30x48 pole barn build

[sam03rc]

My fiance and I are starting to build a new house with clayton homes on our 13arces in northeast NC. The funding went right and I can build a shop. Going with DIY pole barns with a 30x48 14ft ceilings and a 18x10 door. 3in insulation and laminated posts. We are doing all the work our selves except for the concrete ( 4in thick wire mesh and plastic with with 6in deep for a future 2post lift) which will go in after the poles and roof are set.

Now my first question is site prep. Ive been reading up and I think I have a good plan just want to make sure. Going to cut out the grass and top soil, then bring in some fill dirt to level out and compact in. The area is already pretty level and we have about 5in of soil before hitting clay. Once my materials show I'll dig for the posts and set them and the roof. then fill in 4in of clean stone and compact again to get ready for concrete.

 

[matt_i]

My advice is to use #57 stone, or washed limestone, nominal 3/4" size as your fill, same depth of stone as the concrete above.

Plate-compact it after lightly wetting it to reduce friction, twice around is good enough.

Then apply your vapor barrier. 6mil minimum, 10 mil better.

Set wire mesh on dobies or plastic chairs ( I would at least take a look at #4 = 1/2" dia rebar on 24" centers)

Hire pump truck to preserve steel reinforcement and the yard's original mix.

 

[sam03rc]

Your recommending just using stone for my fill and compact? I just was recommended locally removing my top soil and filling with crush n run compacting level then 4in of clean 57 stone. Sound good?

 

[matt_i]

The 21A "crusher run" is filled with fines down to dust. You can start to compact them, but over time, the dust can start to filter farther down, opening up voids. Crusher run is ideal for a gravel drive due to plenty of time and water to help settle the fines, but I don't like to recommend it because of the potential for voids. Washing out the fines is more expensive but gives you a product that can't get any smaller once its there other that breakdown of the stone chips and that's pretty unlikely in my opinion. Again, this is my personal advice, seek others and compare before making your own decision.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Going to cut out the grass and top soil, then bring in some fill dirt to level out and compact in. The area is already pretty level and we have about 5in of soil before hitting clay. Once my materials show I'll dig for the posts and set them and the roof. then fill in 4in of clean stone and compact again to get ready for concrete.

Not my expertise, but why the fill if you are putting down stone ?

If you are going down to the clay, why not just have the level that out ?

 

[sam03rc]

From what I've read, and why I'm posting here for some clarification on the best options to do. Steps were remove all top soil and organic material, then back fill with fill soil to compact level ( back level with the original topsoil). Install poles and bring in same thickness of clean stone as concrete planed.

If its better too just remove the top soil then fill with clean stone I'm fine with that. Just my thoughts with the large amounts of spring rains we can get here, with 6 some inches of clean stone theres going to be alot of area for water to pool. Where as back filling with soil groun level will let the water drain away from the slab. Correct? I'm still learning all this and want this garage to last as long as possible.

 

[Bluedodge]

We'll need some pictures of your fiance before being able to provide any professional expert advice.

 

[MagKarl]

I agree with you on the worry of creating a pool if you fill with crushed rock. Your land looks pretty flat in the pic, have you measured grade to see if you can get any grading advantage for drainage? Lots of folks do build up pads if the compaction is done well.

 

[sam03rc]

I have not measured the grade but do know water will pool in heavy rains just behind where I plan to put the garage. But that will change when I build up and grade the soil away from the garage.

 

[sam03rc]

Got in my drawings and rendering, looking like we will close on the construction loans this week and permits be sent off next week.