fh_dlg.dcl — Foundation/Bearing Configuration¶

File: fh_dlg.dcl
Version: v3.60
Category: Dialog Definitions
Size: 6.9 KB (210 lines)

Note

Foundation Interface

Configure panel-to-foundation connections including bearing details, anchor bolts, leveling pads, grout pockets, and base conditions for proper load transfer.

Functional Purpose¶

Foundation Bearing Details - Configures interface between panel bottom and foundation including bearing width, leveling details, anchor bolts, grout specifications, and load transfer mechanisms.

Key Functions:

Defines bearing conditions (continuous, point bearing, leveling pads)
Specifies anchor bolts (size, spacing, embedment)
Configures leveling system (shims, grout, adjustable shoes)
Sets grout pockets (dimensions, locations)
Manages base details (chamfers, drip edges, weeps)
Controls thermal breaks (insulation at slab edge if required)

User Need¶

Foundation bearing for:

Load transfer (panel weight + loads to foundation)
Leveling (achieve plumb vertical alignment)
Anchorage (resist lateral loads, overturning)
Weatherproofing (seal against water, air infiltration)
Thermal performance (minimize thermal bridging)
Adjustability (accommodate foundation tolerances)

Typical Workflow¶

1. User in mp_dlg clicks [Foundation] or base plate area
2. fh_dlg opens
3. User selects bearing type: Continuous bearing
4. User sets bearing width: 6" (code minimum typically 4")
5. User configures leveling:
   • Method: Grout pads
   • Pad size: 6"×6"×1" (minimum)
   • Spacing: 4'-0" on center
6. User adds anchor bolts:
   • Size: 3/4" diameter (typical)
   • Spacing: 6'-0" on center (maximum 8' per code)
   • Embedment: 12" into foundation
   • Projection: 4" above foundation (for nut/washer)
7. User sets grout pocket:
   • Type: Full-width pocket (continuous)
   • Depth: 2" (for grout injection)
   • Width: 12" (6" bearing + 3" each side access)
8. User adds base chamfer: 1" (protects edge)
9. User clicks OK
10. Foundation details drawn on panel elevation

Control Semantics¶

Bearing Type¶

Bearing Configuration:

fhb - Bearing type:

Continuous Bearing:
- Panel rests on foundation full width
- Most common, simple
- Uniform load distribution
Point Bearing (Leveling Pads):
- Panel rests on discrete pads (4-8 typical)
- Easier leveling/adjustment
- Grout between pads after panel plumb
Line Bearing:
- Panel bears on continuous strip (not full width)
- Reduces foundation contact area
- Used with uneven foundations

Bearing Width:

fhbw - Bearing width (perpendicular to panel):
- Code minimum: 4” (ACI 318)
- Typical: 6”-8”
- Wide panels/heavy loads: 10”-12”
- Check bearing stress: P/(width × length)

Leveling System¶

Leveling Method:

fhl - Leveling approach:

Grout Pads (Most Common):
- Precast pads placed on foundation
- Panel set on pads
- Full grout after panel plumb
- Pros: Simple, economical
Shim Packs:
- Stainless steel or plastic shims
- Stacked to achieve level
- Panel set on shims, then grouted
- Pros: Precise adjustment, reusable
Adjustable Leveling Shoes:
- Threaded bolts in base
- Turn nuts to adjust elevation
- Expensive but very precise
- Pros: Fine adjustment, quick erection
Direct Set (No Leveling):
- Foundation very accurate (±1/8”)
- Panel set directly on foundation
- Rare in practice

Leveling Pad Configuration (if used):

fhlp - Pad size: 6”×6”×1” typical (minimum)
fhls - Pad spacing: 3’-4’ on center typical
fhln - Number of pads: Based on panel width and load

Anchor Bolts¶

Bolt Specification:

fha - Anchor enable (yes/no)
fhas - Bolt size:
- 1/2” diameter (light duty, small panels)
- 5/8” diameter (standard light)
- 3/4” diameter (most common)
- 7/8”-1” diameter (heavy duty, tall panels)
fhasp - Bolt spacing:
- Code maximum: 8’-0” (ACI 318)
- Typical: 4’-6’ on center
- Minimum: 2’-0” (practical)
- Ends: 6”-12” from panel corners

Bolt Details:

fhae - Embedment depth into foundation:
- Standard: 12”-18”
- Heavy duty: 24”+
- Based on pull-out capacity calcs
fhap - Projection above foundation:
- 3”-4” typical (nut, washer, thread engagement)
- Not too long (trip hazard, damage)

Grout Pocket¶

Grout Configuration:

fhg - Grout pocket enable
fhgd - Grout pocket depth:
- 1”-2” typical (allows grout flow)
- Deeper if very uneven foundation
fhgw - Grout pocket width:
- Bearing width + 3” each side (access for grout)
- Example: 6” bearing ? 12” pocket width

Grout Type:

fhgt - Grout specification:
- Non-shrink grout (most common)
- Epoxy grout (high-strength, expensive)
- Dry-pack mortar (low-flow areas)
- Flowable fill (large voids)

Base Details¶

Edge Protection:

fhc - Base chamfer:
- 3/4”-1” typical (45° bevel)
- Prevents spalling at panel bottom
- Reduces shipping damage

Drainage:

fhw - Weep holes:
- 3/8”-1/2” diameter holes
- Spacing: 24”-32” on center
- Allows moisture drainage from cavity
- Required in cavity walls

Thermal Break (if insulated panel):

fht - Thermal break material:
- Rigid insulation (XPS, polyiso)
- Thickness: 1”-2”
- Prevents thermal bridging at slab edge

Engineering Considerations¶

Bearing Stress¶

Bearing Capacity Check:

Panel weight: 10,000 lbs
Panel width: 12'-0" = 144"
Bearing width: 6"

Bearing area: 144" × 6" = 864 sq in
Bearing stress: 10,000 / 864 = 11.6 PSI

Allowable bearing stress (concrete):
0.85 × f'c × bearing factor
= 0.85 × 3000 PSI × 0.7 (typical)
= 1,785 PSI

11.6 PSI < 1,785 PSI ? OK (far below limit)

Typical bearing stress: 50-200 PSI (normal range)

Anchor Bolt Capacity¶

Lateral Load Resistance:

Bolt: 3/4" diameter A307
Shear capacity: ~9,000 lbs per bolt
Number of bolts: 3 (typical 12' panel @ 6' spacing)
Total shear: 3 × 9,000 = 27,000 lbs

Panel lateral load (wind/seismic): 5,000 lbs
27,000 > 5,000 ? OK (safety factor = 5.4)

Typical: SF = 2-4 for design

Uplift Resistance:

Bolt: 3/4" × 12" embedment
Concrete: 3000 PSI
Pull-out capacity: ~15,000 lbs per bolt (engineered)

Panel uplift (wind suction): 8,000 lbs
Bolts: 3 per panel
Capacity: 3 × 15,000 = 45,000 lbs
45,000 > 8,000 ? OK (SF = 5.6)

Leveling Tolerance¶

Construction Tolerances:

Foundation elevation tolerance: ±1/2" (typical)
Panel must be plumb: ±1/4" in 10' (code)

Leveling system must accommodate:
- Foundation out-of-level: up to 1"
- Foundation elevation variations: up to 2"

Solution:
Grout pads: 1"-2" thick (adjustable by shimming)
Full grout: Fills gaps from 0" to 2"

User Example¶

Scenario: 12’×10’ wall panel on concrete strip footing

1. Bearing Type: Continuous bearing
2. Bearing Width: 6" (on 12" wide footing)
3. Leveling:
   • Method: Grout pads
   • Pad size: 6"×6"×1"
   • Spacing: 3 pads @ 4' on center
4. Anchor Bolts:
   • Size: 3/4" diameter
   • Spacing: 2 bolts @ 6' on center (near quarters)
   • Embedment: 12" into footing
   • Projection: 4" above footing
5. Grout Pocket:
   • Depth: 2"
   • Width: 12" (6" bearing + 3" each side)
   • Type: Non-shrink grout
6. Base Details:
   • Chamfer: 1" × 45°
   • Weep holes: 1/2" diameter @ 32" o.c.
7. Installation sequence:
   • Place 3 grout pads on footing
   • Set panel on pads
   • Adjust with shims until plumb
   • Thread anchor bolts up through base
   • Pump full non-shrink grout into pocket
   • Tighten anchor bolt nuts after grout cures
8. Result: Panel properly leveled, anchored, and grouted to foundation

Integration¶

Called By: mp_dlg ? Foundation area OR [Foundation] button Drawing: Foundation details drawn on panel elevation and base detail

Variables:

bearing-type, bearing-width
leveling-method, pad-size, pad-spacing
anchor-enable, anchor-size, anchor-spacing, anchor-embedment
grout-pocket-depth, grout-pocket-width, grout-type
base-chamfer, weep-spacing

Best Practices¶

Bearing:

? 6” minimum bearing width (code allows 4”, but 6” safer)
? Center panel on bearing (uniform stress)
? Check bearing stress (<200 PSI typical)

Leveling:

? Use grout pads (simple, economical)
? 3-4 pads minimum per 12’ panel
? Full grout after plumb (eliminates voids)

Anchors:

? 3/4” bolts typical (adequate for most panels)
? 4’-6’ spacing (code max 8’)
? 12” embedment minimum
? Stainless or galvanized (corrosion resistance)

Grouting:

? Use non-shrink grout (critical!)
? Full grout coverage (no voids)
? Pump from one side, vent opposite (complete fill)

Common Mistakes:

? Insufficient bearing width (<4” - code violation)
? Bolts too far apart (>8’ - code violation)
? Grouting before panel plumb (can’t adjust!)
? Voids in grout (water intrusion, corrosion)

Documentation Metadata¶

Enhancement Status: ? COMPREHENSIVE - ENHANCED [7/8]

End of Document