Code of Maine Rules
02 - DEPARTMENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL REGULATION
385 - MANUFACTURED HOUSING BOARD
Chapter 890 - MANUFACTURED HOME INSTALLATION STANDARDS
Subchapter E - ANCHORAGE AGAINST WIND
Section 385-890-E-II - Ground Anchor Installations

Universal Citation: 02 ME Code Rules ยง 385-890-E-II

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

A. Ground Anchor Certification and Testing

Each ground anchor must be manufactured and provided with installation instructions, in accordance with its listing or certification.A nationally recognized testing agency must list, or a registered professional engineer or registered architect must certify, the ground anchor for use in a classified soil (refer to Subchapter C, Section II), based on a nationally recognized testing protocol, or a registered professional engineer or registered architect must certify that the ground anchor is capable of resisting all loads in Paragraph B of this section for the soil type or classification.

B. Specification for Tie-down Straps and Ground Anchors

1. Ground Anchors

Ground anchors must be installed in accordance with their listing or certification, be installed to their full depth, be provided with protection against weather deterioration and corrosion at least equivalent to that provided by a coating of zinc on steel of not less than 0.30 oz./ft2 of surface coated, and be capable of resisting a minimum ultimate load of 4,725 lbs, and a working load of 3,150 lbs, as installed, unless reduced capacities are noted in accordance with Note 11 of Table 1 to this section or Note 12 of Tables 2 and 3 to this section.The ultimate load and working load of ground anchors and anchoring equipment must be determined by a registered professional engineer or registered architect, or tested by a nationally recognized third-party testing agency in accordance with a nationally recognized testing protocol.

2. Tie-Down Straps

A 1 1/4 inch x 0.035 inch or larger steel strapping conforming to ASTM D 3953-97, Standard Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals (incorporated by reference), Type 1, Grade 1, Finish B, with a minimum total capacity of 4,725 lbs and a working capacity of 3,150 lbs must be used.The tie-down straps must be provided with protection against weather deterioration and corrosion at least equivalent to that provided by a coating of zinc on steel of not less than 0.30 oz./ft2 of surface coated.Slit or cut edges of coating strapping need not be zinc coated.

C. Number and Location of Ground Anchors

1. Ground anchor and anchor strap spacing must be:
a. No greater than the spacing shown in Tables 1 through 3 to this section and Figures A and B to this section; or

b. Designed by a registered professional engineer or registered architect, in accordance with accepting engineering practice and the requirements of the MHCSS for any conditions that are outside the parameters and applicability of the Tables 1 through 3 to this section.

2. The requirements in Paragraph C of this section must be used to determine the maximum spacing of ground anchors and their accompanying anchor straps, based on the soil classification determined in accordance with Subchapter C,Section II:
a. The installed ground anchor type and size (length) must be listed for use in the soil class at the site and for the minimum and maximum angle permitted between the diagonal strap and the ground; and

b. All ground anchors must be installed in accordance with their listing or certification and the ground anchor manufacturer installation instructions; and

c. If required by the ground anchor listing or certification, the correct size and type of stabilizer plate is installed.If metal stabilizer plates are used, they must be provided with protection against weather deterioration and corrosion at least equivalent to that provided by a coating of zinc on steel of not less than 0.30 oz./ft2 of surface coated.Alternatively, ABS stabilizer plates may be used when listed and certified for such use.

3. Longitudinal Anchoring

Manufactured homes must also be stabilized against wind in the longitudinal direction in all Wind Zones.Manufactured homes located in Wind Zones II and III must have longitudinal ground anchors installed on the ends of the manufactured home transportable section(s) or be provided with alternative systems that are capable of resisting wind forces in the longitudinal direction.See Figure C to Subchapter E, Section II for an example of one method that may be used to provide longitudinal anchoring.A registered professional engineer or registered architect must certify the longitudinal anchoring method or any alternative system used as adequate to provide the required stabilization, in accordance with acceptable engineering practice.

Figure A to Subchapter E, Section II - Ground Anchor Installations

Ground Anchor Locations and Spacing (Plan View)

Notes to Figure A:

Click here to view Image

1. Refer to Tables 1, 2, and 3 to this section for maximum ground anchor spacing.

2. Longitudinal anchors not shown for clarity; refer to Subchapter E, Section II(B)(2) for longitudinal anchoring requirements.

Figure B to Subchapter E, Section II - Ground Anchor Installation

Anchor Strap and Pier Relationship

Notes to Figure B:

Click here to view Image

1. Vertical straps are not required in Wind Zone 1.

2. The frame must be designed to prevent rotation of the main chassis beam when the diagonal ties are not attached to the top flange of the beam. See Subchapter E, Section I(D)(3).

Figure C to Subchapter E, Section II - Ground Anchor Installation

Longitudinal Anchoring

Click here to view Image

Table 1 to Subchapter E, Section II - Ground Anchor Installation

Maximum Diagonal Tie-down Strap Spacing

Wind Zone I

Nominal floor width, single section/multi-section

Max. height from ground to diagonal strap attachment

I-beam spacing 82.5 in.

I-beam spacing 99.5 in.

12/24 ft. 144 in. nominal section(s) ........................

25 in ...................................

33 in ...................................

46 in ...................................

67 in ...................................

14 ft. 2 in ...........................

11 ft. 9 in ...........................

9 ft. 1 in .............................

N/A .....................................

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

14/28 ft. 168 in. nominal section(s) ........................

25 in ...................................

33 in ...................................

46 in ...................................

67 in ...................................

18 ft. 2 in ...........................

16 ft. 1 in ...........................

13 ft. 3 in ...........................

10 ft. 0 in ...........................

15 ft. 11 in

13 ft. 6 in.

10 ft. 8 in.

N/A

16/32 ft. 180 in. to 192 in. nominal section(s) .........

25 in ...................................

33 in ...................................

46 in ...................................

67 in ...................................

N/A .....................................

19 ft. 0 in ...........................

16 ft. 5 in ...........................

13 ft. 1 in ...........................

19 ft. 5 in.

17 ft. 5 in.

14 ft. 7 in.

11 ft. 3 in.

Notes to Table 1:

1. Table is based on maximum 90 in. sidewall height.

2. Table is based on maximum 4 in. inset for ground anchor head from edge of floor or wall.

3. Table is based on main rail (I-beam) spacing per given column.

4. Table is based on maximum 4 in. eave width for single-section homes and maximum 12 in. for multi-section homes.

5. Table is based on maximum 20-degree roof pitch (4.3/12).

6. Table is based upon the minimum height between the ground and the bottom of the floor joist being 18 inches. Interpolation may be required for other heights from ground to strap attachment.

7. Additional tie-downs may be required per the home manufacturer instructions.

8. Ground anchors must be certified for these conditions by a professional engineer, architect, or listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

9. Ground anchors must be installed to their full depth, and stabilizer plates, if required by the ground anchor listing or certification, must also be installed in accordance with the listing or certification and in accordance with the ground anchor and home manufacturer instructions.

10. Strapping and anchoring equipment must be certified by a registered professional engineer or registered architect, or listed by a nationally recognized testing agency to resist these specified forces, in accordance with testing in ASTM D 3953-97, Standard Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals (incorporated by reference).

11. A reduced ground anchor or strap working load capacity will require reduced tie-down strap and anchor spacing.

12. Ground anchors must not be spaced closer than the minimum spacing permitted by the listing or certification.

13. Table is based on a 3,150 lbs. working load capacity, and straps must be placed within 2 ft. of the ends of the home.

14. Table is based on a minimum angle of 30 degrees and a maximum angle of 60 degrees between the diagonal strap and the ground.

15. Table does not consider flood or seismic loads and is not intended for use in flood or seismic hazard areas. In those areas, the anchorage system is to be designed by a professional engineer or architect.

Table 2 to Subchapter E, Section II - Ground Anchor Installation

Maximum Diagonal Tie-down Strap Spacing

Wind Zone II

Nominal floor width, single section/multi-section

Max. height from ground to diagonal strap attachment

Near beam method I-beam spacing

Second beam method I-beam spacing

82.5 in.

99.5 in.

82.5 in.

99.5 in.

12 ft./24 ft. 144 in. nominal section(s).

25 in ............................

6 ft. 2in ................

4 ft. 3 in ...........

N/A ......

N/A

33 in .............................

5 ft. 2in ................

N/A ...................

N/A ......

N/A

46 in .............................

4 ft. 0 in ..............

N/A ...................

N/A ......

N/A

67 in .............................

N/A .......................

N/A ....................

6 ft. 1 in ..

6 ft. 3 in

14 ft./28 ft. 168 in. nominal section(s).

25 in ..............................

7 ft. 7in..................

6 ft. 9in .............

N/A ......

N/A

33 in ..............................

6 ft. 10in ..............

5 ft. 9 in .............

N/A ......

N/A

46 in ..............................

5 ft. 7in ................

4 ft. 6 in............

N/A ......

N/A

67 in ..............................

4 ft. 3 in ..............

N/A ....................

N/A ......

N/A

16 ft./32 ft. 180 in. to 192 in. nominal section(s).

25 in ..............................

N/A .......................

7 ft. 10in ...........

N/A ......

N/A

33 in .............................

7 ft. 6in ................

7 ft. 2in .............

N/A ......

N/A

46 in ..............................

6 ft. 9in ................

6 ft. 0 in .............

N/A ......

N/A

67 in .............................

5 ft. 4in ................

.......................

4 ft. 7 in ............

N/A .......

N/A

Notes to Table 2:

1. Table is based on maximum 90 in. sidewall height.

2. Table is based on maximum 4 in. inset for ground anchor head from edge of floor or wall.

3. Tables are based on main rail (I-beam) spacing per given column.

4. Table is based on maximum 4 in. eave width for single-section homes and maximum 12 in. for multi-section homes.

5. Table is based on maximum 20-degree roof pitch (4.3/12).

6. All manufactured homes designed to be located in Wind Zone II must have a vertical tie installed at each diagonal tie location.

7. Table is based upon the minimum height between the ground and the bottom of the floor joist being 18 inches. Interpolation may be required for other heights from ground to strap attachment.

8. Additional tie-downs may be required per the home manufacturer instructions.

9. Ground anchors must be certified by a professional engineer, or registered architect, or listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

10. Ground anchors must be installed to their full depth, and stabilizer plates, if required by the ground anchor listing or certification, must also be installed in accordance with the listing or certification and in accordance with the ground anchor and home manufacturer instructions.

11. Strapping and anchoring equipment must be certified by a registered professional engineer or registered architect, or must be listed by a nationally recognized testing agency to resist these specified forces, in accordance with testing procedures in ASTM D 3953-97, Standard Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals (incorporated by reference, see §3285.4).

12. A reduced ground anchor or strap working load capacity will require reduced tie-down strap and anchor spacing.

13. Ground anchors must not be spaced closer than the minimum spacing permitted by the listing or certification.

14. Table is based on a 3,150 lbs. working load capacity, and straps must be placed within 2 ft. of the ends of the home.

15. Table is based on a minimum angle of 30 degrees and a maximum angle of 60 degrees between the diagonal strap and the ground.

16. Table does not consider flood or seismic loads and is not intended for use in flood or seismic hazard areas. In those areas, the anchorage system is to be designed by a professional engineer or architect.

Table 3 to Subchapter E, Section II - Ground Anchor Installation

Maximum Diagonal Tie-down Strap Spacing

Wind Zone III

Nominal floor width, single section/multi-section

Max. height from ground to diagonal strap attachment

Near beam method I-beam spacing

Second beam method

I-beam spacing

82.5 in.

99.5 in.

82.5 in.

99.5 in.

12 ft/24 ft. 144 in.nominal section(s).

25 in ........................

5 ft.1 in .............

N/A .................

N/A ...........

N/A

33 in .........................

46 in .........................

67 in .........................

4 ft.3 in .............

N/A .....................

N/A .....................

N/A .................

N/A .................

N/A .................

N/A ............

N/A ...........

N/A ............

N/A

N/A

N/A

14 ft/28 ft. 168 in. nominal section(s).

25 in ........................

6 ft. 2 in .............

5 ft. 7 in ...........

N/A ............

N/A

33 in ........................

5 ft. 8 in .............

4 ft. 9 in ...........

N/A ............

N/A

46 in ........................

4 ft. 8 in ................

N/A .................

N/A ............

N/A

67 in .........................

N/A ....................

N/A .................

N/A ...........

N/A

16 ft/32 ft. 180 in. to 192 in. nominal section(s).

25 in .........................

N/A ....................

6ft. 3 in .............

N/A ............

N/A

33 in .........................

6 ft. 1 in ............

5 ft. 11 in ..........

N/A ............

N/A

46 in .........................

5 ft. 7 in .............

5 ft. 0 in ............

N/A ............

N/A

67 in .........................

4 ft.5 in .............

N/A ................

N/A ............

N/A

Notes to Table 3:

1. Table is based on maximum 90 in. sidewall height.

2. Table is based on maximum 4 in. inset for ground anchor head from edge of floor or wall.

3. Tables are based on main rail (I-beam) spacing per given column.

4. Table is based on maximum 4 in. eave width for single-section homes and maximum 12 in. for multi-section homes.

5. Table is based on maximum 20-degree roof pitch (4.3/12).

6. All manufactured homes designed to be located in Wind Zone III must have a vertical tie installed at each diagonal tie location.

7. Table is based upon the minimum height between the ground and the bottom of the floor joist being 18 inches. Interpolation may be required for other heights from ground to strap attachment.

8. Additional tie-downs may be required per the home manufacturer instructions.

9. Ground anchors must be certified by a professional engineeror registered architect, or listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

10. Ground anchors must be installed to their full depth, and stabilizer plates, if required by the ground anchor listing or certification, must also be installed in accordance with the listing or certification and in accordance with the ground anchor and home manufacturer instructions.

11. Strapping and anchoring equipment must be certified by a registered professional engineer or registered architect, or must be listed by a nationally recognized testing agency to resist these specified forces, in accordance with testing in ASTM D 3953-97, Standard Specification for Strapping, Flat Steel and Seals (incorporated by reference, see §3285.4).

12. A reduced ground anchor or strap working load capacity will require reduced tie-down strap and anchor spacing.

13. Ground anchors must not be spaced closer than the minimum spacing permitted by the listing or certification.

14. Table is based on a 3,150 lbs. working load capacity, and straps must be placed within 2 ft. of the ends of the home.

15. Table is based on a minimum angle of 30 degrees and a maximum of 60 degrees between the diagonal strap and the ground.

16. Table does not consider flood or seismic loads and is not intended for use in flood or seismic hazard areas.In those areas, the anchorage system is to be designed by a professional engineer or architect.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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