Residential Foundation Plumbness Tolerances

[CNCLLC]

I am currently working on a residential project where the foundation wall is significantly out of plumb. Are there any specified tolerances for residential concrete foundation walls? Thanks in advance.

 

[COEngineeer]

out of plumb due to what? Bad workmanship? Or is it a basement wall and it is deflecting? Maybe they back filled out of sequence?

Never, but never question engineer's judgement

 

[MiketheEngineer]

What is your definition of "significant"?? 1'' in 8 feet or 6'' in 10 feet??

 

[CNCLLC]

All these questions are irrelevant. I am looking for a code referenced or a standard of the industry, that I can quote from, that will tell me what the maximum allowable out of plumb dimension can be. It can be in the form of a percentage of the height or a ratio of H/???.

 

[cvg]

this has been discussed recently, see the following thread

thread255-224957

 

[COEngineeer]

Its all about the finish. If your top wall is 1" off where it needs to be, then obviously you cant run your bottom 2x plate on the edge of the wall. That means you have to use post installed anchor. Ask the architect or the framer. Asking you whether or not it is a basement wall or foundation is a relevant question. If it is out of plum due to deflection, then push it back (remove the pressure).

Never, but never question engineer's judgement

 

[CNCLLC]

Regarding the reason for the wall being out of plumb is an issue that I need to and can address myself.

I am only seeking information regarding construction tolerances, which is what my original post had asked for.

 

[COEngineeer]

The answer is... you can have any tolerances you want. As long as the architect is OK with it (not going pass the set back, issue with something) and the structure is structuraly sound. Then of course depending on how much the tolerance is (i have no idea since you dont want to provide that information), you need to make sure the steel shop drawing is good enough for the tolerance. If its all wood, then its not a problem since you can field measure it. If I was the homeowner, and it is a basement wall (once again, i have no idea since you wont give out that information either), then it is up to him. Good luck!

P.S. It doesnt hurt to to give out the "irrelevant questions". A lot of gray area in this field.

Never, but never question engineer's judgement

 

[HouseBoy]

My guess is that it is contained here:
ACI 332.1R Guide to Residential Concrete Construction
Alternatively, ACI 301 contains tolerence provisions too I think.
(I'm not at the office now so I can not look it up for you.)

 

[DonPhillips]

I think the National Association of Home Builders have quality standards but I think they are seldom referenced in contracts and without the reference, it would be difficult to hold someone to that standard.



Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com

 

[msucog]

"residential" and "tolerance"...hmmmm, i'm not sure i've seen these two words together before...

try aci (as houseguy mentions...i think i recall seeing it in 301) or ibc for construction tolerances. if the wall has moved or is rotating, then that's a different story all together.

 

[ctcray]

The "Residential Construction Performance Guidelines" 2nd Edition from NAHB states:

2-13 Poured concrete basement wall is out of plumb.

Performance Guideline: Concrete walls shall not be out of plumb greater than 1-1/2 inches in 8 feet when measured from the base to the top of the wall.

Corrective Measure: The contractor shall repair any deficiencies in excess of the performance guideline. If the wall is to remain unfinished per contract, and the wall meets building codes as evidenced by passed inspections, then no corrective action is required.

Obviously written to protect the homebuilder.

 

[Bagman2524]

There is a residential inspection company called Criterium Engineering that uses 1" in 10 ft. There are a couple of ACI standards that have a similiar tolerance.

 

[boo1]

in addition to Houseguys reference;
ACI 117-06 - Specifications for Tolerances for Concrete Construction and Materials and Commentary