Minimum distance between grade and steel framing

[stickmotion]

Is there a minimum distance that is required between a steel structure and grade? Section 2304.11 of the IBC addresses this for wood structures but I have not found anything for steel structures. The minimum soil cover for frost is 5'-0". I have contractors who want to use a 4'-0" tall wall and a 12" deep footing which would require grade to be at the top of the foundation wall. I have seen foundation designs in our area with 4'-0" foundation walls and am trying to justify that this is acceptable.

 

[AELLC]

You can't anyways because of water intrusion...insist on 6"

What do the Arch'l dwgs show?

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

 

[stickmotion]

The projects are typically design build and are not always in an area where the code is enforced. The contractor typically puts together the architectural drawings and are typically not reviewed by an architect.

 

[AELLC]

Maybe he was speaking in a generic way, and provides a few inches and grade sloped away anyway.

The definition of a structural engineer: overdesign by a factor of 1.999, instead of the usual 2.

 

[dhengr]

Stickmotion:
The contractor wants to use 4' wide found. forming panels and take the lazy way out. Wood rots and steel rusts when it’s in contact with moisture. I would think the same thinking and criteria would exist for either material. 6" or 8" is just plain good practice, as a distance btwn. grade and structure or exterior finish materials, and this doesn’t account for any splash back. Does there have to be a code para. telling him how to wipe is nose if he wants to be a conc. sub? Have him put a couple 2x10's atop his form panels, with some break-off ties holding them together. A few 1/8" steel clips on the bot. of the 2x10's will keep the inside faces lined up.

 

[Qrs]

If you have to tell him how to wipe his nose, do you then have the spec the tissues?

Manufacturers:
1. Kleenex

http://www.kleenex.com

2. Kimberly-Clark

http://www.kimberly-clark.com

3. Puffs

http://www.puff.com

 

[dhengr]

Qrs:
That’s pretty much true these days, nobody can do anything or make any engineering judgements on a job, if there isn’t a code para. that says ‘do that.’ We have become so consumed by following the codes to the letter, that we no longer have any idea of good design, of the intent of that code section and where you might be allowed a little lee-way if you use some engineering experience and good judgement, even a little common sense. If the contractor can cut a corner and save himself a few bucks, what does he care if it becomes a real expensive problem a few years down the line, they don’t always know any better either. The three products that you mentioned don’t seem to have ICC-ES reports. Rejected!

 

[stickmotion]

I completely agree with the statements made. The contractor is saying other engineers use 4'-0" tall walls in there design why can't I specify a 4'-0" wall. I'm trying to make sure I am not missing something. At this point my only conclusion is that they are unaware of the frost requirements for this area.