Has anyone used Bigfoot and Sonotube above ground? I live in Texas, and we don't get any hard freeze. However, my property is close to a stream, and it does flood for a day or so, every few years. I would like the cabin to sit above any potential flood.
Any other suggestions are genuinely appreciated.
Actually that sounds like a pretty good plan right there. Someone used the Bigfoot - I don't remember who.
Welcome to the forum. :)
Whatsa Bigfoot?
I'd think the water if it is at all flowing , you said a stream caused the flooding, would easly undermine any , semi fixed object causing major setting around the object. This settling would be random hence a bad idea.
Building where it floods every year would be a risky situation it can be done cuz bridges get built all the time , you'd need a modified bridge abrupment (sp) meaning very wide and deep below grade , narrow and smooth , think dabree (sp) shedding , on the up steam end .
Just my .02 cents , building where it floods , anytime , is a risky idea.
G/L you'll need it if you build there.
BTW heres bigfoot info:http://www.bigfootsystems.com/AbsPage.aspx?ID=1215&siteid=1&lang=1
No stream flow. It would be more puddling, about 8-to-12 inches for a day.
I would probably use conventional footings and 8" sonotubes with cast brackets bolted to PT 6x6 posts that would go up to the beams. You haven't mentioned how high the posts would be but wood posts are much easier to cross brace for sideward movement than a concrete pillar.
I would like the floor to be 30" above ground. The "puddle" from the stream's overflow is not more than 12 inches. I was just looking at some photos of homes in Mississippi, after Katrina. They seem to be 5 cinder blocks high, and I can't see any cross bracing.
I am a beginner, and there's not much in my budget to hire anyone to help. My idea is for a 14x24 with a shed roof, or the bolt-together cabin. I'm not sure which is easier.
I welcome any criticism. That's the only way I can learn.
Thanks to everyone who's replied to my posting.
I like the Bigfoot idea, hadn't seen it before. Thanks PEG.
I just built on top of the ground. I used 6"x6" PT posts on 6x6 deck blocks on 18x18 cement pavers as the base. Easy to x brace the wood. I'm on a hill and not going to flood.
I had a double-wide that set on blocks in Ponder, Texas.
The ground was that black clay.
You know the kind that is like concrete in August with 3" wide cracks.
And when it is wet it becomes a sticky goo that will pull the shoes off of your feet.
When it rained I had two or three inches of water beneath the house for days.
After 5 years the entire house settled about 3 or 4 inches into the clay. I never had any problem because it settled evenly. Just lucky I guess...