Hi,
I am trying to work out the best way to make a base for a 16' x 8' tanalised shed/workshop. I'd like to make the base and shed last as long as possible.
The problem is the shed is positioned next to an apple tree growing out of the ground at 45 degrees. In the past 3 years the tree hasn't moved, and we would like to keep it as it produces lots of apples which have made into cider!
About a foot or so to the left of the tree there is a large visible root at the surface and the ground is raised a little. Just beyond this is where the shed would end. The soil is clay.
Ideally I'd like to make a full concrete base, but fear the tree roots would break the raft over time. Would it matter if the concrete base cracked, it would not be visible, as it is hidden under the shed? Also we don't want to damage the roots too much when digging for the concrete base.
My second idea was create a treated timber frame on mini piles. I would dig about 15 holes 18" deep with a hand auger if possible. Then set in using postcrete lengths of angle iron (obtained cheaply from work) with the top protruding a few inches above ground. The timber frame would the bolt to the sides of the angle iron with the base of the timber frame an inch or so above ground level.
My 3rd idea is to simply to lay concrete fence posts on the ground at 2' centres perpendicular to the shed floor timbers. I am working on my own, are fence posts manageable by one person?
Do you think any of these would work considering the proximity of the apple tree, or can you think of any better ideas for a long lasting base?
I am trying to work out the best way to make a base for a 16' x 8' tanalised shed/workshop. I'd like to make the base and shed last as long as possible.
The problem is the shed is positioned next to an apple tree growing out of the ground at 45 degrees. In the past 3 years the tree hasn't moved, and we would like to keep it as it produces lots of apples which have made into cider!
About a foot or so to the left of the tree there is a large visible root at the surface and the ground is raised a little. Just beyond this is where the shed would end. The soil is clay.
Ideally I'd like to make a full concrete base, but fear the tree roots would break the raft over time. Would it matter if the concrete base cracked, it would not be visible, as it is hidden under the shed? Also we don't want to damage the roots too much when digging for the concrete base.
My second idea was create a treated timber frame on mini piles. I would dig about 15 holes 18" deep with a hand auger if possible. Then set in using postcrete lengths of angle iron (obtained cheaply from work) with the top protruding a few inches above ground. The timber frame would the bolt to the sides of the angle iron with the base of the timber frame an inch or so above ground level.
My 3rd idea is to simply to lay concrete fence posts on the ground at 2' centres perpendicular to the shed floor timbers. I am working on my own, are fence posts manageable by one person?
Do you think any of these would work considering the proximity of the apple tree, or can you think of any better ideas for a long lasting base?
