Welded wire fabric reinforcing in a stem wall

[MidwestSE]

Hi all,

I have a client that wants to use a 4.5" stem wall (non load bearing). Does anyone ever use WWF as reinforcing in a foundation element? Would you ever use WWF in a stem wall? To me, that sounds like it's probably not a good idea for long term use in a thin stem wall.

Thanks!

 

[KootK]

So this is an interior non-load bearing wall? Can you just set the wall on the slab on grade or a slab on grade thickening?

In load bearing and shear wall applications, my concerns would be:

- performance of any anchors used for shear transfer or hold down and;

- the contractors ability to get good consolidation in such tight form work without resorting to formwork vibration etc.

Other than that, I've no problem with WWM if it works by the numbers.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[MidwestSE]

it's an exterior wall, the stem wall is just to get down to frost depth. There is a single story vestibule wall on it, so the load on it is extremely small.