Design Guide to Frost Protected Shallow Foundations
Author(s): NAHB Research Center
Available as web page or PDF
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For decades, standard construction practice and building codes required that foundation footings be built below the frost line. A frost protected shallow foundation uses strategically placed insulation to raise the frost depth around a building, which can reduce the footing depth to as little as 16 inches, even in severely cold climates. Nordic countries have been using these methods for years. And now you can too, with the information in this detailed report prepared by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center. The report covers the theory and practice of frost protected shallow foundations and includes all the details you need to design and build in any U.S. climate. 42 pages. 1995
