lapstruct
Structural
- Sep 18, 2003
- 4
Has anyone seen this situation before:
Older home (50-60yrs), foundation consists of exterior load bearing cmu walls and interior brick piers that support floor joists and beams. The unusual part: about 10 years ago, the previous owners decided they wanted some storage space I guess, so they dug out around all the brick piers. Currently the brick piers are supported by what appears to be virgin clay soil "pedestals" about 3' high and 24" in "diameter". The system appears to be stable, and the interior walls/ceilings give no indication of any differential settlement. I have been told that there are several homes in this area that have been built and modified in this manner. How has this worked for the past 10 years, and what would make anyone think that this is acceptable as a foundation system?
Older home (50-60yrs), foundation consists of exterior load bearing cmu walls and interior brick piers that support floor joists and beams. The unusual part: about 10 years ago, the previous owners decided they wanted some storage space I guess, so they dug out around all the brick piers. Currently the brick piers are supported by what appears to be virgin clay soil "pedestals" about 3' high and 24" in "diameter". The system appears to be stable, and the interior walls/ceilings give no indication of any differential settlement. I have been told that there are several homes in this area that have been built and modified in this manner. How has this worked for the past 10 years, and what would make anyone think that this is acceptable as a foundation system?