adakseabee
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# Posted: 4 Dec 2011 21:53
Reply
Sadlad, I recently became aware of this forum and when I came to your dilemma, I saw that no one has offered any solution. On the face, it appears that you have a difficult problem to solve. You mentioned that the cabin has 4x4 treated post foundation. Exactly how many posts constitute the foundation and where are they located? Are any running down the center of the cabin? Is the 32 foot dimension parallel or perpendicular to the direction of the slope? On the downhill side does the slope get steeper beyond the building? Finally, do the posts show any rot or insect damage? Look closely where the posts enter the ground. What I have in mind are three possible solutions as described below.
1. Assuming the posts have not deteriorated, installing cross-bracing among the posts, provided there is sufficient clearance to work under the building. (Minor excavation by hand may be necessary to provide adequate clearance). Cross-bracing may prevent further overturning movement of the posts, but is not a permanent, long-term solution if you wish to keep the cabin beyond a decade or two.
2. Another solution that is more costly and is the minimum I feel that is required if your posts have rot or insect damage is to install steel I-beams under your cabin supported on both ends of each beam with a properly constructed concrete pier.
3. Or, for a long-term solution, I would recommend raising the cabin using cribbing, steel I-beams, and house jacks, raise the cabin sufficiently high to allow low clearance excavating equipment under the cabin and install properly installed posts or a concrete stem wall around the perimeter, at least on the two sloping side and downhill side.
Regardless, I would obtain the services of a licensed structural engineer to advise you based on the actual circumstances, i.e., site conditions, post and building condition, local government permitting agency, cost, etc.
Good luck!
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