CMU Foundation Wall

[ChipB]

Based on 2000 IRC, the masonry stem wall doesn't appear to require any vertical reinforcing (In seismic areas A,B, & C)by code. Is this correct? If so, the anchor bolts don't have a continuous load path down to the footing.

I ask as I am investigating a foundation failure, and, the homeowner is out a significant amount of money for what I feel is crappy construction. The anchor bolts didn't cause the failure, but, the mortar joint has separated 2" vertically due to settlement of fill. There are mortar bags stuffed into the cells under each anchor bolt to stop the concrete from completely filling the cell.

I'd really like to burn this guy so any help is appreciated.

 

[DaveAtkins]

If the contractor is at fault, it is for not compacting the fill before pouring the footings. If settlement had not caused the mortar joint to fail in tension, the unreinforced wall would have been able to handle shear parallel to the wall, without being grouted full height.

DaveAtkins

 

[jheidt2543]

I agree with DaveAtkins, the failure is the fault of whom ever failed to compact the footing subgrade fill.

It is important to blame the correct culprit!

 

[ChipB]

I agree on the culprit, and, it is the contractor that is responsible for compacting the fill. Just used their backhoe to compact. We've gotten a lot of rain due to Francis and then Ivan. It appears the sub-surface flow of water blew out the toe of the fill. I probed this with a penetrometer and it was soft.

The elevation of the house is 3300. Because of this, I'm still going to state that there should be vertical rebar at all anchor bolt locations, down to the footing. I'm using the continuous load path requirement due to the wind speed.