About Footings and Grade Beams
Footings and grade beams form the structural base for commercial buildings, transferring building loads to the supporting soil. In North Texas, proper footing and grade beam design and construction is critical for building performance on our challenging expansive clay soils.
Our footing and grade beam work begins with careful review of structural drawings and geotechnical recommendations. We excavate to specified depths, verify bearing conditions, and construct formwork that maintains the dimensions and alignment the structural design requires.
Reinforcement installation requires attention to detail that affects long-term building performance. We position rebar according to structural drawings, maintain proper cover and spacing, and verify placement before concrete. This hidden work determines whether foundations perform as designed.
Grade beam construction for tilt-up, masonry, or steel-framed buildings requires coordination with the building trades that follow. We install embeds, anchor bolts, and any other items that must be cast into the concrete, verifying locations before pour to prevent costly corrections.
What’s Included
- Excavation to specified depths
- Bearing verification and documentation
- Formwork construction
- Reinforcement installation
- Embedded item and anchor bolt installation
- Concrete placement and consolidation
- Cure and protect procedures
- Backfill coordination
- Inspection coordination and documentation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you verify soil bearing conditions before pouring footings?
We excavate to specified depths and verify soil conditions match geotechnical assumptions. If conditions differ, we notify the structural engineer before proceeding. This verification prevents problems from building on inadequate soil.
What documentation do you provide for footing and grade beam work?
We provide inspection records, concrete test results, and as-built documentation showing actual dimensions and reinforcement. This documentation supports building inspections and becomes part of the permanent building record.
How do you handle below-grade waterproofing?
When waterproofing is specified, we coordinate with the waterproofing contractor on timing and access. We provide clean surfaces for membrane application and protect installed waterproofing during backfill operations.
What concrete strength is typical for commercial footings?
Commercial footings typically use 3000-4000 PSI concrete, with higher strengths for heavy structural applications. The structural engineer specifies concrete strength based on loading conditions and foundation design.
How do you install anchor bolts accurately?
We use templates, survey control, and verification procedures to place anchor bolts within specified tolerances. For steel frame buildings, anchor bolt accuracy is critical for proper steel erection.