Search
Carol Friedland, Kleinpeter, Shelly, Mostafiz, Rubayet Bin
This research paper presents a comparative analysis of different residential foundation types based on their material quantities and costs. The study focuses on single-story, rectangular structures in compliance with IRC 2015 standards, using light-weight stick construction commonly found in the United States. The analysis considers various building characteristics, such as building area, footprint aspect ratio, and first floor elevation. The results provide valuable insights into the construction materials required and the associated costs for each foundation type.
Residential foundations play a crucial role in providing structural support and stability to buildings. Choosing the right foundation type is essential for ensuring cost-effectiveness, durability, and resilience. This study aims to examine the material quantities and costs associated with different foundation types to assist homeowners, builders, and floodplain managers in making informed decisions. The research methodology involves estimating the material quantities for each foundation type based on standard construction practices and cost data from RSMeans 2022 specific to the United States. The analysis considers variations in building area, footprint aspect ratio, and first floor elevation to capture the impact of these factors on material quantities and costs.
The results indicate that the choice of foundation type significantly affects both material quantities and costs. Raised wood floor on CMU piers (CS-4) is found to be the least expensive foundation type, while crawl space foundations with 0.3m (12 inch) CMU stemwalls are the most expensive. Square aspect ratios require the least construction materials, while linear aspect ratios require the most. First floor elevation has a greater effect on costs compared to footprint aspect ratio. The study highlights the dynamic and static costs associated with different foundation materials. Structural fill is sensitive to building characteristics such as building area, aspect ratio, and first floor elevation. Concrete accounts for the largest portion of static costs, while masonry has the largest dynamic cost, particularly influenced by elevation. The selection of the foundation type is crucial, considering the balance between material quantity and unit cost.
In conclusion, this research provides valuable insights into the material quantities and costs of various residential foundation types. The findings emphasize the importance of carefully considering building characteristics and elevation when choosing a foundation type. Raised wood floor on CMU piers (CS-4) is the most cost-effective option for smaller building sizes, while crawl space foundations with 0.3m CMU stemwalls are more suitable for larger buildings. The study also acknowledges the limitations and suggests potential future directions for further research. Overall, this study serves as a useful resource for homeowners, builders, and floodplain managers in evaluating and selecting the most appropriate and cost-effective foundation type for residential construction projects.
