Rubble trench foundation

[1] It is considered more environmentally friendly than other types of foundation because cement manufacturing requires the use of enormous amounts of energy.

[2] A rubble trench foundation with a concrete grade beam is not recommended for earthquake prone areas.

[3] A foundation must bear the structural loads imposed upon it and allow proper drainage of ground water to prevent expansion or weakening of soils and frost heaving.

Drainage tile, graded 1":8' to daylight, is then placed at the bottom of the trench in a bed of washed stone protected by filter fabric.

Frank Lloyd Wright used them successfully for more than 50 years in the first half of the 20th century, and there is a revival of this style of foundation with the increased interest in green building.