Roman Triano

Much appreciated Joe!

Overall, I am looking for an inexpensive alternative to a concrete slab and hopefully one that I would not need much expert help constructing. Rubble trench seems like the best option for fulfilling those requirements, but if it isn't feasible I was wondering if there was an other alternative.

I will talk talk to some builders and ask if they've seen any examples. Thanks for your help!

I have to admit that I am not an experienced builder so I don't exactly know what to expect. I'm concerned mostly about settlement. I've heard that sand can have a relatively low load bearing capacity and my site is basically on top of a small sand dune.

I've heard of it, but I kinda assumed that having to build a raised floor over it would add to my costs so I didn't consider it. Is it a good alternative?

Maybe I shouldn't have ruled out rubble trench so quickly, but I just don't know whether it is appropriate for sandy soil in terms of stability.

I was thinking about building an earthbag home, but the area I want to build on is very sandy. I don't think a rubble trench foundation would work for my location and I'm almost positive the city inspectors would not allow it. I talked to a couple builder friends about it and one said that nothing short of a 10 ft deep slab of concrete would be acceptable, the other said that a layer of rubble covered by a rebar mesh and then concrete might work.

Do you guys have any ideas or experience on what I can do for a foundation in this sandy soil?