Foundation Wall Tolerances

[Greatone76]

Just to make sure I'm reading ACI-117 correctly. I have a foundation wall below grade that is sitting on a footing. Since the Foundation section of ACI-117 only seems to address footings, can I move to the building section and use "4.1—Deviation from plumb
4.1.1 For heights less than or equal to 83 ft 4 in. (25.4 m) For lines, surfaces, corners, arises, and elements: the lesser of 0.3% times the height above the top of founda- tions as shown on structural drawings or ±1 in. (25 mm)." as the tolerance for the foundation wall? It specifically references from the top of foundations. Since I am building a "foundation" element what should the tolerance be? Do I simply say the footing is the top of foundation? Any advise would be great. Thanks

 

[PSEPK]

You should most probably use Section 3, dealing with "FOUNDATIONS", instead of Section 4 (relating to 'CAST-IN-PLACE CONCRETE FOR BUILDINGS'). I am referring to 2006 edition of ACI 117. You may check in your edition of the code, in case it is different.

 

[Greatone76]

What do I use for a plumbness tolerance for a foundation wall?

 

[PSEPK]

You have not mentioned dimensions of 'foundation wall'. It is also not clear whether it is of PC or RC? Assuming that it will be of RC, I would go for following course of action:

a. Use Section 3.1.3, and calculate allowable tolerance, taking L as total wall height below grade, in this case.
b. Also, use Section 4 and calculate tolerance again, using story height as L this time.
c. Adopt more stringent requirement of the two tolerances calculated above.

It will however depend upon whether 'foundation wall' can in fact be considered as a foundation or not? Moreover, whether it is of sufficient bearing area to transfer the superstructure loads to underneath soil or otherwise?