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Grade Beam: The Foundation Solution for Unstable Ground
One of the most challenging situations in which to install a foundation is in the case of unstable soil. Typical foundations depend upon the strength of the soil to support the structure that is being built. Foundation stem walls and footing transfer the building’s weight to the ground. The footing is constructed wider than the stem wall in order to spread the weight out, so that the ground can support it better.
When the ground cannot support the necessary weight, the most common method of constructing a foundation is to use a grade beam. These concrete beams, which can either be above the ground or below the surface, transfer the weight of the building to support piles of one type or another.
Applications of Grade Beams
Grade beams are essential for supporting structures built on unstable or soft ground. They may also be needed in some industrial applications to support heavy equipment or isolate it from vibration. Some medical applications, such as MRI scanners, require the isolation that grade beams provide to ensure a clear image.
Construction and Design of Grade Beams
For concrete beams to function effectively as grade beams, they must be constructed extremely rigid with minimal deflection. This differs from designing other foundations, which are primarily intended to transfer weight to a footing. Concrete, like any stone, is naturally strong in compression but weak in tension. To compensate for this weakness, the beams must be extensively reinforced with rebar along their bottom side. This reinforcement prevents the load of the building from causing cracks in the grade beam.
The Superiority of Postech Screw Piles
Postech Screw Piles make a superior choice of support for grade beams compared to driven or concrete piles. The ease of installation of Postech Screw Piles, along with their inherent strength, supports the load from the grade beams effectively, thus creating a secure foundation that won’t move.
When using concrete piles in unstable soil conditions, the excavation needed can be quite extensive. The lack of stability of the soil itself causes a high probability of a bored hole collapsing. This problem is eliminated with screw piles, as no hole has to be bored. When using driven piles in unstable soil, the piles must be driven deep until they hit bedrock or some other stable support, adding considerable cost. This problem is also eliminated with screw piles, which don’t have to be driven as deep as driven piles.
Contact Postech for Your Grade Beam Needs
Need a grade beam soon? Contact your Postech representative and discover what they can do for you. After all, we’re the Screw Pile experts since 1995 and we know what we’re doing!
