NSR Build it and.......

[Coydog]

does it make any sense to build on stilts? Or would they be too weak?

That's the direction I'm thinking of going with breakaway walls if flooded again, added advantage is I would gain parking under building for my Vettes.

Lot's of possibilities. Best of luck and keep us apprised.

[Bubba]

Considering the speed and pressure of water flow during a flash flood along the river, how big around do those stilts have to be and how do they need to be anchored?

[RENO]

[Coydog]

Plenty of space for the vettes.

[RENO]

Seriously, you need something like this in that location.

http://www.firesidechalets.com/392.html

[Stormchaser]

Considering the speed and pressure of water flow during a flash flood along the river, how big around do those stilts have to be and how do they need to be anchored?

They usually drive concrete piles in with a crane, and sit the house on top. The pressure from the force of water is reduced by the means of the smaller surface area of the piles in relationship to the much larger surface area of a full foundation wall. Thus, piles don't need to provide nearly as much resistance as foundation walls. You still have to have a structural engineer design the piles for loading requirements...

[fracer]

Long-time follower, first time poster - after following the posts about the recent disaster and seeing what happened to this place, I felt compelled to offer my thoughts...

I owned a house in Stockbridge that got completely destroyed in a flood during the summer of 2007. For 2 years, we went through it all - dealing with the loss, dealing with the insurance (or lack of coverage), trying to recover. We were emotionally attached to the place and weren't going to let it get taken from us that way. I was firm about needing to re-build on the property - after all, the place wasn't even located in the floodplain. We had nothing but problems with the ANR (State) about replacing the septic and bridge and ultimately abandoned our plans to re-build on site. We ended up taking that money and putting it toward another place in town - nowhere near the water.

Ultimately, the problems we encountered were a blessing in disguise - had we re-built, the house would have been destroyed with Irene and we would have lost everything - again - only 4 years after losing the first one. I wish you the best of luck with whatever course you follow.

[tyrolean_skier]

Long-time follower, first time poster - after following the posts about the recent disaster and seeing what happened to this place, I felt compelled to offer my thoughts...

I owned a house in Stockbridge that got completely destroyed in a flood during the summer of 2007. For 2 years, we went through it all - dealing with the loss, dealing with the insurance (or lack of coverage), trying to recover. We were emotionally attached to the place and weren't going to let it get taken from us that way. I was firm about needing to re-build on the property - after all, the place wasn't even located in the floodplain. We had nothing but problems with the ANR (State) about replacing the septic and bridge and ultimately abandoned our plans to re-build on site. We ended up taking that money and putting it toward another place in town - nowhere near the water.

Ultimately, the problems we encountered were a blessing in disguise - had we re-built, the house would have been destroyed with Irene and we would have lost everything - again - only 4 years after losing the first one. I wish you the best of luck with whatever course you follow.

Fracer, welcome to the forum. Now that you've made your first post, don't be shy and please participate in other discussions.

[Geoff]

Building will be easy. The hard part will be the permitting process since you are so close to the water.

Most environmental regulations have exceptions for homes destroyed by fire or natural disaster, allowing them to be rebuilt in kind (similar footprint, similar location). It's likley FEMA will be looking for normal flood plain construction improvements including all living areas above flood elevation and flood proof construction on basement levels. The easiest option for flood proofing the basement is to make it a garage under at grade with flood vents to allow flood waters to pass through. Mechanicals all on first floor (mechanical closet) above the basement level and above flood water elevation. Being so close to the river, you are likely also in the flood way, not just the flood plain. Flood way construction is generally frowned upon because of the forces involved with moving water. The foundation will likely need to be designed to handle the extreme forces created when water moves rapidly.

I believe the phrase you were searching for is "Corvette storage".

I've been telling Shortski since this happened that he's going to do exactly what people do with beachfront homes. Build it on stilts. Garage doors for his fleet of Corvettes and other toys below. Inside stairwell so he's not climbing icy stairs in the winter. Make provisions for an elevator and put a dumb waiter in that spot for now. Nice deck off the back overlooking the Ottaquechee.



It's also great for repelling zombies.

[Bubba]

It's also great for repelling zombies.

You mean various KZoners late on Friday and Saturday nights?

[FirstScrape]

does it make any sense to build on stilts?

Only if you're a roofer -- it saves time climbing the ladder.

[Big Bob]

If you decide to put it up on stilts, you may have difficulty driving piles. There are usually lots of boulders in riverbeds, unless you encounter shallow ledge. I believe your septic system survived and was not washed away, so the state may not get hung up on that item.

[Geoff]

If you decide to put it up on stilts, you may have difficulty driving piles. There are usually lots of boulders in riverbeds, unless you encounter shallow ledge. I believe your septic system survived and was not washed away, so the state may not get hung up on that item.

I don't see why he wouldn't just pour a concrete footing and anchor the stilts to that. No different from building a garage.

[Big Bob]

Geoff, I am sure you have seen whats left of the foundation of the small house just east of Blackies.

[Mister Moose]

There's 3 issues for the piers:

1) Below the frost line.
2) Anchored well enough to withstand likely shear forces.
3) Scouring during high water flow (see Superstar Pub)

ok, 4.

4) Wide enough spacing to fit a Vette through.

Should be able to make a pretty good stab at it with a competent civil engineer. Maybe find a bridge guy that understands scouring and riprap. Bridges deal with this all the time for mid channel piers.