"Standing" Brick Foundation Wall
"Standing" Brick Foundation Wall
(OP)
Has anyone encountered an instance where row of "standing" bricks is placed above a poured concrete wall? I was given this picture today and asked to review tomorrow. Can't say I've seen this before. But any thoughts would be appreciated. It's a single family, 2-story home built in the '30s.






RE: "Standing" Brick Foundation Wall
www.PeirceEngineering.com
RE: "Standing" Brick Foundation Wall
This was prior to designers understanding how concrete(i.e. Portland Cement) and clay based units don't mix well together. (clay expands while concrete shrinks)
From your photo I think that the brick is indeed load bearing. The clay units can take some amount of load. The concern to me would be moisture infiltrating into the clay based units and causing expansion and/or deterioration in them over time. Depends on the exterior waterproofing system (which in the 1930's was probably just grout parging.
Check out Eng-Tips Forum's Policies here:
FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies
RE: "Standing" Brick Foundation Wall
Please remember: we're not all guys!
RE: "Standing" Brick Foundation Wall
Can't say I've seen them in a soldier layup like that though -usually just running bond stack.
As long as the brick isn't mixed with concrete I don't see problem with straight gravity loading. Need to consider anchorage and lateral soil forces. The concrete wall needs to be retaining wall without top brace.
______________
MAP
RE: "Standing" Brick Foundation Wall