Fabric Building Structures Foundation Options

This foundation is very similar to the concrete footing and is constructed in a similar fashion as most residential home foundations.  This design allows the owner to add more height to the building maximizing the usable interior space, and allowing for greater clearance.  This type of foundation is commonly found in industrial settings where equipment and materials have a tendency of running into and damaging ground mounted buildings.  The height of the wall can be adjusted, and sometimes pilasters will need to be added for support.  This type of foundation is excellent for commodity storage as it keeps things from piling up against the fabric. The cost of this type of foundation is usually higher than most other options, but in certain applications the added functionality outweighs the additional cost.

The concrete pier foundation can be a very good solution depending on the composition of the soil.  It is strongly recommended that a soils report be done before committing to this type of foundation because rocky soil or low compaction could send the cost skyrocketing.  In most cases this can be a very economical solution because the concrete requirement will be lower and it requires significantly less labor.  The downside to this type of foundation is that the fabric does not finish as neat as it does on other foundations, and the reliability is questionable without a soils report.

Concrete Block Foundation

Concrete blocks are an excellent solution for smaller fabric buildings.  Like a concrete wall this type of foundation allows the building to be raised up off the ground to meet clearance requirements, and to provide additional interior space.  It also allows for the foundation to be moved at a later date.  The downside to this foundation is that if you want to mount a larger building it will require a significant number of blocks strapped together in order to withstand the loads.  If you plan to use this type of foundation all of the blocks will need to come from a manufacturer that can supply engineering information.  This is one of the most portable foundations, but it is difficult to finish in a manner that is aesthetically pleasing.

Post Foundation

A post foundation uses either wooden or steel risers in order to raise the building above ground level.  Due to the strength of this type of system it is usually only feasible for use on smaller buildings, and can only be used up to a certain height.  This type of foundation is quite often found in agricultural and equine related usages because it allows for more usable space, and is a very economical.   It also allows for the addition of wooden or corrugated steel paneling which can increase the security and the aesthetic appeal of the building.

Conex Box Foundation

Conex box foundations are most often found in the industrial setting and have many attributes that make them appealing. Much like posts and concrete walls this foundation will raise the building up off the ground providing added interior space and extra clearance.  It also allows for the use of the Conex box as additional storage and work space.  The supplier of the Conex box will need to be able to supply engineering and specifications on the box in order to utilize this type of foundation.  It also usually requires additional bracing at the anchor points in order to be secure.  The cost on this type of foundation is usually quite low depending on the supplier.

Buried Ecology Block Foundation

This foundation allows for pre-cast concrete blocks to be used to secure a large fabric building.  By burying the ecology block you provide additional support, and subsequently decrease the number of blocks required.  This can often be a very simple and economic way to secure your building.

Foundation Considerations

Soils Reports-

It is recommended by Milestones Building & Design that a geotechnical firm be consulted prior to every project to determine the site conditions in your area.  Once a soils report is done the foundation engineer will have definite figures for soil compaction, settlement, and composition.  This will allow him to design your foundation based on your site instead of the assumed worst case scenario.  In most cases a soils report will save you more money on your foundations than you spent for the consultation.  Depending on your location sometimes this will be a requirement.

Foundation Engineering-

A good foundation is the key to a great building installation. Engineered foundation drawings will be required for both permitting and construction.  During this step the foundation engineer will take into account the foundation type, soil compaction and composition, and the loads exerted by the building.  Using this information he will design a foundation that will stand up to the expected loading. 

End Wall Considerations-

During the design of your foundation it is important to keep in mind how the end wall steel and fabric will finish.  In the event that you are designing a foundation that will lift the building off of the ground you will need to designate whether the foundation will come up to support the end wall steel or if you would like to drop the steel to ground level.  The fabric should also be considered as the apron drop will need to be changed to accommodate differing foundation designs.

Foundation

Now is the time to decide who will handle the different aspects of the foundation installation for your project.  Please consider your options carefully and determine what will be the best option for you.

Should you need further assistance regarding your fabric covered buildings foundation, please email us.