Before beginning the Building Pads construction process, you should know some basic principles. A good pad has a specific thickness, preferably a minimum of 12 inches. Compaction tests are also important. If a pad is not compacted to a proper level, it may crack. Compaction tests are done during the pad construction process by a certified surveyor. During this process, conventional surveying methods are used to collect field data, verify existing elevations, and prepare the Building Pads elevation certification.
The main reason for Building Pads construction is the composition of the soil. Because soil types are so different in different locations, a building pad must be created to accommodate the structure to be built. Some of the types of soils are clay and gravel, which are both porous and coarse. A good pad should extend five feet beyond the property perimeter to prevent erosion and drainage. Corrosion and water intrusion will result in constructing a building pad that is not compliant.
The preparation of a pad site begins with site prep. This process may involve clearing an area of a few trees or completely re-constructing the entire area. It is important to follow soil reports and adhere to any site improvements required to support the construction of a home. Using specialized machinery, residential site prep ensures a solid house pad that is stable. A properly prepared pad serves as the primary layer of the foundation. Soil reports are required in order to prepare a good pad for your building.
The type of pad foundation used depends on the structure, loads, and soil layers beneath. Depending on the structure, the type of load applied and usable space available on the site, a pad foundation may be constructed on a series of discrete pads or a balanced base. The structure’s plan shape will depend on the type of load and thickness of the pad foundation. Because pad foundations can be large in plan, they may not be as effective against differential settlement, uplift forces, and wind.
House pads are constructed on top of compacted earth pads. These pads are raised above the surrounding terrain. Proper grading requires a lot of cutting, filling, and gravel. Once the pad is complete, a 4-millimeter sheet of plastic keeps moisture out and provides a level surface for construction. A Geo-Technician must be present during the construction of the pad. A geo-technician must be on hand to supervise it and make sure it is done correctly.