Should I back fill around the footings before erecting the steel beams/trusses or assemble now and fill after for added wall support?
Asked by Velemudr Kayuk 
4 months ago
Last Updated: September 12, 2024
I’m in the process of putting up a Perka steel building and I have a question about back filling. Should I back fill around the footings before I start putting up the steel beams and trusses, or can I do that after assembly? The concrete pads under the posts are 4′ x 4′ x 14″ with a 2′ footing connecting them. It’s been 2 years since the settling, so I’m not worried about that, but I’m curious if the extra 2′ of back fill would make a difference in supporting the wall.
When backfilling, make sure the floor system is able to support the walls and keep them level. Pressure from backfill can cause the walls to shift.
I honestly don’t think it makes much of a difference. There’s a lot of wall space, and it doesn’t seem to impact the structure much (since the columns are the primary support). Where will the floor go… will it be lower or at the same level as the top of the wall? I’m assuming it’s a slab floor?
A 6-inch slab floor should be placed about 1 foot above the concrete footing.