hocha
Civil/Environmental
- Sep 8, 2009
- 5
Hi All -
I'm managing the construction of an electrical upgrades project, which will install a small electrical shed (12'-L x 16'-W x 8'-H). The electrical shed is specified as a pre-cast concrete building "capable of withstanding the effects of earthquake motions determined according to CBC 2010" and to "bear fully on a crushed stone base...14" thick or down to firm subgrade". A concrete foundation is not clearly specified. Location is Southern California (seismic zone 4).
My engineer (from Arizona) contends that the specific manufacturer identified in the specifications produces a pre-cast concrete building that can be placed on a gravel foundation while complying with required codes. The contractor says that all manufacturers that he contacted (including the manufacturer specified) require a concrete foundation beneath the pre-cast structure in Southern CA. I don't know who to believe, and we are at a stand still. Have contacted the manufacturer directly who does not directly answer my questions, using qualifiers like "usually" when responding (e.g. "Our buildings come with a post tensioned floor system so that all is required is a compacted site USUALLY with stone or base material".)
Can anyone shed any light on my quandary? Is it possible to install a pre-cast building without an additional concrete foundation in Southern California?
Sincerely,
AH
I'm managing the construction of an electrical upgrades project, which will install a small electrical shed (12'-L x 16'-W x 8'-H). The electrical shed is specified as a pre-cast concrete building "capable of withstanding the effects of earthquake motions determined according to CBC 2010" and to "bear fully on a crushed stone base...14" thick or down to firm subgrade". A concrete foundation is not clearly specified. Location is Southern California (seismic zone 4).
My engineer (from Arizona) contends that the specific manufacturer identified in the specifications produces a pre-cast concrete building that can be placed on a gravel foundation while complying with required codes. The contractor says that all manufacturers that he contacted (including the manufacturer specified) require a concrete foundation beneath the pre-cast structure in Southern CA. I don't know who to believe, and we are at a stand still. Have contacted the manufacturer directly who does not directly answer my questions, using qualifiers like "usually" when responding (e.g. "Our buildings come with a post tensioned floor system so that all is required is a compacted site USUALLY with stone or base material".)
Can anyone shed any light on my quandary? Is it possible to install a pre-cast building without an additional concrete foundation in Southern California?
Sincerely,
AH
