Foundations

I have been experimenting with using ss pipe for foundation anchors, has anyone else done this?

Remember Patrick, a foundation anchor for the PE in the world is a "moment connection," and these MUST (appropriately so) meet stringent design criteria for the "potential load." SS does not always meet these needs unless made specific for them and to the specification of the project parameters...so...you can't just grab SS and use it...and pipe does not usually meet these specifications. Check with manufacture.

Yes, we have and do use SS, often in wet or near marine environments...these are spec'd by our PE.

I still try to avoid this if possible as it adds substantial cost to a project.

Regards,

j

Thanks for the response j, yes ss brackets are very expensive, such is my motive to build my own . Here is a footing I made just to hold a spigot riser.

Here's more pics

More pics

This one turned out a lot better, there is no play yet, I think this is plenty strong to hold a spigot. As far as a foundation for a cabin, I would use pipe or strap on either side of my upright and bolt it thru or lag bolt it, this I have not done, I would like to see other peoples work, I am sure other people make there own anchors.

Patrick Moore wrote:Here's more pics

Nice! How long did that take you?

Hello Patrick, et al,

I feel obligated, as a building professional, to restate and bring note to my first post on this thread. "..and pipe does not usually meet these specifications...." Though this may present as a suitable "drift pin" (and very well may serve as such," this use will typically not meet PE approval and all too often shear at grade during significant tectonic (wind or seismic) events.

I also wonder about the use of OPC and the types of soils present. I assume you do not have "frost issues" in your location? Clay soils combined with freezing exert massive distortion in some soil types if proper draining in and around foundation elements are not addressed. I do understand well that many engineering spec are "over kill," and plenty of architectural frames just "sit" on their foundation without any attachment, yet these are massive timber frames and are specifically designed for such installation. I am not saying this is the case, yet many folks will do something architecturally because if "seem right" or "look strong" when it is more a psychological and less "functional." This is why, when I facilitate workshops and class that address DIY students that are doing "Permi Building" that they stop and ask if what the about to do has "vernacular linage," are they taking something out of normal context (like a pipe) and do they understand at least the most common potential ramifications if there is failure. I think you probably have, yet you may want to re-examine further applications and used of the methods. Thanks for posting pictures and sharing this, as it is a wonderful archive we are building of methods, potential short falls of them, and the wonderful work our members are doing.

Regards,

j

Thanks Amber, I would guess about 4-5 hours went into the spigot assembly alone.

Thanks for your attention Jay, no frost here and it is all rock, for a spigot I am not concerned about safety. As far as for a small cabin, let me put it into context of the cabin I have built, 10'by10' by 10' 6" at the high side, shed roof , I concreted in conventional galvanized brackets, 4 of them ,one in each corner. They set up great and I bolted 4, 4" by 6"'s to them, on this I placed a roof and the walls are mostly screen, we have gotten some heavy winds and we felt pretty safe. The next structure I plan on building about the same, except I would like to use either ss pipe or ss strap for the anchors. The issue I am trying to solve is how to create a solid anchor with this material.

The issue I am trying to solve is how to create a solid anchor with this material.

Hi Patrick,

If you feel safe, this is your only criteria you wish to meet, and you are happy with the outcome in design performance-application...then proceed. As per the quote above...maybe you can and maybe you can't...as concrete filled SS pipe is not intended application nor what would be specified as a "moment connection." So again if your system is working for you...then move forward. If you are asking for a critique...you are being really inventive...yet perhaps reinventing too many wheels, and definitely employing something way out of context.

I see much of the "Premise Architecture" movement inundated with ignoring the vernacular designs that are so often superior to what is being built and "dreamed up," (not always.) I own my bias as a natural and traditional builder...I am almost always going to go with the vernacular and understood traditions over trying to "make something work."

Regards,

j