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Question
We are going to build a 20' x 18' wood frame garage at our cabin. It will be located a the lake's edge where there is sand mixed with all kinds of rocks, small to large. Impossible to build a footer. Plan to support it with 6 foundation pads on the sand. How big should each footer be?
Hi Larry,
That depends! Are you in a cold climate area? Does it snow and freeze? That could be a hindrance to placing "pads" directly on the sand.
Is there a possibility that you could auger into the ground at each corner and at 4 foot to 6 foot intervals on each wall (aprox. 14 holes) to provide pilings that would extend below the frost line. Then you would form a beam around the base which also give you a level and solid base for the walls.
If frost is not a problem, I would suggest you form the outside edges of your garage, fill the entire area with sand to raise the floor slab above the existing grade and then pour a concrete monolithic slab and footing. The footing should be 16" deep from top of slab to bottom of footing and extend into the slab area 24". Form a 45 degree angle from the bottom of the footing to the underside of the slab. The slab should be a minimum of 4" thick with metal mesh reinforcing. The footing should have at least two #5 rods continuous around the base.
Again, if frost or freezing is not a problem, you could pour "pads" approx. 2' x 2' x 1'deep. However, I don't think six is adequate. Again, one at each corner and at least two at each wall. Where the overhead door is located the pads should be below the door jamb. That means 12 pads. Also, reinforce the pads with 3 #4 reinfocing rods in each direction. In other words, a mat of steel midway in the pad.
Good luck.
Roger
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Answers by Expert:
Roger Zona
Expertise
I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.
Experience
After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.
Organizations
Previously - NAHA
Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)
Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column
Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column
Education/Credentials
Michigan State University
University of Detroit
BS in Engineering
Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family.
I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit.
I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision.
I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.
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