Sloped Grade Beam vs Stepped Footing

sedesigner06 · Aug 10, 2016

I have a grade beam that is spanning between to drilled piers acting as a torsional member for a roughly 5' high retaining wall. The ideal layout with grades puts the grade beam at roughly a 20 degree angle.

I have some flexibility as I can lower the upper driller pier to reduce the angle. I would like to avoid a stepped footing scenario as I am using the grade beam as a torsional member as stated above.

My question is there a limit on the slope of the grade beam. I know low slump concrete may have to be used but wanted to reach out to others that may have some insightful information.

Thanks!

calvinandhobbes10 · Aug 10, 2016

Best bet is to call a local concrete sub and see how they would tackle it. Better yet, talk to the guy who will get the job.
I did 30-degree sloped beams recently (elevated, not grade) and they were cast using essentially tilted column forms and access holes to pour the wet concrete.
In your situation, for 20 degrees (steep), I would think that they'll have to build a plywood form on the top face.

hokie66 · Aug 10, 2016

I doubt that 20 degrees would be too steep to cast without a top form. Your concrete will need to be stiff, of course, which is good. But why not just slope the bottom and step the top? That way, the steps are just starters for the wall, and your grade beam depth is constant.

sedesigner06 · Aug 10, 2016

Hokie,

That is not a bad option, I guess bottom line is that it can be done. I believe I will show it as separate construction grade beam/construction joint/wall and if they would like to do it a different way I will approach the situation with open ears!

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Sloped Grade Beam vs Stepped Footing

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