If you didn’t read my blog yesterday – it might help you to back up a day and read where the following blog got started. I nice young gentleman asked me to help him with his boy scout Eagle project – constructing an equestrian barn. So back up a day – then continue here after you get measurements taken and batter boards set up….

Digging Holes

Temporarily remove string lines. If building in an area requiring inspections, call your building inspector to schedule a hole inspection.

This is important! Get off on the right foot with building inspectors. Call for all required inspections!

Confirm hole diameter from building plan. While usually 18-or 24-inch diameter, verify from building plans.

Building holes may be made larger in diameter or greater in depth (provided posts are long enough) without adversely affecting building structure. Digging holes which are too small in diameter, or not to depth shown on building plans, could cause a myriad of future structural issues – or even a building failure.

Why would smaller diameter holes be an issue? The building weight, including a “loaded to failure” roof load, must be adequately distributed to soil beneath the concrete around columns. Hole diameters specified on building plans include a sufficient area to resist settling, given stated soil strength. Avoid the temptation to use concrete “cookies” placed beneath columns, as they also do not offer enough surface area to resist settling.

To help prevent frost “heave”, dig holes so width at top is less than width at bottom. This can be done by “belling” out hole bottom with a shovel.

Using an auger mounted on a skid steer, bore holes to depth required on building plans. Holes slightly larger in diameter than auger bit can be created by first digging a pilot hole then offsetting auger slightly from hole center and boring again.

NOTE: High water tables or water in holes will not cause premature decay of pressure preservative treated columns. Treatment is for structural in ground use, which includes being exposed to ground water.

Helpful hint – an auger will NOT remove any rocks larger than half the auger bit diameter.

In cases where two adjacent posts will be located in close proximity to each other, the two holes may resemble a short “trench”. This is acceptable.

Holes maybe dug larger in diameter than what is shown on building plans, as well as oblong or rectangular. Dimensions stated on plans are “minimum” requirements.

Do not “over dig” holes! If holes are too deep, extra concrete will be needed and concrete is expensive fill! A visible marker, placed on the auger bit at required depth, is often helpful. If large rocks are present, dig holes with a backhoe, mini- excavator or other similar equipment.

Extend hole depth below area frost line. If unsure about frost depth, ask the local building inspector.

After digging holes, clean any loose material from hole bottoms.

Setting building columns into “sonotubes” or other forms is not recommended. Use will lower the friction coefficient which is created by the concrete encasement cast against native soil. This may adversely affect building performance (or longevity).

Hansen Buildings’ engineers also do not recommend concrete “cookie” placement or pouring concrete “punch pads” at hole bottoms, beneath columns. With column holes properly backfilled with poured concrete, both “cookies” or “punch pads” are usually both structurally inadequate and a needless expense.

There you go – the first big step is done – and you are ready to position columns in the holes. Once again – this may be the time to call your building inspector for a hole inspection.

Good Luck and Happy Digging Holes!