What codes specify frost depth 5

[IJR]

In most cases selection of depth of foundation based on intuition or experience is fine, however when every inch of excavation matters economically, I have to explain to someone that I can not put the base of foundation above some level.

What codes specify the minimum depth considering frost.

Thank you in advance

 

[JAE]

I don't believe the codes ever dictate the actual depth. There are publications that report average frost depth for various regions. Generally, we depend upon the geotechnical report to recommend a specific depth. You usually find a common "number" in each city that is used by the vast majority of engineers.

 

[TAC]

Local building codes often specify minimum depths of footings. They are typically based on the average frost depth charts mentioned by JAE. We had a situation recently where a client was trying to fight the local building inspectors to put a footing above frost depth. He wasn't successful. Check with your local building officials to see what they require. Generally i have found that they aren't very flexible.

 

[IJR]

Thanks JAE, thanks TAC.

 

[georam]

Try a software which can calculate the frost depth penetration... depends on region in the US
It is from US Corps - Pavement division
Download at

http://pavement.wes.army.mil/downloads/draft/modberg.exe

It is based on modified Bergreen equation.

Hope that this helps

http://www.pangea.ca/~halim

 

[bmike]

The modified bergren software will do the trick, and it also includes a lot a climactic data. I cannot recall whether it has suggested soil thermal properties, and if not have a look at Jumikis Thermal Geotechnics, Rutgers Univ press, 1977.

you may also find useful information at the US Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab. Many technical papers may be downlaoded there.

http://www.crrel.usace.army.mil/