Pier spacing in mud and clay?

[txmudman]

I'm building in a swamp!
We know that there is a layer of clay at the depth of 8'.
I do not know the thickness of this layer of clay.
The outer dimensions will be 24'x40'. Thats 3- 40' shipping containers! If i want more room i may add 2- 20' boxes on top.

 

[BigH]

Hire a geotechnical engineer; set up a site investigation and do a proper and professional job about it. It will save you many a grey hair or hair loss!

 

[fattdad]

Step 1: Make sure you have appropriate permits from the Corps of Engineers (wetlands and swamps are protected)
Step 2: Identify the consequence of excessive settlement. If you are just placing containers, who cares whether they settle a few inches (a foot)?
Step 3: If you really don't care about settlement and just want a flat place to stage containers, build a level pad. You could install some geotextile separation fabric (i.e., Mirafi 500x) and build your pad out of "hog fuel", which is a coarse-milled wood chip. It's lightweight and will not add to your settlement problem.
Step 4: If you are really building a structure, forget everything I just said and hire a geotechnical engineer.

Good luck.

f-d

¡papá gordo ain’t no madre flaca!

 

[COEngineeer]

Get a house boat for step 5 to add fatdad's comment . Dont forget to anchor it.

Never, but never question engineer's judgement