Pole Building Swaying 1

[CabinFever]

I've built a cabin, 9 feet off the ground, 24' X 24', 1 1/2 stories on (9) 12 foot wooden polls. Problem is that there is minor swaying, especially on the 2nd story when people move around. What is the best way to brace the foundation to prevent the swaying?

 

[SperlingPE]

Can't really say for sure. Soil conditions are unknown. Any kind of brace above ground that will run into the ground will put force on the soil. The soil's ability to resist these forces is unknown. This is not a case of a foundation bearing on soil.

 

[boo1]

Consider installing X braces on the poles in both direction and under the floor joist.

 

[UcfSE]

Like Sperling said, the soil's ability to resist load is questionable. Three feet sounds a bit shallow to me also. From your question it doesn't sound like you are an engineer. If you are not an engineer you should hire one to provide professional advice and engineering. Don't just go install x-braces everywhere and think that you are good to go.

 

[Ron]

I agree with the advice to get an engineer involved; however, the X-bracing will likely work, unless you are in a high wind area where overturning might be a problem.

After X-bracing, you end up with a table with lots of legs! Could move laterally with enough force (wind or seismic), since you don't have much soil resistance and you certainly haven't developed fixity of the poles.