saturated CMU wall - official references?
saturated CMU wall - official references?
(OP)
Hi folks,
I did an investigation on a building where the basement was a last-minute change order from a slab foundation, and with the weeping of water down the inside of the CMU walls I've seen, it's clear those walls are SOAKED. Only one detail in the whole change-ordered basement foundation system shows a hint of waterproofing. Moisture content was about 20% all over (where water wasn't literally seeping down the wall). I was hired to write a report to help the non-profit that owns the building get a grant for repairs.
So, does anyone have good official references on why having your solid-grouted CMU retaining foundation wall saturated for about 13 years so far is bad, and what will happen to the CMU if the walls continue to be saturated? The more official, the better. Google wasn't much help tonight.
Thanks!
I did an investigation on a building where the basement was a last-minute change order from a slab foundation, and with the weeping of water down the inside of the CMU walls I've seen, it's clear those walls are SOAKED. Only one detail in the whole change-ordered basement foundation system shows a hint of waterproofing. Moisture content was about 20% all over (where water wasn't literally seeping down the wall). I was hired to write a report to help the non-profit that owns the building get a grant for repairs.
So, does anyone have good official references on why having your solid-grouted CMU retaining foundation wall saturated for about 13 years so far is bad, and what will happen to the CMU if the walls continue to be saturated? The more official, the better. Google wasn't much help tonight.
Thanks!






RE: saturated CMU wall - official references?
What was the "hint" of waterproofing? Apparently, you had a simple surface moisture meter.
It is obvious there is something wrong with the walls, either from the original design/specifications or the construction methods.
Google is not a substitute for getting more experience.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.
RE: saturated CMU wall - official references?
Do you know of any such reports/articles/papers? I'd appreciate the help in finding them.