1. Footings, Foundations, and Concrete
Chapter 9
Footings, Foundations, and Concrete

2. Staking Out?
Use plot plan to stake out location of the house on the lot.
Layout corners
3-4-5 ( )method
Batter boards
Control point (usually highest point)

3. Excavation
Bulldozer or tractor with blade is used to remove topsoil, for fill later.
Trencher or backhoe used for excavating earth.
Footings should extend down a minimum of 6” below the average minimum frost depth and 6” into undisturbed soil. (Local code)
Plan for settling.

4. Footing Shapes
Increase the supporting capacity of the foundation wall by spreading the load over a larger area.

5. Footing Shapes and Sizes

6. Foundation Walls Extends from the first floor to the footing
Basement wall or crawlspace
T-Foundation
Slab Foundation
Pier/Post Foundation
(see page 165)

7. Terminology Drain Tile (4” perforated (weep) tile) Pilasters
Beam Pocket
Gravel Fill
Sand Cushion (between poured floor and footing)
Vapor Barrier
Live Loads – fixed or moving weight not part of structure
Dead Loads – Fixed weights of the structure.

8. Beams and Girders
Used to cover large spans, where wood would not be sufficient
S-Beam (I - beam) and Wide flange beam
Lintels – horizontal support over an opening

9. Concrete and Masonry Concrete - Cement, sand, aggregate and water
Cement – Mixture of lime, silica (sand), alumina, iron and gypsum.
Sold by the cubic yard ~ $30.00/cu.yd.
Concrete block (cinder block) (p. 179)
Pavers