Brick fascia as part of code required foundation wall thickness

[Aucoin]

The following inquiry pertains to a residential basement foundation wall designed to the 1998 International One and Two Family Dwelling Code.

Question:
Does a 4" brick fascia, sitting on a brick ledge poured into the foundation contribute to the minimum required code specified foundation wall thickness for un-reinforced poured concrete walls?

Detail:
Wall Height = 8' from footing to sill.
Wall thickness from footer up to a height of 5', = 8". Monolithic poured concrete.
Wall thickness from a height of 5' up to sill = 4" of poured concrete + 4" of motared brick. Brick sits on a ledge formed into the concrete.

Problem:
A horizontal crack developed after pour on the interior of basement wall nearly around the entire parimeter. Builder did not install flashing or vertical reinforcement. Wind driven rainwater gets between brick and concrete and leaks out of the horizontal crack in basement. I am concerned that brickwork may eventually fail, leaving the house to rest on 4" of unrestrained concrete…..not to mention potential frost damage and a damp basement.

Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Thanks, Jake

 

[rday]

Aucoin,

I don't have the code you reference so I can't answer compliance with that code. However, I do not like the situation you describe.

Typically, brick fascia is considered a finish material and does not contribute structurally, other that supporting self weight, to the structure. You didn't give connection information.

You didn't specify, but I assume the sill plate is attached to the concrete stem of the ledge. That means your concern appears to have been realized, since you state that the wall is not reinforced and assuming the brick is a finish material.

You should hire a local structural engineer to come in and do an evaluation. Then be prepared for a legal battle.

Just My Opinion
Rik

 

[JAE]

Brick facia is usually (for me always) not a structural element. So I wouldn't count on it to satisfy a min. thickness requirement.

 

[TPNY]

I think the key to your question lies in the statement: "un-reinforced poured concrete walls." Brick does not qualify as "poured concrete."
The intention of the code to give a minimum thickness--or any limited parameter-- may not always be for "design" purposes, but instead for serviceability, fire-safety, durability, etc. of the structure. The structure or element should be designed to withstand specific loads, and obviously this was a very bad design. 4 feet of 4", unreinforced concrete worries me, especially at the 5' mark. On a hunch, I am guessing that the horizontal crack is at or near the 5' mark...?