Cob: foundation idea

[Miranda Sterling]

Robyn,

I've been thinking very much along these lines too.  I've been noticing how 
the freeways are built.  I never thought about it, but there is foundation 
under every inch of it.  (duh)

They use these huge wire baskets filled with rubble.  The pieces are about 
the size of baseballs, and then the baskets are surrounded with earth.  I 
keep thinking over this idea and can't find anything wrong with using 
something similar under my house.

So I look forward with interest to more experienced minds' opinions!

Miranda Sterling
http://www.clearlightsoap.com


At 12:12 PM 6/14/2002 -0600, Shawn Honeychurch wrote:



>HI All,
>I have an idea about a foundation method for below a cob wall that I'd like
>to bounce off anyone out there in the know.  I haven't heard of this being
>done, but am not sure why not.  I live on Vancouver Island, BC, where it
>doesn't get that cold in the winter but it is damp.
>I only need to dig about a foot down to get below the frost line.  I plan to
>have a large overhang on my roof (about 8') so the walls stay dry in the
>rainy season.  If I dug down a foot, starting 8' out from where the cob
>walls will be, and I dig out a big square around and under where the house
>will be, couldn't I just lay drainage tile in the bottom and then fill in my
>foundation hole with gravel?  If I built a small wood/stone retaining wall
>at the edge of the hole, I could bring the gravel up to 1' above ground
>level.  If this was compacted, couldn't I just start my cob wall ontop of
>this gravel layer?  It seems to me the gravel would keep moisture away from
>the cob wall and yet act as a slightly supple buffer in the case of an
>earthquake.  I've done a small "sketch" below.  Please tell me what you
>think!
>-- Robynn
>                         !  !                       !    ! < cob wall, 
> resting on
>                         !  !                       !    !  packed gravel
>                         !__!                       !__!
>ground  !.....................................! < stone edging
>------------! ...............gravel...............! -------
>                 !.....................................!
>                 !_____O_______________________O_______!
>
>                           ^ drainage pipes
>
>
>
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