Flooded CMU foundations

[jplay2519]

I have a structure that has 8" cmu block on top of 12" cmu block for the basement walls. The 12" blocks are ungrouted and you can see down into them. There was a huge water mane break and the site and an adjacent site were flooded. I saw video of water coming up from under the slab at the garage and under the front of the house. This was Jan 26th, 7 days ago. Today I go and see that there is standing water and sediment in the 12" cmu blocks a few courses down. Is there anyway to get that out or get the water out from around the site? There are on site drainage that are full of water and I think it will take a long time for the water to get out on its own. I also don't want to specify any repair details until we determine if the soil is stabilized and the structure wont' settle anymore...there are signs of cracking at some walls. I think we need to send a geotechnical engineer out and sample the soils to determine their stability and if they are suitable to support the structure as well as trying to find someone to get the water off site(if possible). Thanks for your help.

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Is there anyway to get that out or get the water out from around the site?

Wellpoints are usually used to dewater for an excavation, but they are fine for general area dewatering. Get the geotech out to the site sooner rather than later. If the soil is "clay"... any dewatering effort could take a long time.

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[jayrod12]

If the water level is now below the bottom of the CMU, you could drill small diameter drain holes at the bottom of each core to drain the standing water.

If the surrounding water level is still above the bottom of the CMU, you're best to wait until it comes down.

 

[jplay2519]

Thanks guys. Jayrod12, the water is in the CMU below the grade so would you still suggest excavating to the top of the footing and drilling out those drain holes....these blocks should have been grouted. When I saw it I was disappointed they weren't in the first place, now even more so.

 

[jayrod12]

Depends on the situation. They may drain on their own as the surround water table lowers. If freezing is a concern, then I would definitely be finding a way to get the water out. Even if someone had to use a pump and hose in each core, water in there is not a great idea.

 

[jplay2519]

Agreed. Thanks for your advice!