Another Post Frame using piers > bracket > column question with finished slab

[ksarauer]

I am erecting a 40x64x14 post frame building and don't want any wood in the ground. I'll be pouring 18"x52" piers as my footings, and using perma column wet set and anchor brackets around door openings. I will also be pouring a 5" slab on the interior of the building. The interior walls will only have perlins, no wall coverings. Being my piers are 18-20" in diameter and my walls are around 9" in diameter, what height should I set the top of my piers to? If my piers are set to the top of finish concrete, then you'll see all the piers along the walls. If my piers are set to the bottom of concrete, then the brackets and bottom of posts would be buried in 5" concrete, and a moisture pocket. It seems my only viable solution is to put a 'breadbox' 5.5" thick on top the piers that is the width of the wall to mount my brackets to. Wondering what others have done for their finished floor on a pier > bracket > column install.

 

[manwithtools]

then the brackets and bottom of posts would be buried in 5" concrete, and a moisture pocket.

If these "pockets" are within the confines of the building, I'd have no concerns about them. The only water they would see is if you wash down the floors. They would be dry 99% of the time.

 

[firebirdparts]

I don't think another person, like me, could really advise you because it's really all about feelings now.

However, I would say put plenty of diagonal bracing in that building.

 

[ksarauer]

If these "pockets" are within the confines of the building, I'd have no concerns about them. The only water they would see is if you wash down the floors. They would be dry 99% of the time.

They would be within the confines, I would think once they get wet, they would retain the moisture. The only way for the moisture to escape would be through the gap between post and concrete. I believe I would also "somewhat" loose the ability to replace a column in the future if needed. I believe the bottom bolt would be below the finish grade. Minor, I know, but still a thing if a column replacement is needed.

I don't think another person, like me, could really advise you because it's really all about feelings now.

However, I would say put plenty of diagonal bracing in that building.

Oh, I plan on putting extra bracing in however a tree will likely fall on it before wind will affect it. It is built ~6' below grade on 2 sides and surrounded by ~80 yr old pines on 3.5 sides.

 

[manwithtools]

I would think once they get wet, they would retain the moisture. The only way for the moisture to escape would be through the gap between post and concrete. I believe I would also "somewhat" loose the ability to replace a column in the future if needed. I believe the bottom bolt would be below the finish grade. Minor, I know, but still a thing if a column replacement is needed.

Why would they remain wet? If the source of moisture is removed (washing the car is done), there is no reason they wouldn't easily dry out. If you are using treated posts (east of the rockies I assume you are, no location in your profile makes it hard to give relative advise). The posts will shrink as they dry out from pressure treatment, making the gap around the posts larger than they were originally. Plenty of room to dry out quickly.

Why on earth would you need to replace a post / column ???

If by some strange chance you did, just drill new holes in the brackets above the floor level.

I think you are overthinking this...

Hundreds of thousands of pole buildings built with the posts in the ground with no negative long term effects. 5" of the bottom of your post in a mostly dry concrete pocket is no recipe for concern IMHO.

 

[ksarauer]

I think you are overthinking this...

I think this is what it is...

 

[Natty Bumppo]

I just did all Perma-Colums....no wood in the ground. 5" pad. And as Firebirdparts mentioned I braced it well.

 

[jack stand]

I believe that Perma column offers a precast high psi concrete post (only) with the post bracket cast into the top.
These will provide you with the vertical separation and hide your poured footings. You'll end up with the neat and simple situation like @Natty Bumppo has shown above.