Basement wall Structural problems
Basement wall Structural problems
(OP)
The basement walls were poured using forms. The pour began on a HOT August day in one corner filled to the top sloping down at about a 45 degree slope to the bottom of the form on other end of house. Then moved to the opposite corner of house doing same. The next day the forms were removed. We can see a crack (or maybe it's called a seam) on both sides of the wall exactly where the first and second pours came together. If you draw a square and put a diagonal line from one corner to the other you get a better idea what IM trying to explain. Structural problems is our first concern, second water entering the homes basement living areas.
First pour started here
| |
| \ / Second Pour started here
-\/--------------------------
| \ Second |
| \ Pour |
| \ |
| \ | Basement wall
| \ |
| \ |
|First pour \ |
-----------------------------
First pour started here
| |
| \ / Second Pour started here
-\/--------------------------
| \ Second |
| \ Pour |
| \ |
| \ | Basement wall
| \ |
| \ |
|First pour \ |
-----------------------------





RE: Basement wall Structural problems
When we place concrete, we start at one location and proceed to the finish point. Furthermore, the concrete is thoroughly vibrated at locations where lifts (different segments within the same pour) are placed. Apparently, no one did this for your basement wall.
Take plenty of pictures before this is covered up and note all the conditions etc. It is likely that water will penetrate the wall later on thus leaking into the basement. In the winter, if you have temperatures below freezing any water inside the joint/crack will freeze and expand thereby opening the crack more.
Unfortunately, I don't know a good solution other than epoxy-injection which looks like hell especially on a new home. Ultimately, to potential buyers/lay-people, it will look like your foundation has settled indicating a long term problem and one that will reduce the value of your home.
I'm sure that the contractor will not want to remove and replace the wall. Although, this is what he should do!
Good Luck.
RE: Basement wall Structural problems
Regards
Andy Machon
RE: Basement wall Structural problems
Also...agree with Q that the structural leakage, integrity issue can be solved.....but the bigger issue is the future buyer (assuming you sell someday) as so many people are ignorant of concrete wall behavior and may shy away from a wall with a cold joint, even if its been repaired. The outside wall surface will probably be mostly underground, but the inside is in full view unless you furr out and cover with gypsum board or some other wall surface.
RE: Basement wall Structural problems
I have one point to add, that being with the epoxy injection that Qshake mentioned. That is the appropriate repair for this condition. If the cold joint line is clean, with well consolidated concrete on either side of the line, then you will just need to have the contractor route the joint, then inject with epoxy. I suggest SikaDur 32 Hi-Mod epoxy. After injection, have the contractor "scabble" the joint and then place a skim coat of polymer modified mortar repair (Sika has one of those also...I'm beginning to sound like a commercial for Sika! I've just had good results from their products so I usually specify them). If the cold joint line is not clean (honeycomb near/crossing the joint) the process is a bit more difficult but still a similar repair process is appropriate.
As Q said, someone down the road will think major structural problems occurred. Document everything and fully disclose if you sell. It will keep the panic down and save you lots of trouble.
Good luck.
Ron
RE: Basement wall Structural problems
RE: Basement wall Structural problems
http://www.eng-tips.com/gviewthread.cfm/lev2/26/lev3/72/pid/592/qid/9603
We are also looking into a waterproofing method for the exterior of the basement walls, and would welcome any input. The contractor would like to use the asphalt mopping. He claims to use it all the time with no problems. We have read that the uncured chemicals in concrete will break down the asphalt or it becomes brittle underground. We plan to live in this home forever so a lasting product is key.
RE: Basement wall Structural problems
In regard to waterproofing please refer to the following thread in which RON has responded with excellent advice.
"Concrete Foundation for a Basement" Thread194-2989
Good Luck!
RE: Basement wall Structural problems