Expert: Dan Griffin - 6/10/2009

Question
Hi Dan.
My husband and I are getting ready to build in Mexico on our piece of paradise.
Cinder Block is the style of building, Hurricane Dean wiped out many places in our area two years ago.
For strength some builders, with Engineered Plans do not utilize alot of rebar, they use mesh and rebar where the Engineer tells them to.
My question is: To strengthen a building you must use rebar throughout, Correct?  
Also if we are planning on building using stilts a pad is built as close to the water table as possilbe, I believe the pad is actually a floating pad as there is nothing but sand below to the water table. How does one know they have the correct size of pad and size of stilt?
I am looking into all of this as to not be totally unknowledgable with our architect, but also want to ensure we have the stability to endure a large storm.
Thank you for any thoughts or help.

Answer
Kim,  I am not totally familiar with CMU (cement block) construction on stilts.  Most coastal work I know of is wood frame on driven piles.  The piles are either wood or concrete vibrated and/or driven to remission.  Hurricane Andrew forced Florida into some of the most stringent building codes in the country.  I would think copying or using their code would be more than adequate for your needs.  Their code requires some rather exotic tie downs which anchor the wall and roof members to the footings.  The Florida work I am familiar with is not stilt construction.

The Journal of Light Construction had a feature article on repairing a footing on piles.  

I wish I could be more helpful.

CMU buildings are typically reinforced with rebar in slushed cells in a 4 foot pattern, both vertical and horizontal and at all corners, window sides, and door sides.  The vertical rebar path is continuous from footing to the top trough block.  The horizontal rebar is each 4 foot with ladder ties at 2 feet.  

It is always best to stay with methods and materials familiar to local builders and tradesmen.  You might look up ICF on google.  There are many brands, but the ultimate R factor and continuous reinforcement might interest you.  This, again,  would be subject to equipment and knowledge available where you hope to build.