Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
(OP)
Looking at a house in which a new foundation was installed to raise the house out of the flood zone. Trying to determine if bond beams were installed. is there a difference that can be seen in a completed cmu wall. Also the wall is 35' long and 8'8" above grade. Shouldn't there be a pilaster to break up the unbraced length?
Thanks
Thanks






RE: Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
Typically we have a contractor drill small holes to determine the extent of grouting in the wall (then patch the holes).
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RE: Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
RE: Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
There is also an x-ray method where all the grouted cells will show up but I suspect this may be cost prohibitive for a residential project.
RE: Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
Professional and Structural Engineer (ME, NH)
American Concrete Industries
www.americanconcrete.com
RE: Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
RE: Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
RE: Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
RE: Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
A rebar locator may help, but they have depth limitations too, some only 2" to 3" which may not be good enough for an 8" wide wall.
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)
RE: Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
RE: Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
Sometimes it makes you want to wear a cape and carry a large magnifying glass for additional credibility.
Dick
Engineer and international traveler interested in construction techniques, problems and proper design.
RE: Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls
i've messed around with all but an interesting option is non-industry specfic is that metal detectors also work. i have a vintage "treasure finder" that came from Radio Shack in the early 80's that runs on a 9V battery that is a good first pass and is worth buying just to pick up roofing nails around the yard. The detectors that surveyors and town plumbers use are significantly better at finding metal.
RE: Identify Bond Beams in Exisiting cmu walls