Grade Beam Use
Grade Beam Use
(OP)
I have a project that requires piles for the foundation system. Due to the soil present, a structural slab is also required. I originally thought of supporting the concrete columns with pile caps, and the structural slab with grade beams that spanned into the caps. This design scheme worked well until I got to one side of the building. On this edge, I would need to design a zero-lot pile cap, with the column exterior face flushed with the edge of the pile cap. I'm concerned the cap won't work due to the column moments (the columns are all part of a concrete moment frame to resist lateral wind forces). Now I am thinking of supporting the columns on grade beams with piles under them. FYI, the structure is only a 2-story building. However, the lateral forces are significant (Florida).
Any thoughts? Should I stick with the caps and grade beams or only use grade beams?
Thanks for your help!
Any thoughts? Should I stick with the caps and grade beams or only use grade beams?
Thanks for your help!





RE: Grade Beam Use
RE: Grade Beam Use
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Grade Beam Use
RE: Grade Beam Use
Any ideas?
RE: Grade Beam Use
Keep in mind that eccentricity for a pile cap is not unusual.
RE: Grade Beam Use
Dik
RE: Grade Beam Use
I'm currently needing a cap with (4) 14" dia piles. I can easily design the piles for the loads and moments, but I am worried about the column moment rotating away from the cap. I just do not see a way for the pile cap to deal with it without some "meat" on that side of the column.
RE: Grade Beam Use
Thanks for the help!
RE: Grade Beam Use
Oh, and Ron... I have been in Florida, but never lived there. I just know from experience up here that all sorts of varmits like crawlspaces - cats, rats, possums, raccoons, snakes... Just figured gators are no different as they are looking for food and shelter too - mainly food, like cats, rats, possums, raccoons, snakes...
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Grade Beam Use
RE: Grade Beam Use
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Grade Beam Use
RE: Grade Beam Use
Dik
RE: Grade Beam Use
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
http://mmcengineering.tripod.com
RE: Grade Beam Use
RE: Grade Beam Use