Grade Beam Question

[kxa]

I have seen grade beams directly on piles with the bottom of the beam below frost line (say 42" below grade) and, Grade beams that are supported on 2'x2'x18" pile caps. It that case, the bottom of the grade beam is only 18" or so below grade. I like to see what the general consensus is out there. I prefer the grade beam directly over pile and at the required frost depth. Individual pile caps also involve more formwork installation and really not that much saving in material.

 

[KootK]

I work in a cold climate. For small scale stuff, the dominant local practice will be 24" grade beams directly on piles without caps. Frost cushion below the beams is used to mitigate frost heave rather than going down to frost depth. Eliminating the pile caps saves cost of course.

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.