EPS under footing
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Am looking to use EPS under both footings and slab in a new construction
Does EPS type 2 meet Ontario building code for Footings ?
Does EPS type 1 or type 2 meet Ontario building code for basement slab ?
Steve
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Replies
Steve,
Perhaps a GBA reader who is familiar with the Ontario building code (I'm not) can help you.
If you are purchasing your EPS in Ontario, I would call up the EPS manufacturer and ask them the question.
Here is a link to an article you may be interested in reading (although the article has absolutely no information on the Ontario building code): Foam Under Footings.
Steve,
I would bet that the Ontario code hasn't amended the NBC, so the provisions are probably the same as they are here in BC.
As far as I can see the code doesn't specifically prescribe foam bearing capacities. Rather is says any substrate under a load-bearing foundation must be able to support 75kpa. Under none load-bearing slabs there is no such requirement, simply some language about when compaction is needed.
My understanding is that EPS foam comes in variety of densities with their own compressive strengths.Which ones surpass 75kpa I don't know.
Sorry, this probably doesn't help much.
It looks like Type 2 EPS is required under slab per Ontario Build Code 9.25.2.2 and Supplementary Standard SB-12.
per this link :
http://www.advantageicf.com/lib/pib/PIB%20208%20-%202012%20Ontario%20Building%20Code%20Prescriptive%20Requirements%20for%20ICF%20Construction.pdf
There's nothing I can find about EPS under footing
All sub-footing insulation has to be custom engineered for the application- it won't be a standard code subsection.