I am getting ready to design a two story office building which will be on piles. Steel beams and columns will carry loads to multi-pile footings. The problem I have is at the perimeter grade beams. They will carry brick veneer and stud walls. The side walls will be load bearing. The geotech has suggested just letting the lower slab "float". We are using 12" piles.
I would appreciate any suggestions for details of the perimeter grade beams such as width, pile embedment, what to do at edge of slab, etc.
I would appreciate any suggestions for details of the perimeter grade beams such as width, pile embedment, what to do at edge of slab, etc.