How Do You Accurately Design Concrete Foundations for Sloped Lots?

[MartinCole]

Hi everyone,

 

I’m working on a project that involves designing a concrete foundation for a sloped lot, and I’m running into challenges with getting the elevations and footings right. I want to ensure the design is both structurally sound and accurately modeled in Chief Architect.

 

Has anyone here worked on a similar project? What’s the best approach for designing stepped footings and ensuring proper load distribution on uneven terrain? Also, do you rely solely on Chief Architect’s terrain tools, or do you use external calculations before modeling?

 

Thanks!

[MartinCole]

  On 3/15/2025 at 11:36 AM, MartinCole said:

Hi everyone,

 

I’m working on a project that involves designing a concrete foundation for a sloped lot, and I’m running into challenges with getting the elevations and footings right. I want to ensure the design is both structurally sound and accurately modeled in Chief Architect.

 

Has anyone here worked on a similar project? What’s the best approach for designing stepped footings and ensuring proper load distribution on uneven terrain? Also, do you rely solely on Chief Architect’s terrain tools, or do you use external calculations before modeling?

 

Thanks!

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Also, I’m wondering if there are any best practices for anchoring concrete foundations on sloped terrain to prevent shifting over time. Would deeper footings or retaining walls be necessary in certain cases? Would love to hear thoughts on this!

[Gr8trim4u]

You really need to understand the angle of repose and what you are dealing with regarding the geo tech aspect. If you are learning I would encourage finding a geo tech company. Most building codes provide perscriptive design for sloped lots.  Without the above information it would be tough to model a correct footings. Point loads and load distribution. Is also a consideration. 

[GeneDavis]

https://www.chiefarchitect.com/videos/watch/51/creating-a-walkout-basement.html?playlist=88

 

https://www.chiefarchitect.com/videos/watch/402/stepping-a-foundation.html?playlist=88