Rubble Trench Foundation

[Weedologist]

Has anyone used a rubble trench foundation in their construction? Did you use it with a concrete block wall? Poured concrete wall? Please tell me of your experiences and opinions. Good day.

[Thoughthound]

I have not used it, but Frank Lloyd Wright, the architecht, used it extensively.

I don't think it matters what kind of wall is used, so long as the rubble is properly compacted.

[SolarGary]

Hi,
Here is a little bit on rubble trench foundations for strawbale construction:

http://www.earthgarden.com.au/strawbale/footings.html

Gary

[OntarioMan]

I'd agree with Thoughthound - I doubt it matters what type of wall (or stem wall) sits on the grade beam.

Slab floors and rubble trench can be used together - ala "Alaskan Slab".

Rubble trench is probably one of the "best bang for the buck" types of foundations - combine that with something like a surface bonded block stemwall or a slab - and "Bobs your uncle".

[bbbuddy]

Originally Posted by Weedologist

Has anyone used a rubble trench foundation in their construction? Did you use it with a concrete block wall? Poured concrete wall? Please tell me of your experiences and opinions. Good day.

We did one for our power house. It is 14x24 od, the grade beam is 2 feet wide and 5.75 inches thick. It has not had one crack in it. We are building with strawbales, with a gambrel roof for upstairs storage.