. The Bell Bottom Pier method utilizes this concept, digging large holes, pouring in wet concrete, and placing steel reinforcing rods in the wet concrete.

The Bell Bottom Pier method of foundation repair begins with a fifteen to eighteen foot soil test to determine the depth of bedrock or stable soil. Then the correct length or depth for the piers can be defined. Rectangular areas that extend under the foundation are identified as the locations for the new piers. If necessary, areas in the interior of the building structure or home will be marked for pier placement. The soil is then excavated from this "box" to a depth of about three feet. These rectangular holes will then be large enough for motorized drills to be used for the excavation of the shaft and bell bottom portions of the pier. The excavation of the shaft portion is a simple process. The excavation of the bell bottom portion, which may be as much as eighteen feet below the surface, is a much greater challenge. This is a crucial step because the bell bottom will act as a "foot" for supporting the weight of the building structure or home on stable soil. This tricky excavation is done with a unique drill bit that "flares-out" two cutting flanges. After excavating some soil, they will "compress inward" with the soil that has been "cut away." The entire drill bit is then brought to the surface to remove the "cut soil." And the process is repeated until a nicely formed bell (foot) is excavated at the base of the pier.

The next step in the construction of the Bell Bottom Pier method of foundation repair is the concrete pour (poured concrete pier method). The entire excavated area is filled with high strength concrete up to about twenty-four inches under the foundation. Then steel rebar, which has been "tied" together, is placed in the shaft and the rectangular upper cap of the pier. The steel will give the concrete additional strength for support and to resist future soil movement. After about two weeks the concrete is dry enough for the leveling process. Hydraulic jacks are used to lift those sections of the building or home that have "fallen." Once the entire structure is leveled then concrete blocks and steel shims are placed between the top of the piers and the foundation to maintain the level position.

There are advantages and disadvantages with every method of foundation repair but the Bell Bottom Pier method excels. Its advantages include the support of the majority of structural engineers who have experience with concrete slab foundations. The soil is tested prior to installation and therefore the depth of the shaft can be custom designed for the building or home. The bell bottoms provide a large area of support and the entire Bell Bottom Pier will anchor against uplift and resist all forces of soil movement. In addition, there are no damaging forces exerted on the building or home during installation. The main disadvantages are that this method is more expensive and requires more time than other methods. However, the bell bottom method of foundation repair is a superior and permanent solution for concrete slab foundations that are experiencing movement problems.

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What is a Pile Foundation?

A pile foundation is a civil engineering concept that is, at its most basic, a substructure that is supported by piles. This type of foundation allows any type of structure to actually be supported by a layer or layers of soil. The soil is actually built up under the ground surface and the deeper the pile, or support pole, goes, the more stable the structure should be. There are two basic parts to a pile foundation: the pile and the pile cap.

The pile cap serves as the base of the structure. It's similar to a spread foot in this way in that it can support a slab, a wall, or a structural column. However, it is different in that it puts all of the weight on a pile or a group of piles. The pile is the structural stilt that is driven into the ground. The weight load is distributed across all of the piles used in the structure, and this pile cap load is also transferred to the soil that is located around the pile tip, which is the end of the pile that is driven into the soil.

One of the downsides to Pile foundations is that the soil must be hard enough to shore up the foundation and really keep the pile steady. Locations where the soil is very soft will not provide any support for the pile, which can be disastrous in some cases. However, pile foundations can be used in areas with very poor soil conditions as long as the soil is hard enough to hold up the piles and the structure built around them. In fact, this is one of the key uses of pile foundations. The pile and pile cap concept helps create a good, solid foundations in these types of areas. Because areas with poor soil can be difficult to excavate and may not be capable of supporting heavy structures, traditional foundations are not always an option. These types of areas are usually filled with soft clay, loose soil, boulders, high ground-water levels, and other things that make it difficult to build.

By setting up pile foundations instead of traditional foundations that use spread footing, the poor soil conditions have almost no impact on the foundation. There is also no need to drill the piles deep into the soil-a solid foundation can actually be obtained at almost any depth. There is no need to do any deep excavation or draining of the area, nor is there the need to install any sort of bracing or other temporary foundation. Pile foundations are also used in the construction of offshore platforms and other buildings and structures that are situated over water.

Piles can be found in many different sizes and shapes. Most are constructed out of steel, although concrete and timber can also be used. Pile foundations are fairly inexpensive and economically viable in many locations.

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Top 3 Ways to Build a Shed Foundation

Building the foundation for your outdoor storage shed doesn't necessarily mean pouring concrete and breaking your back. Depending on the type and size of shed you're constructing, your foundation might simply involve digging a few holes in the ground. Before you begin construction, check your local building codes. You may need a permit to build, and if you do, you may need a specific foundation as dictated by law.

Keep in mind that the foundation will need to support the weight of the shed, whether it's a wooden storage shed, a metal garden shed, or a plastic decorative shed. It will also need to protect the shed from ground moisture so that in the rainy Spring months your shed doesn't get water damage that can ruin the foundation years before the rest of it needs replacing.

Let's take a look at three types of foundations you might consider, if given the choice. The first one is concrete. While the most durable foundation, concrete is also the most expensive and time consuming. This cost can be offset by the fact that the foundation can double as the shed floor with no further floor construction needed.

Another option is a concrete pier foundation. The structure in built on several single piers or columns, rather than one large concrete slab, and the entire area beneath the building is open. This foundation is cheaper than the concrete slab foundation, and can usually be completed in just a couple days.

Finally, there's the pressure infused wood foundation. Many manufacturers suggest the use of a treated wood foundation because they are lighter than concrete, and may be placed directly on gravel beds, removing the need for concrete work. Pressure infused lumber is pretreated to resist decay and termite infestation.

You'll have to put some thought into which type of foundation to use - concrete, pier, or wood - for your outdoor storage shed, but with this information, it should make your decision a little easier!

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Metro Expo Line conduct of ample aperture for foundation -- Part 1

A Malcolm BG-40 drill rig is drilling a 12-ft-diameter and 120-ft-deep hole for the one of the foundations of the aerial station at Venice and Robertson Boulevards in Culver City, Los Angeles County, California. After the drilling a giant steel cage of the same size is installed in the hole and then it's filled with concrete. On the surface a smaller diameter steel cage forms the skeleton of the concrete column. At this location there are twin columns and the already installed steel cage can be seen behind the drill rig. Once completed there will be sixteen columns for the aerial section of the Expo Line light-rail here.

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Metro Expo Line conduct of ample aperture for foundation -- Part 3

A Malcolm BG-40 drill rig is drilling a 12-ft-diameter and 120-ft-deep hole for the one of the foundations of the aerial station at Venice and Robertson Boulevards in Culver City, Los Angeles County, California. After the drilling a giant steel cage of the same size is installed in the hole and then it's filled with concrete. On the surface a smaller diameter steel cage forms the skeleton of the concrete column. At this location there are twin columns and the already installed steel cage can be seen behind the drill rig. Once completed there will be sixteen columns for the aerial section of the Expo Line light-rail here.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJMti3kPEl8&hl=en

Shallow Foundation Concrete Structures