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Pier and beam houses can be defined as structures that can be crawled under, that is, structures that have a crawl space. There are a number of foundation problems that are unique to pier and beam structures. Unlike a slab foundation with concrete floors, a pier and beam structure has wood floors, and a wood sub-structure. The disadvantage of this is that the wood is susceptible to rot after prolonged contact with water or soil, and also to deterioration from termites and other critters. The solution is to prevent any ground to wood contact, and to prevent moisture contact with the wood. Once the wood is rotted, it must be replaced... Joists are usually installed on 16'' centers, and beams or girders are rarely installed further than 12 feet apart. Engineers and architects know the proper spacing, and they know the larger the beam or joist, the greater the spacing that can be allowed without sagging and settlement, depending on the amount of weight above. In cases where poorly spaced..