Concrete pedestral hight adjustment.

[wgw5000]

Contractor fabricated the steel columns at all equal heights. Given that the variations in grade then prevent all the baseplates to be at grade level.

The most obvious solution is to extend the pedestal above grade (up to approximately a foot). Is there any issue with doing this as long as stirrups are added to maintain even spacing and the reinforcement extends the entire length of pedestal. I am concerned that the pedestal may not have been designed as a "free floating" column and may require the lateral support from the adjacent earth.

Any insight is greatly appreciated.

 

[KootK]

You should be fine. The pedestal will still have lateal support from the earth, just not for the bit cantilevering above grade I might be concerned with, say, a six foot cantilever but 1' shouldn't do any harm. It might actually be better for durability. which is where most structural problems arise.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[dik]

Footing looks small for the column size? If the columns need protecting, then maybe encase them in concrete.

Dik

 

[wgw5000]

Thanks all. Turns out the the observation the footing was small was spot on. Uplift was not checked during the foundation design!

:/