Code of Maine Rules
02 - DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL REGULATION
385 - MANUFACTURED HOUSING BOARD
Chapter 890 - MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS
Subchapter D - FOUNDATIONS
Section 385-890-D-X - Pier Location and Spacing

Universal Citation: 02 ME Code Rules ยง 385-890-D-X

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

A. The location and spacing of piers depends upon the dimensions of the home, the live and dead loads, the type of construction (single-or multi-section), I-beam size, soil bearing capacity, footing size, and such other factors as the location of doors or other openings.

B. Mate-line and column pier supports must be in accordance with this subchapter and consistent with Figures A through C of this section unless the pier support and footing configuration is designed by a registered professional engineer or registered architect.

C. Piers supporting the frame must be no more than 24 inches from both ends and not more than 120 inches center to center under the main rails.

D. Pier support locations and spacing must be presented to be consistent with Figures A and B to Subchapter D, Section XII, as applicable, unless alternative designs are provided by a registered professional engineer or registered architect in accordance with acceptable engineering practice.

Figure A to Subchapter D, Section X - Pier Location and Spacing:

Typical Mate-Line Column Pier and Mating Wall Support

When Frame Only Blocking is Required

Click here to view Image

Footings sized for single spans C and D to support the Pier and Footing Load indicated in Table 3 to Subchapter D, Section III. [Note:If wall is less than 16" in width use combined span C+D, single pier.]

Footing sized for span B or C, as applicable, to support the Pier and Footing Load indicated in Table 3 to Subchapter D, Section III.

Footings sized for combined spans A+B to support the Pier and Footing Load indicated in Table 3 to Subchapter D, Section III(D).

Footing sized for span A to support the Pier and Footing Load indicated in Table 3 to Subchapter D, Section III(D).

Notes to Figure A:

1. Bottom of footings must extend below frost line depth, unless designed for placement above the frost lines. (See Subchapter D, Section XII(B) ).

2. Piers may be offset up to 6 inches in either direction along the supported members to allow for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, equipment, crawlspace, or other devices.

3. Single-stack concrete block pier loads must not exceed 8,000 lbs.

4. Prefabricated piers must not exceed their approved or listed maximum vertical or horizontal design loads.

5. When a full-height mating wall does not support the ridge beam, this area is considered an unsupported span - Span B.

6. Piers are not required at openings in the mating wall that are less than 48 inches in width. Place piers on both sides of mating wall openings that are 48 inches or greater in width. For roof loads of 40 psf or greater, a professional engineer or registered architect must determine the maximum mating wall opening permitted without pier or other supports.

Figure B to Subchapter D, Section X - Pier Location & Spacing:

Typical Mate-Line Column Pier and Mating Wall Support

When Perimeter Blocking is Required

Click here to view Image

See Note 1

Footing sized & spaced to support the Load indicated in Table 2 to Subchapter D, Section III(D).

Footing sized for span C to support the Load indicated in Table 2 to Subchapter D, Section III(D).

Footing sized & spaced to support the Load indicated in Table 2 to Subchapter D, Section III(D).

Footing sized for span B to support the Pier & Footing Load indicated in Table 3to Subchapter D, Section III(D).

Footing sized for combinedspan A+B to support the Pier &Footing Load indicated in Table 3 to Subchapter D, Section III(D).

See Note 6

Footing sized for span A to support the Pier &Footing Load indicated in Table 3 to Subchapter D, Section III(D).

Notes to Figure B:

1. Bottom of footings must be below the frost line depth, unless designed for placement above the frost line. (See Subchapter D,

Section XII(B)) .

2. Piers may be offset 6 inches in either direction along supported members to allow for plumbing, electrical, mechanical equipment, crawlspace, or other devices.

3. Single stack concrete blocks pier loads must not exceed 8,000 lbs.

4. Piers are not required at openings in the mating wall that are less than 48 inches in width. Place piers on both sides of mating wall openings that are 48 inches or greater in width. For roof loads of 40 psf or greater, a professional engineer or registered architect must determine the maximum mating wall opening permitted without pier or other supports.

5. When a full-height mating wall does not support the ridge beam, this area is considered an unsupported span - Span B.

6. In areas where the open span is greater than 10 ft., intermediate piers and footings must be placed at maximum 10 ft. on center.

7. Prefabricated piers must not exceed their approved or listed maximum horizontal or vertical design loads.

8. Column piers are in addition to piers required under full-height mating walls.

Figure C to Subchapter D, Section X - Pier Location & Spacing:

Typical Mate-Line Column and Piers

Notes to Figure C:

Click here to view Image

1. Mate-line column supports piers are installed with the long dimension

of the concrete block perpendicular to the rim joists.

2. Pier and footing designed to support both floor sections. Loads as listed in Table 3 to Subchapter D, Section III are total column loads for both sections.

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