Caisson Structural Slab w/out Interior Grade Beams
Caisson Structural Slab w/out Interior Grade Beams
(OP)
At typical caisson foundation systems is necessary to provide a cap with grade beams framing into two directions similar to a pile fdn system? I'm trying to save money for a project and would like to design my foundation system like an elevated structural slab over concrete columns thus eliminating interior grade beams. I would then add column drops as required for punching shear and design the slab as a flat plate. What are everyone's thoughts?
TIA
TIA






RE: Caisson Structural Slab w/out Interior Grade Beams
If not, there are a few requirements that you have to meet based on your axial load in your column.
I would carefully read section 18 of the code to see exactly what are the requirements.
Wish I could give you the section.
Hope this helps
RE: Caisson Structural Slab w/out Interior Grade Beams
The Chapter 18 issues that STRUCT59 refers to deals with the requirement in higher seismic areas to laterally tie the tops of piers/piline together with grade beams. This is in cases where columns come down to the first (ground) floor and are directly supported by piers/piles. In your case, your whole floor system would serve that purpose, eliminating the concern that the tops of the piers (bottom of the columms) would spread laterally in a seismic event.