If you're planning a modular construction project, it's important to choose the right foundation form. In this post, we'll explore some of the most common foundation forms used in modular construction projects. With this information, you can make an informed decision about which foundation form is right for your project.
Foundation forms used in modular projects
The foundation form is one of the most important elements of any modular project, potentially affecting the success of a project. Treated wood or piles and concrete are used as a form to secure the load that will sit on top. It's paramount to make sure that treated wood can handle both wet and dry cycles, as well as high temperatures. However, treated wood is often being replaced by concrete forms for projects with larger loads due to their increased strength and stability. Ultimately, when it comes to foundations, you have to weigh the best choice for your needs - treated wood provides a cost-efficient option but concrete forms are necessary for heavier loads.
Treated wood can be improved by good installation practices
Treated wood, or cribbing, is a great way to create foundations for many outdoor buildings. It needs to be installed on a well drained pad in order to help reduce water pooling and protect it from the elements above. Skirting not only helps keep out elements, but also rodent intruders. All that said, ventilation is key when considering treated wood foundations, to avoid challenges down the road. Equally important is attention to seismic retention; treated wood foundations must be firmly secured and connected so that challenging seismic events are never an issue. Wood foundations are common in mobile homes and site office installations.
Screw piles
Screw piles, are a practical way to build strong foundations for homes and other buildings. Screw piles offer many advantages when compared to traditional wood foundations-they work better in adverse weather conditions and aren't affected by moisture or rot like wooden foundations. Although more expensive than wood foundations, they are cheaper than building a concrete foundation, which requires excavation on the site. Screw piles are also an ideal choice in remote locating or hard-to-reach areas due to their relatively quick and easy installation process. The primary disadvantage associated with screw piles is that the don't work in all soil conditions. In addition, improper installation can lead to inadequate load bearing strength too. Nevertheless, given their relative longevity and ease of installation, screw piles provide an efficient way to build strong foundations for dwellings and other structures.
Concrete crawl space
A concrete crawl space provides numerous advantages when it comes to accessing the underside of your home. Not only can you insulate your home more effectively and securely establish a connection between modules, but it also gives you additional storage possibilities! On the negative side, a concrete crawl space has a tendency to be more expensive than other crawl space options, and it requires additional equipment to manage the soil displacement which can be more challenging in remote areas. In some cases -- such as when a conditioned space is required due to the climate.
With all these options on the table, its important to know what the site conditions are and will be to make your decision. If you want a cheap quick solution that can be set from a truck then treated wood is likely your answer. However, if you're looking for something more permanent that screw piles might make more sense. Lastly, concrete tends to be the most expensive but is also the most permanent application. Keep in mind though that working in remote locations availability of materials and trades can sometimes be an issue.
There are more options available that may be a better fit to your project such as strip footings, concrete piles and Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF). Connect with us on your next offsite project and we can help determine based on your project goals what makes the most sense for you.
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