Specifications for a single story warehouse foundation call for a PIP wall foundation (no change in footing) to a depth of 4' with #4 rebar lengthwise at 3' OC. The contractor has offered a reduced cost if concrete masonry unit (same thickness) is used. This appears to be OK for this application (building permit approved, I have authority to change). Should rebar be still be installed in CMU joint same as PIP or is no rebar OK? Lots of existing area foundations are without the rebar, but due to 40' span and 4" slab, the PIP was preferred.
Eng-Tips is the largest engineering community on the Internet
Intelligent Work Forums for Engineering Professionals
-
Congratulations waross on being selected by the Eng-Tips community for having the most helpful posts in the forums last week. Way to Go!
Substitute CMU Block vs PIP 1
- Thread starter Burr
- Start date
-
1
- #2
CMU is an easy substitute, but review the circumstances with a local engineer. Minimal detailing recommendations should be observed. Many times, the steel is present only to control non-structural cracking. Your warehouse application sounds non-architecturally significant - meaning only that the likelihood of a lawsuit for non-structural cracks is not significant. The code allows unreinforced foundations, and they perform well within limits. Even these however should have control joints to control cracking. CMU with horizontal joint reinforcement performs well for minimal loading.
- Status
Similar threads
- Question
- Locked
- Question
