Engineered Post Tension Foundation 2

[swthwdy]

Does the Uniform Building Code, which we understand is the standard for construction, require a residential Post Tension Foundation be constructed from a signed, sealed, engineered design for a particular structure?
Should there be soil samples for a site preparation plan?
Should there be inspections pre-pour and post-pour?
Are there any other requirements of the UBC for residential Post Tension foundations?
Should the cable supplier have an engineered plan to view, in order to deliver the correct materials to the jobsite?
Does the Post Tension Institute in Phoenix have any requirements, or do they just offer guidelines?
Thank you in advance.

 

[AlohaBob]

If you wish to use this method, why not just take it to the engineer to design it in the first place. You have a warantee then. If there's more viable alternatives, he can point you that way too.

 

[swthwdy]

Hi AlohaBob: This is a 6 year old Post Tension foundation that apparently has no signed and sealed plans, site preparation, or inspections. At least the production builder and the Post Tension Supplier have 'lost' the plans, according to Court admissions. Our Geotech, through core samples, found one broken cable and one too deep, no others can be found. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[pmkPE]

Have they considered "x-ray"ing the slab? A strand was too deep. Too deep based on what criteria - the drawings were lost? Core samples are destructive in nature and can cut right through the post tensioning. Is this wise?

 

[swthwdy]

Hi pmkPE:

The production builder and the Post Tension Supplier states there are no design drawings, no site preparation plans, no inspections in which to find our cables.
Our Geotechnical engineer's R meter did not detect the cable that was found 5 inches deep, and can find no other cables than the unstressed and broken cable and the one 5 inches deep.
We have looked hard and long in the Houston, Texas area and have not found x-ray technology in this area.
If you have knowledge of x-ray technology in this area of Texas, please let me know.
Thank you so much.

 

[Focht3]

Try checking with the geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing firms in town. I practiced in Houston for many years; I know there are X-ray firms in town. The trick is that you will have to provide access to the underside of the slab - the source and film must be on opposite sides of the object to be X-rayed -



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?"

 

[pmkPE]

Here are a few large companies with offices nation wide.
MME = Radar and Radiography
ATS = Radiography
JANX = Radar and Radiography
SME = Radio and Radiography