Geotechnical Testing

[aaronm]

Codeman:

IRC defers to IBC when the foundation is built on expansive soil. Both IRC and IBC leave and out for the builder as regards geotechnical testing and put this call in the lap of the AHJ. I the case of a "structurally supported" residential slab foundation, i.e. a PT slab with poured piles beneath it, how do you interpret the PTI, WRI, and ACI requirements for geotechnical testing? Do these requirements on an engineered foundation system override the AHJ's decision not to require soil testing?

Thanks,

AD

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]

[aaronm]

Codeman:

In this instance the AHJ says that soil testing is required for either slab-on-grade, or structurally supported slab. But, and here is the catch, it is nowhere in writing. He also will not put it in writing. The foundation was permitted, i.e. green tagged, but no soil testing was performed.

My contention is, and it may certainly be far afield, that this sort of hybrid foundation is an engineered system that (according to the design engineer's own plans) must adhere to both the most current issues of PTI and WRI (which require soils testing) must have soil testing. Am I living in the real world here?

[Jerry Peck - Codeman]