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16th August 2007, 07:40 PM #1
I'm proof, there is a Dog
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Strip Footings for Strawbale Chook Shed
As a bit of practice I'm going to build a 5x6m chook shed/greenhouse.
As I want a dirt floor in the chook shed I've decided that the I'd do strip footings.
Straw bales are 450mm wide plus there is 50mm of render on each side of the bale. This means I need to have footings that are 550mm wide.
The chook shed has to be fox proof so I want to have the footing go at least 200mm deep and to prevent flooding and to keep the bales well away from the ground I'll need 100mm above ground.
This means that I'll need around 3.6m3 of concrete. I'd rather not spend that much on concrete.
Straw bale walls have greater surface area than bricks and weigh considerably less as well, so the strength requirement isn't so high.
I was thinking of doing something like this.
With the white bit at the bottom being dirt.
Or I could do something like this.
I would use a bit of steel meshing in the top for strength. I figure I'd use make the thinest part of the footings about 150mm thick.
Importantly, this is a chook shed.
Advice welcome.
ChrisPhoto Gallery
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16th August 2007 07:40 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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16th August 2007, 08:06 PM #2
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Strip footings mean you need to go down to the clay (or sand) base.
They don't float on top of the ground like a slab
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16th August 2007, 08:31 PM #3
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I would agree Bob if it was for a house, but for a chook shed I think on top of the ground would be ok.
Originally Posted by echnidna
Al
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16th August 2007, 08:37 PM #4
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I'd go rock and stabilised mud myself. I intend to use that sort of footings for mud brick walls on my future chookshed.
PaulAll these projects. Not enough lifetimes to finish them.
Paul
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16th August 2007, 09:04 PM #5
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I'd go with the 2nd option Grunt....
It gives you your base for for the bales,
a ratwall (put it on the outside) for the vermin &
it is easier to dig that the 1st one.Cliff.
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16th August 2007, 10:54 PM #6
Woodworker Wannabe
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How about using a rubble trnch footing with either gravel filled besser bricks or a 100mm bond beam. Another method is rubble trench with gravel filled sandbags. See http://www.glassford.com.au/Other_methods.htm for other methods.
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16th August 2007, 11:32 PM #7
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Hmmmmmrubble trench
not a bad idea BUT!!!!
It will need a cap to keep the termites out 'cos the buggers will even eat cardboard & paper if they are hungry enough.
Cliff.
If you find a post of mine that is missing a pic that you'd like to see, let me know & I'll see if I can find a copy.
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17th August 2007, 08:30 AM #8
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It's going to be one cool chook shed!! Maybe a little over-engineered but I'm sure they'll appreciate it.
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17th August 2007, 02:32 PM #9
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What about a "T" shaped footing. The top could be 550 x 100 and the beam 100(or maybe 150) x 200 deep??
Best of both worlds ... also easier to dig.Cheers.
Vernon.
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17th August 2007, 07:38 PM #10
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Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers
Hmmmmm not a bad idea BUT!!!!
It will need a cap to keep the termites out 'cos the buggers will even eat cardboard & paper if they are hungry enough.
Cliff, trust me, termites couldnt live at Lancefield as its too cold, apart from the 4 weeks of summer they get ..
Al
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17th August 2007, 08:44 PM #11
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The only thing that is Fox-proof is a 12 Guage!
On my Grand Parents farm a python got in to the chook pen, swallowed a chook and then couldn't get out!
I think you have to accept a certain amount of predation in a rural environment.
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17th August 2007, 09:49 PM #12
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Grunt, while Iam not putting down any or all the ideas so far. The guy Brian Hodge who does regular segments in Owner Builder mag loves getting Q. Esp. those out of the ordinary. Contact him via the mag or if you want his email PM me.
I would love to grow my own food, but I can not find bacon seeds
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17th August 2007, 11:37 PM #13
I'm proof, there is a Dog
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Thanks for the info everyone.
I did Brian's course earlier this year. Excellent course.
I've hired him as a consultant for the house building and I talked to him yesterday. He just got back from holidays and was really busy, so I didn't get a chance to ask him the foundations.
I hired an excavator. Big boys toy.
It'll make light work of the trenches.
After doing a bit more research I think I'll do the rubble trench footings. Not too exe and quite simple. I like the idea of the tyre footings. I remember reading about them 3 or so years back but they're a bit too much work.
ChrisPhoto Gallery
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