Sloping lot, no piers?

[Bradleto]

A first pass at designing a residential foundation led me to one professional considering a design where the structure would sit on large 4' by 4' gradebeams, but without any piers below. The lot slopes down approximately 29 degrees down. The soil is typical of that in North Texas -- expansive black clay with limestone.

It seems a bit risky to me -- heavy grade beams supporting poured concrete walls and/or block wall construction up to the level of the lower floor.

Has anyone heard of a similar proposal on a sloped surface?

Thanks, BR

 

[boo1]

The expansive black clay is more "risky" than the slope. Hire a goetechical engineer in your area.

 

[Focht3]

Yup.

Are you in the Metroplex? If so, BEWARE OF WATER INJECTION as a "solution"!



Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora. See faq158-922 for recommendations regarding the question, "How Do You Evaluate Fill Settlement Beneath Structures?"