What are the nationwide standards for soil preparation as it pertains to PSF before foundation?
I just took the building codes class and in the international residential code book under chapter 4 Foundations there is a table under R401.4.1-(this reads as follows) In Lieu of a complete geotechnical evaluation, the load bearing values shall be assumed in table to follow: Table R401.4.1 Presumptive load-bearing values of foundation materials bedrock (crystalline) 12,000 psf (pounds per square foot)- sedimentary and foliated 4,000 psf – sandy gravel or gravel 3000 psf – sand silty sand clayey sand silty gravel and clayey gravel 2000 psf – clay, sandy clay, silty clay, clayey silt, silt and sandy silt 1500 psf. in situations when there is 1500 psf or less then allowable bearing capacity should be investigated, otherwise you need to find an agency that deals with soil tests so that you know what your allowances are. It also says that you should only remove soils to a depth adn width sufficient to assure stable moisture content, when the sub or topsoils are compressible or shifting. Thi
