Foundations, Formulas and Recommendations
When considering types of foundations, there could be much to consider, depending on the type of structure; the soil, the climate, it's size, the weight, the purpose,...
There are many different types of structures and soil types,... Therefore there are many different types of existing foundations. Many of which may not be depicted below and would not stand up to today's building code standards. Admittedly there are also many other alternatives not depicted below that may.
With-in this page we will explore some general images found "Published in Commons" which "we except no responsibility for", other than the fact they are presented for educational purposes and are prime examples of some the different recommended basic types and/or styles. You'll also find other files, pertinent information like F.E.M.A. recommendations... Along with other alternatives and possibly, some of my thoughts or wisdom.
The image in the header above, is an example of "Setting a basic square or rectangular Form", depending on your measurements. While below, many of the images are even more detailed and layered, showing how different foundations are formed and finished. It all begins with the understanding of the basic forms, materials, techniques and conditions...
There are many different types of structures and soil types,... Therefore there are many different types of existing foundations. Many of which may not be depicted below and would not stand up to today's building code standards. Admittedly there are also many other alternatives not depicted below that may.
With-in this page we will explore some general images found "Published in Commons" which "we except no responsibility for", other than the fact they are presented for educational purposes and are prime examples of some the different recommended basic types and/or styles. You'll also find other files, pertinent information like F.E.M.A. recommendations... Along with other alternatives and possibly, some of my thoughts or wisdom.
The image in the header above, is an example of "Setting a basic square or rectangular Form", depending on your measurements. While below, many of the images are even more detailed and layered, showing how different foundations are formed and finished. It all begins with the understanding of the basic forms, materials, techniques and conditions...
As seen in the image above, some of the basic styles or types of foundations are known as Crawl Space, Basement, Thickened Slab,... Each one labeled or named according to purpose or style; as they can change according to climate, available materials, terrain, and/or style of construction,...
Consider them suggestions and/or templates. Adjust as needed to customize and/or complete local code specifications for your project, vision or repair needs.
I suggest subbing healthy natural sustainable materials in place of as many harmful chemical based materials as you can. I have said it more than once at this point, start with Hemp; Hemp Insulation, Hempcrete, Hemp based Paints and Sealers,...,... An endless list of building products, many of which are mold and flame resistant.
There are some good books written on the subject of natural alternatives in sustainable building such as Making Better Buildings: A Comparative Guide to Sustainable Construction for Homeowners and Contractors ~
Consider them suggestions and/or templates. Adjust as needed to customize and/or complete local code specifications for your project, vision or repair needs.
I suggest subbing healthy natural sustainable materials in place of as many harmful chemical based materials as you can. I have said it more than once at this point, start with Hemp; Hemp Insulation, Hempcrete, Hemp based Paints and Sealers,...,... An endless list of building products, many of which are mold and flame resistant.
There are some good books written on the subject of natural alternatives in sustainable building such as Making Better Buildings: A Comparative Guide to Sustainable Construction for Homeowners and Contractors ~
For more information on Alternative Sustainable Building/Construction Methods with-in this site see Basic Techniques
Below is a Stem Wall and Slab Foundation with Concrete Footing below Frost Depth, not seen depicted in the image above. Yet, these methods are depicted in the image above, as it is actually a combination of two methods depicted above in part. Notice the materials utilized below.
Why anyone would choose to use a Polymer based Stucco and Gypsum board over the Natural Non-Toxic Alternatives is really beyond me when there are alternatives that have already proven themselves over time.
We can also see in these images some of the different types of Barriers that may be applied, needed or even required when constructing or repairing a foundation. Including Frost Barriers, Moisture or Vapor Barriers, Insect or Termite Barriers,... and how these Methods can also change and/or combine.
Below is a Stem Wall and Slab Foundation with Concrete Footing below Frost Depth, not seen depicted in the image above. Yet, these methods are depicted in the image above, as it is actually a combination of two methods depicted above in part. Notice the materials utilized below.
Why anyone would choose to use a Polymer based Stucco and Gypsum board over the Natural Non-Toxic Alternatives is really beyond me when there are alternatives that have already proven themselves over time.
We can also see in these images some of the different types of Barriers that may be applied, needed or even required when constructing or repairing a foundation. Including Frost Barriers, Moisture or Vapor Barriers, Insect or Termite Barriers,... and how these Methods can also change and/or combine.
In the image below, the Design appears to be nearly the same, while only changing slightly on some of the measurements,... In actuality, there are some major differences in these two designs. In the image above, the slab is embedded, sunk or dug down into the ground, so that the gravel is below ground level... While in the image below the gravel, slab,... Is all above ground. Which may account for some changes in thickness of the foundation wall and the footers.
While materials used and the thickness according to materials used, can also produce these changes. As it also appears the foundation in the image above is a wood formed and poured Concrete Foundation Wall while in the image below it appears to be a Cement Block Foundation Wall, though it is not really specified or written there in the image? As both say Cement only.
While materials used and the thickness according to materials used, can also produce these changes. As it also appears the foundation in the image above is a wood formed and poured Concrete Foundation Wall while in the image below it appears to be a Cement Block Foundation Wall, though it is not really specified or written there in the image? As both say Cement only.
As titled, it is a "Slab-on-Grade" Foundation, meaning the gravel, barrier, slab,... is all laid on top of the Graded ground, as apposed to being inset or dug down into the ground.
While the image below, titled "Unvented Crawl Space Wall...", not only shows the changes of measurements due to the Crawl Space being added; it also shows changes to the method of drainage around the foundation and/or including the technique for installation of the Vapor Barrier due to soil and climate... Which may explain why we see no Termite or Insect Barrier? See more on Termite Barriers with-in this site.
While most of these images rely on basic commercial synthetic materials and standards, they are good examples of these methods and standards.
While the image below, titled "Unvented Crawl Space Wall...", not only shows the changes of measurements due to the Crawl Space being added; it also shows changes to the method of drainage around the foundation and/or including the technique for installation of the Vapor Barrier due to soil and climate... Which may explain why we see no Termite or Insect Barrier? See more on Termite Barriers with-in this site.
While most of these images rely on basic commercial synthetic materials and standards, they are good examples of these methods and standards.
Notice the Grade of the land, and that the land is sloped so that water can drain away from the foundation in all of theses images, which is one thing they all have in common that doesn't change during the construction or design process.
In the image below, we see a "Pile and Grade Beam" = Wooden Foundation Wall construction without a basement. Again, just another variation of a foundation seen depicted in the image showing multiple types of basic forms. This type of foundation is more commonly seen with wooden floors and not the cement slab as depicted below.
In the image below, we see a "Pile and Grade Beam" = Wooden Foundation Wall construction without a basement. Again, just another variation of a foundation seen depicted in the image showing multiple types of basic forms. This type of foundation is more commonly seen with wooden floors and not the cement slab as depicted below.
A prime example of how the measurements can change according to the materials being used in the construction process. From the Foundation Wall height to the thickness of the cement floor slab at it's edges... Yet, you will notice that the average Minimum recommended depth for an average building or home foundation wall is at least 3' deep.
* Attached is a F.E.M.A., P.D.F. - Recommended Residential Construction for Coastal Areas - Building on Strong and Safe Foundations.
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