Another question: step footing or not?
timber26
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Hi!
I am building a small 13X19 cabin with a crawlspace. The hill I am excavating into for the foundation has a 32-35 degree slope.
My footings will be at least 2-2.5 feet deep to make sure I am below the frost line.
I have two questions:
1) Should I do a step footing? It is the 13′ sides of the cabin that will be “stepping” down the hill.
OR
2) Is it just easier to make the whole footing a bit deeper in the back so I don’t have to do a step footing?
Thanks again!
Eric
Replies
Consider that if you don't step your footing, your 2' depth at the downhill side translates to over 10' depth at the uphill side. i don't think you want to mess with footings that deep.
Thanks for the headsup.
Is the difficulty you mention related to digging the rear footing to a 10' depth? (I know I will hit rock, and possibly bedrock)
OR
Is the problem some sort of pressure/movement issue on the foundation because of the foundation's depth?
Just curious. I am definately a take the easy way out (but safe!) kind of guy.
Thanks!