Hello, I want to build my garage myself (9 x 4.5 meters (30 x 15 feet)) and have already contacted a structural engineer. I have a few questions, especially about the foundation. The engineer said I need to pour an 80 cm (31.5 inch) deep strip footing (as frost protection), which makes sense. Now my question is: Can I pour the slab directly on the strip footing, or should it only be poured against the strip footing? And how wide should the strip footing be at minimum for a 24 cm (9.5 inch) Ytong wall? The engineer suggested about 36 cm (14 inches). Thanks in advance.
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Mottenhausen4 Dec 2018 13:44I don’t understand the question. Either you hire a professional (structural engineer) and then follow their design exactly, or you do it yourself (which is usually the case for garages) based on experience.
If you’re planning to pour a slab anyway, you don’t need a strip foundation unless you are building on a slope. The slab won’t be visible above ground since it’s meant to be level with the driveway. A fully floating slab, slightly thicker if needed—concrete isn’t very expensive.
Excavate, compact the soil as needed, build the formwork, lay down a vapor barrier, place a few bricks to support the reinforcement mesh, put the reinforcement mats on top, then pour the concrete directly and screed it flat—done. The supplier can advise you on the right type of concrete when you order.
If you’re planning to pour a slab anyway, you don’t need a strip foundation unless you are building on a slope. The slab won’t be visible above ground since it’s meant to be level with the driveway. A fully floating slab, slightly thicker if needed—concrete isn’t very expensive.
Excavate, compact the soil as needed, build the formwork, lay down a vapor barrier, place a few bricks to support the reinforcement mesh, put the reinforcement mats on top, then pour the concrete directly and screed it flat—done. The supplier can advise you on the right type of concrete when you order.
Alright, I should probably mention that it was just an informal phone call and he didn’t create any plans or anything like that. I just wanted to find out how much a structural engineer would cost in case I needed one. Since I’ve now been to the building authority and don’t need one, I was hoping to get some tips here. Of course, I want to build the garage myself and, since I don’t need a structural engineer, plan it myself as well.
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