I need a word, actually "the" word

[Les]

Some of you know I collect old books about buildings and materials. I cannot find a word that describes a compacted gravel footing that was common in Michigan during +-1900 to 1930. Typically used under concrete blocks.

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This is a poor photo of that system. The question is not how the footing worked, rather what is the descriptor word.

[Les]

This is a little better photo. 2x4" bottom edge is top of interior concrete floor. Strata is clay, gravel, block (holes), etc.

Thanks

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[hausdok]

Hi Les,

You aren't referring to Lean Fill are you? It's a flowable/compactable fill used under footings in problem soils.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[hausdok]

How old is it? Perhaps you're thinking of the word "Rubble."

Boy-o-boy, trivia pursuit for inspectors. Who woulda thunkit?

OT - OF!!!

M.

[Chad Fabry]

I'd call it rubble too.

Edit : I just saw that what you're asking about is is used with man made block..I retract rubble and offer bank run gravel, or crusher run.

[Scottpat]

How about a "Frost Protected Shallow Foundation". I just finished reading a book about Frank Lloyd Wrights homes and he designed homes with a foundation footing as you are describing. It originated in Scandinavia. They allow for building a shallow foundation in areas that have frost heave problems or in areas with poor soil.

[Bill Kibbel]

I have something that says F. L. Wright called his discovery "dry wall footings" but it's the same as earlier "rubble trench foundations" that have been used for millenniums.

[Jim Morrison]

Les,

Whenever I can't find exactly the right word, I just throw in the "F" word. It carries the sort of conviction that accuracy never could.

Hope that helps,

Jim

[hausdok]

Yep,

Frubble and flean fill

OT - OF!!!

M.[:-dunce]

[Brian G]

Les, if you've already got just two words that accurately describe it (compacted gravel), why worry about getting it down to one? Have you been drinking Kurt's Kool-Aid? []

Brian G.

Les Seeks Less? [:-boggled

[kurt]

Rubble Trench.

Kool Aid upon request......

[homnspector]

Fraggregate?

[Les]

Actually saw FLW footings in Oak Park, Il. This is a little different.

There are times when I have to use a word that can be translated within the industry and not regional - compacted gravel is a regional description. I think lean fill is what I was after.

For your information: the foundation wall(s) failed right after this photo was taken. It seems the water collection contractor excavated the footings to install his plastic pipe and visquene; to improve the flow of water thru the walls and over to sump and pump. Of course the exterior grade was still negative 4" at the foundation line.

Thanks!

[Darren]

Les,

Your dating yourself..."Visqueen".

I used that term 2 months ago on a townhouse project and everyone (except the foreman) was looking at me very strangely. The foreman just laughed and told his guys to get the vapor barrier.

Darren

www.aboutthehouseinspections.com

[Les]

Only vapor barrier I know is the red flannel type!