ground bearing problems
ground bearing problems
(OP)
I produce pools and have been told about doubts from the local council engineer that the pool structure is in his opinion not man enough for the ground bearing pressures.This has never been a problem in over 200 installs.The pool is only 4m x 2m x 1.2m deep and constructed in 30mm x 60mm box section in a gate formation.with central braces ,fixed to a 150mm concrete base and then a 225mm concrete collar at floor level.This is not my field and would like to know what is needed to satisfy this inspector.Thanks





RE: ground bearing problems
RE: ground bearing problems
Don't you mean - pcf - per cubic foot??
RE: ground bearing problems
I agree with BigH. If you pool is above ground, however, there will be added load to the foundation.
RE: ground bearing problems
This is what the inspector emailed back ,any thoughts.
"Many thanks for your email with further details on the pool construction.
I have discussed this with the Council's Engineers and their opinion is the structure does not appear adequate to resist ground bearing pressures. It will be necessary to provide engineers calculations to justify the wall construction and specifically the fixing detail to the concrete base to prove the capability to resist ground bearing pressures. Alternatively an engineers design could be provided for a retaining wall construction. "
Still cant fathom what he wants or if he knows what he wants!!
Thanks
RE: ground bearing problems
From what you wrote, the soil capacity is not in doubt. The capacity of the pool's walls is in doubt and he wants you to provide engineering drawings to prove that capacity.
Check your local building code. Most likely he is right to ask for the drawings. Contact a local engineer and talk to him. It should not be very expensive.
RE: ground bearing problems
Are you saying he wants the pool structure capacity and you feel I should consult a structural engineer, is that right?.
Why do they keep talking about ground bearing loads?
The pool is 40mm x 60mm galvi steel in a five bar gate formation welded ends, panels are 1.2m high and 2m long and bolted together with 10mm rod, washers and nuts.On the centre join is a full height 600mm wide brace bolted to the two panels.The panels are rawl bolted to the 150mm concrete base.At floor level is a 225mm concrete collar around the pool.
The frame is then covered with 20mm ply and then welded polyprop.
Our pools can stand alone out of the ground with no problems.
Any help with this would be much appreciated.
Thanks
RE: ground bearing problems
Jim Houlette PE
Web: www.evstudio.us
Online Magazine: www.evstudio.info
RE: ground bearing problems
The only "pressure" exerted by the ground is the lateral pressure on the side walls of the pool (assuming no hydrostatic uplift). If the walls of the pool are sufficiently robust to resist the lateral pressure (as with a retaining wall), and the floor of the pool is sufficient to resist any hydrostatic uplift from a high groundwater condition, then you have satisfied the design constraints. The safety factor (at the least) is the pressure exerted in the opposite direction by the water that fills the pool.
RE: ground bearing problems
"It will be necessary to provide engineers calculations to justify the wall construction...."
RE: ground bearing problems
RE: ground bearing problems
We have standard details for rockery walls up to 8 feet here. Engineering above that...
That would retain anything Ron could muster in Florida.
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: ground bearing problems
So check local building code, if engineering is required for that kind of structure on those conditions, you will have to provide it. The soil pushes over the side of the pool and they seem concern about it.
By the way, they are not saying the design does not work, it might be a legal requirement were you are to engineer such a structure.
As I said, talk to a local engineer and get the design validated and signed. It should not be expensive.
RE: ground bearing problems
We get our dizziness from other sources...not the heights!
On another note, I did a failure investigation on a retaining wall a couple of years ago in Central Florida. It was about 20 feet high, no engineering and constructed out of segmental block. It was sliding nicely!!
Agree BigH...not sure why they'd want to bother engineering a 1.2m wall.
RE: ground bearing problems
If you asked me, they just want more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
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Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: ground bearing problems
I am going to engage a structural engineer to assess the frame which is rawl bolted to the concrete base and the cantilever brace at the centre of the long side.Does anyone
think the frame is a problem?