Posted about 6+ months ago when I only had 94 State code violations … can link you to them on another site if you like. Lots of Structural issues that I believe are due to a flexing foundation that ALMOST is out of code itself. Slab is post-tension, 54’ x 40’, and last measure w/Compu-Level put one portion at 1.6" above center of home. I have edge-lift front and back, stair-stepped crack on exterior, 5 of 13 interior doors either won’t shut at all or won’t latch once shut. Going thru “SIRP” process, towards the end and the Lawyer that LENNAR/NuHome has hired is denying a LOT. I have no reason to believe (9 others in this new addition with similar problems, others we haven’t heard from yet as well) that the Builder will stand behind their product at this point.](*,)
My current question:
Engineer that designed the slab stated on printout:
PVR + 1-4" Plasticity index is 50 (“Q” at 5000)??
I know that plasticity index is mega huge, the slab is approved via plan to be 4" thick with perimeter 24" deep. This is not a pier/beam but a post-tension. I can see the sag in my exterior brick courses on the east and west walls, etc.
Does that slab sound like it is properly engineered (4"??) for this type soil? :shock:
Sorry you’re having problems. It sounds like having your engineer do an on site analysis would be helpful…it’s pretty hard to see all the conditions from here.
Interesting … in the last few months LENNAR has taken posession of the website!! Wonder why … http://www.defective-homes.net is now a LENNAR site but I will search out my past print-outs with some of our neighborhoods’ homeowners’ complaints that have resulted in SIRP process ongoing.
Anyway, is it not unusual to only have a 4" thick slab when your ground PVR is 1"-4"? Any similar experiences out there? What does PVR stand for?
From Lennar’s efforts to silence dissent, rather than address the real problem, I feel that you need to organize the other home owners and do something that I personally abhor and file a class action lawsuit. The fact that they have somehow managed to gain control of the website that was airing their poor building practices (most likely through the courts), and after a quick web search for complaints against TRCC, the courts seem to be your only truly viable option now. You should also get your local media involved. If you have ever heard of Clark Howard here in Atlanta, he is a consumer advocate with a nationally syndicated radio program. Contact him at http://www.clarkhoward.com. Clark is merciless with this type of misconduct. Ask Bank of America and Capitol One about their misdeeds and how his constant pressure brought about reforms.
None of us can answer your question about the slab accurately without knowing what type of soil classification you have, etc, but a 4" slab for a 2160 sq ft footprint does sound like someone was trying to cut some corners and save on costs. Your best bet is to have a geotechnical engineer examine the foundation. It could be poor concrete design, too much water added to the concrete on site, etc. The only way to answer the question is a detailed engineering analysis.
The minimum slab thickness of a post tension foundation is 4". We can certainly debate many aspects but it would still come down to the fact that an engineer did design, certify and place their stamp on the foundation plan. Unless we have a licensed structural engineer on the forum willing to provide you a definitive answer then I would advise that you find a very good structural engineer and have them review the home plans. You will of course need to find one willing to provide expert testimony when that time comes.
As always the NACHI membership is always willing to help in any way we can so continue to ask questions and by all means let us know how it progresses.
Barry, apparently the same coward tagged me as well. Hey, Chicken$h_t, voice your opinion like a man or woman, don’t hide behind an anonymous red box. If you find fault in my opinion, challenge it like an adult, not a 6 year old. There are many reasons why concrete fails, not just design, and as Mr Scanlan pointed out, 4" is the minimum. We don’t know the soil classification, to what standard the concrete was designed, etc. Just because I haven’t elucidated ALL my arguments doesn’t mean I don’t know what I’m doing. This isn’t a college exercise with a professor who is in love with the Socratic method. This is supposed to be all of us helping each other and voicing our opinions. If you only want to read your favorite’s opinion, then use the ignore feature.
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I am an engineer but not a structural engineer. I am linking some information on foundations on expansive soils. Hopefully you will find some information:
Part of my past experience was an ICBO/ICC certified special inspector. When post-tensioned slabs are being poured the law requires a special inspector to be onsite. James mentioned “It could be poor concrete design, too much water added to the concrete on site, etc.” That is what the special inspector is for, He is there keeping records of the construction conditions for the architect or engineer of record and making sure the engineer’s specifications are actually followed. In your case I would would be trying to access those records
IMHO
Karl
HAHA yeah right…
In a perfect world maybe. But I would bet my last dollar that does not happen around here. Half the time they don’t even let the foundation cure and have half the framing done before they tension the cables.
To the original question…find a good engineer and a good lawyer.
I wish I could find out how thick a foundation is supposed to be for 2160 square-foot slab on soil with a plasticity index above 50 and a PVR of 1-4" … 4-bedroom home. Anyone have any ideas?
Yes, our problems are still on-going … builder’s lawyer denying that there is a foundation issue (I now have some pics of corner door-frame cracks in the sheetrock, nail pops, etc. Would post them if I knew how …)
There are many factors that would determine the required slab thickness. But what you are asking is for someone to perform an “Engineering” calculation or make an “Engineering” determination. Here in Texas that function is strictly regulated by the Texas Board Of Professional Engineers ( http://www.tbpe.state.tx.us/ ). I am more than sure that we have many people in this organization that can readily perform the calculations, et al, with all of the proper information on your home. But for anyone of them to do that without being licensed as a Professional Engineer is a serious violation of Texas State Law.
I don’t like to be the bearer of bad news but you really need to obtain the services of a Licensed Professional Engineer here in the state of Texas. You are just outside of Dallas and there are some noted Professional Engineers in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Whether you retain the services of a new PE or a well seasoned and respected PE it will cost you some money. However, you really need to discuss this with your attorney about retaining a PE to consult with on your issue. The PE report might also be helpful in your litigation efforts.
If you choose to retain a PE make sure that you become involved in the process of researching and selecting the PE whose services you will retain. If you choose to go that route we will do all that we can to help you with research methods, etc. Just ask away when you are ready.
