Insulated Precast Foundation: How Crushed Stone Footing Works
When talking about the insulated pre- cast foundations, we also discuss about the crushed stone footing. What is its purpose? How does the crushed stone footing works? What other considerations do we need to know about the stone footing?
Purpose of Crushed Stone Footing
To understand what a crushed stone footing is, you must understand what the purpose of a footing is. A footing takes the axial load of the superstructure or building above and spreads it over a larger area or footprint on the ground. It usually follows the principle, the wider the footprint on the ground, the more weight that can be supported by the footing.
Crushed stone footing is the flat layer lying above the ground or the soil. Its purpose is to distribute the wall’s load over a sufficiently large area of soil to prevent the weight- bearing capacity of the soil from overflowing.
How does a crushed stone footing works?
Because of its purpose, stone footing works as the weight- bearer of your home. The building load on the top of the insulated pre-cast foundation is transferred to the crushed stone footing, and in turn is transferred and spread equally to the ground. The load spreads at a 30 degree angle outward through the stone in a triangular shape increasing the bearing width as it transfers through. This equated to a 6 inch deep stone footing having a bearing footprint of 17-3/16 inches. The deeper the stone footing the wider the footprint, so a 12 inch deep stone footing equates to a bearing footprint of 24-1/8 Inches.
Railroad beds go through some of the worst soils in the world and set on crushed stone footing, stands strong and last longer. Same goes true to the pyramids in Egypt where they have wide footings and still stands up until now.
Why do you use crushed stone footing?
Crushed stone footings are used to create a drain field under the insulated precast foundations, which will then prevent the buildup of hydrostatic pressure. This will then make the basement dry, making it the reason why most home builders used them.
Will the crushed stone footing settle over time?
The life span of the crushed stone footing depends on the soil beneath it. Often the weakest soil affects the effectiveness of the stone footing. But there are now innovations induced to prevent settling or damage to the stone footing as most home builders find ways to help their clients in the most conventional ways. Proper excavation and good soil is the key for the footing to avert these problems.
In Michigan, you will find that there are different kinds of home builders who are experienced in working with crushed stone footing. One of them is Todd Rutledge of Legendary Homes, Inc. He can sit and talk to you about the services he and his company if offering when it comes to giving the best and energy efficient foundations.
“With its superior quality, energy efficiency, strong and budget friendly modular homes, Legendary Homes is one of the trusted modular home builders around Clarklake and Jackson Michigan for over 20 years of experience now. Legendary Homes helps in site location, acquisition of permits, excavation, foundation (including Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations), landscaping, breeze ways and other services needed to complete your home. As a company that prioritizes its customers, Legendary Homes allows you to customize your home. And most importantly, we assist in home financing by working with the top lenders in Michigan.”
It’s amazing news to start building your dream home, right? “We make your dreams a reality!”
