Originally Posted By: jonofrey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert,
I can't believe that "downwarping" is not in your dictionary of Engineering terms! 
Actually, the use of piers is not usual in conjuction with post tension slabs. The reason is the added expense. Post tension design was created in the '50s as a cheap alternative to raised pier and beam. Cheaper mainly because it could be completed much quicker.
I agree that piers under the slab make sense. I installed them under my post tension slab when I built my house. Added cost was 5k. The slab rests on the bell bottom piers which are 15' down to stabilized sand. There is little chance that the slab perimeter will downwarp. The slab can float above the piers but I maintain consistent moisture with an automatic sprinkler system. I don't think it has grown any as a result but it's only seven and hasn't reached puberty yet David.
Originally Posted By: mroach This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I didn’t realize this post was still active.
John I stated something like the cracks shows signs of settlement. These cracks do not extend into the foundation. Due to the expansive clay soils we have in Texas this is common. If these cracks where larger than 1/4" I would recommend an engineer be called to evaluate. Repair should be done to all exterior cracks ASAP.
Y'all should see the looks on peoples faces when they move to Texas. I tell them all about the soils and how it effects the foundation. Then I tell them about watering. They give me this strange look and say things like. What are you talking about, You can't be serious right. I've never heard of watering a house. 
-- Mark Roach
A Professional Home Inspection
TREC# 6467
http://www.aprofessionalhomeinspection.com
"Your Best Protection is a Professional Home Inspection"
Klien Volunteer Fireman
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mark … funny stuff, but true. Around here you should see the look on the faces of people from TX, CO, etc when we tell them not to water the foundation … “wadda mean I don’t need to water my foundation, and that is actually bad” …
John ... Well lemme check my Universal Structural and Foundation Engineering Dictionary ...... (dum de dum dum dum) ...... nope, I see foundation/slab warping, curling, bowing, cupping, heaving, etc ... and the ever popular "expansive soil perimeter foundation subsidence settlement restrained slab bowing" but I don't see "downwarping" there ...
Wish I had one of those dictionaries sometimes ... maybe Santa will be good to me this year (yea, right). Sounds like it might actually be a general geological term, or a term more common for home inspectors in places with expansive clays. ... probably just something I haven?t heard before since I am an engineer by trade here in the northeast. I am assuming that its taken to mean slab bowing caused by exterior foundation subsidence during dry periods in areas with expansive clay soils.
Seems to really fit though after ya think about it ...
BTW ... what are ya going to get your foundation for it's next birthday ... a good epoxy coating or a foundation sprinkler UPS.
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
“Downwarping” is listed in one of the books on my shelf; Real Estate Home Inspection- mastering the profession, by Russell W. Burgess. Even lists a definition of it in the glossary. Glad we only have hurricanes and floods here, that watering the foundation stuff, uugghhh
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
John and Blaine … I was just being humorous about the dictionary comments …
John ... about the term "downwarping" being used to describe what I would call restrained slab bowing as an engineer in my area. Seems to be a geological term, carried over into home inspection areas with expansive clays. That works for me. I found these links when I actually looked:
Originally Posted By: jonofrey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Cool links Robert.
You'll have to cut me some slack on what I've spent on my slab in the past. The money and the worry from that time period are now paying off in knowledge tranferrable to clients.
