Les Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 Some of you know I collect old books about buildings and materials. I cannot find a word that describes a compacted gravel footing that was common in Michigan during +-1900 to 1930. Typically used under concrete blocks. Download Attachment: MVC-004S.JPG 28.32 KB This is a poor photo of that system. The question is not how the footing worked, rather what is the descriptor word. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted November 13, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 This is a little better photo. 2x4" bottom edge is top of interior concrete floor. Strata is clay, gravel, block (holes), etc. Thanks Download Attachment: DSC02482.JPG 26.88 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 Hi Les, You aren't referring to Lean Fill are you? It's a flowable/compactable fill used under footings in problem soils. ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 How old is it? Perhaps you're thinking of the word "Rubble." Boy-o-boy, trivia pursuit for inspectors. Who woulda thunkit? OT - OF!!! M. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Fabry Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 I'd call it rubble too. Edit : I just saw that what you're asking about is is used with man made block..I retract rubble and offer bank run gravel, or crusher run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottpat Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 How about a "Frost Protected Shallow Foundation". I just finished reading a book about Frank Lloyd Wrights homes and he designed homes with a foundation footing as you are describing. It originated in Scandinavia. They allow for building a shallow foundation in areas that have frost heave problems or in areas with poor soil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kibbel Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 I have something that says F. L. Wright called his discovery "dry wall footings" but it's the same as earlier "rubble trench foundations" that have been used for millenniums. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Morrison Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 Les, Whenever I can't find exactly the right word, I just throw in the "F" word. It carries the sort of conviction that accuracy never could. Hope that helps, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted November 13, 2006 Report Share Posted November 13, 2006 Yep, Frubble and flean fill OT - OF!!! M.[:-dunce] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian G Posted November 14, 2006 Report Share Posted November 14, 2006 Les, if you've already got just two words that accurately describe it (compacted gravel), why worry about getting it down to one? Have you been drinking Kurt's Kool-Aid? [] Brian G. Les Seeks Less? [:-boggled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted November 14, 2006 Report Share Posted November 14, 2006 Rubble Trench. Kool Aid upon request...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homnspector Posted November 14, 2006 Report Share Posted November 14, 2006 Fraggregate? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted November 14, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2006 Actually saw FLW footings in Oak Park, Il. This is a little different. There are times when I have to use a word that can be translated within the industry and not regional - compacted gravel is a regional description. I think lean fill is what I was after. For your information: the foundation wall(s) failed right after this photo was taken. It seems the water collection contractor excavated the footings to install his plastic pipe and visquene; to improve the flow of water thru the walls and over to sump and pump. Of course the exterior grade was still negative 4" at the foundation line. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darren Posted November 14, 2006 Report Share Posted November 14, 2006 Les, Your dating yourself..."Visqueen". I used that term 2 months ago on a townhouse project and everyone (except the foreman) was looking at me very strangely. The foreman just laughed and told his guys to get the vapor barrier. Darren www.aboutthehouseinspections.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted November 14, 2006 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2006 Only vapor barrier I know is the red flannel type! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.