excaviting question

[matt60j]

I'm getting close to starting my 40x60x12 pole barn. My yard slopes and the grade needs to be built up approx 20 inches in the back portion. I have a ton of fill dirt available on my property and was wondering if I could fill and pack in stages with dirt and then do the last 6 inches or so with sand. Or do i need to go all sand. Thanks. -MATT

 

[Uncle Buck]

It is not unusual to add fill on a building project, however I know that proper compaction of the fill is very important. I do not claim to be a big expert, so you just learned everything I am qualified to share PROPER COMPACTION OF FILL THAT HAD BEEN ADDED IS VERY IMPORTANT! My 2 bits.

 

[IDASHO]

Just as long as the dirt doesnt have a ton of organic material in it, go for it.

I would suggest compacting it in layers, as you mentioned.

Less $ spent.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Just make sure that you do not use organic dirt (black dirt, topsoil, etc) for fill. Use clay or sand.

Charles

 

[Junkman]

Re: excavating question

I would have the poles for the pole barn set in virgin soil, and then backfill to the grade that you want. That way, you don't have the concern of part of the building settling. It might require some longer poles at one end but the additional cost will save you lots of aggravation in the future.

 

[Uncle Buck]

Re: excavating question

I would have the poles for the pole barn set in virgin soil, and then backfill to the grade that you want. That way, you don't have the concern of part of the building settling. It might require some longer poles at one end but the additional cost will save you lots of aggravation in the future.

That sounds like a very good idea to me junky.

 

[Palmetto]

And strip off the vegetation before you start backfilling.

 

[D KRAGER]

Yea if it's clay go for it....... Make sure you pack after about every 6 inches of fill you add. I like using road pack instead of sand for fill under concrete.

 

[Kevin54]

I'm getting close to starting my 40x60x12 pole barn. My yard slopes and the grade needs to be built up approx 20 inches in the back portion. I have a ton of fill dirt available on my property and was wondering if I could fill and pack in stages with dirt and then do the last 6 inches or so with sand. Or do i need to go all sand. Thanks. -MATT

Why not crushed stone? That is about all that is used around here.

 

[D KRAGER]

Yea most concrete guys around here don't use sand, it doesn't stay in place as well as rock. Unless sand is cheaper in your area.......

 

[Bigger Hammer]

Yes that should work as long as the soil isn't topsoil full of organics like the others have said. For an area that size you are going to want to find/rent a roller compactor of adequate weight. It wouldn't be a bad idea to get a sheeps foot roller which helps the clay bind together rather than being compacted in layers. The sheep's foot is the roller with the large blunt studs on it.

You can save a lot of money doing this yourself but if not done properly you will spend a LOT in the future. I'd suggest finding someone with some geo-tech knowledge specific to your area to give you some free advice. Not knowing where you are or anything about the specific site you are building on and the specific material you are using for fill none of us can really give a for sure answer on such a project.