Formed concrete footing

[Mike Birenbaum]

Just wondering...Haven't seen many of these "formed" concrete footings and am wondering if this is an approved application / use?

[Raymond Wand]

It would be okay for a free standing deck, but not for carrying loads from beams.

However given what I am seeing this looks to be simple framing such as one might see in low quality cottage or house construction.

[Dom D'Agostino]

Dek-Blocks are made for decks, sheds, etc. They are not to be used as foundations for piers, as seen in your photo.

Dom.

[chris mcintyre]

...........am wondering if this is an approved application / use?

Maybe, if it being used as a foundation/footing then no. If it is being used to support a mid span girder (often done to take the 'bounce' out of the floor) then it would be acceptable.

[Bill Hetner]

as an auxiliary support it might be acceptable in some cases but not as a main support replacing a sturctural support. taking out the bounce is one thing but proper support in the long term needs to be properly done. in time that one can sink if the earth get wet and compresses and then it would lose all support it was providing. if you really want to get tech on them suggest an engineer to evaluate it. and cover yourself on it. really depends on the big picture there.

[Jerome Schrenker]

Mike, this is a precast foundation block. I would not just assume that this will not handle the load imposed. A lot would depend on the soil its sitting on. And the actual load itself. If in doubt I ask for some engineering.

[Jerry Peck]

That does not a proper footing make ... especially not in shaky-earth country such as California.