Placing Fill embankment on Bldg Firewall???
Placing Fill embankment on Bldg Firewall???
(OP)
hi All, hope everyone is well and happy holidays! I need a recommendation for a scenario i have, here it goes: There is a vacant lot wherein there are Firewalled (masonry wall with columns every 10 feet)buildings to the left and right side of it. both of the firewalled buildings' finish floor elevations are 3 feet above the original ground. the vacant lot is 30 feet wide. there is a plan to build a building on the vacant lot 18 feet wide with 6 feet setback on both the left and right side. the existing ground is to be raised 3 feet to match the firewalled buildings' elevations. the question is do you still need to construct a retaining wall right next to the firewalled buildings? or is the volume of dirt to be raised does not affect the firewalled buildings? my thought is i just think of it as if the firewall just gets sandwiched between their side and the new dirt to be added on the vacant lot and thus does not affect the neighboring buildings, but i need some expert opinion. i hope i explained it clear enough. comments and suggestions are appreciated. thanks





RE: Placing Fill embankment on Bldg Firewall???
You need to check with your local council because if the next-door neighbour decides to demolish the firewall what happens to your property, probably not a big deal but it is good to know te council stand point, normally they would consider the FFL to be the Ground level.
However from a structural point of view it would be fine, however I would keep it 150mm below the FFL of the building to ensure water proofing. I would also ensure water can't pound against the firewall.
Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while you realize that they like it
RE: Placing Fill embankment on Bldg Firewall???
RE: Placing Fill embankment on Bldg Firewall???
lateral pressure to the wall due to the fill dirt will be negligible? No, it isn't, if the wall is a basement wall ect. it all depends on situation, as for a fire wall for a single story residence with a slab on ground it shouldn't be a problem. However i would recommend installing subsoil drains next to the wall and ensure good drainage away from the wall.
Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while you realize that they like it
RE: Placing Fill embankment on Bldg Firewall???
RE: Placing Fill embankment on Bldg Firewall???
The spacing between the buildings might require a different fire rating on their walls. Check on that.
RE: Placing Fill embankment on Bldg Firewall???
RE: Placing Fill embankment on Bldg Firewall???
RE: Placing Fill embankment on Bldg Firewall???
RE: Placing Fill embankment on Bldg Firewall???
Again, check the fire rating. In general, if you have such small spacing between buildings, the exterior wall must carry additional fire rating.