Code Provision

[FiniteElemet]

Somehow I cannot find the code provision which requires that rebar in earth retention structure cannot touch the building foundation. There is some type of minimum spacing between tension rods and concrete footing. Help much appreciated.

 

[msquared48]

I have never heard of this - seems very strange. I've heard of wood not touching soil and having to be pt against conveyer but never that. Except for possible electrical reasons this seems ridiculous.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

http://mmcengineering.tripod.com

 

[Ron]

Don't know of one either. You certainly want to maintain spacing between a retaining wall tie-back and the foundation; however, that has to do with stability, not the rebar.

 

[TXStructural]

I have never seen such a requirement. If there is exposure of certain parts of a structure to high chlorides or other severe corrosion potential, interconnecting exposed and non-exposed parts could result in macrocell corrosion potential. This might lead to faster corrosion of the weather-exposed (moisture/chloride-exposed) steel and reinforcement. (The interconnection of reinforcement allows the flow of electrons away from steel which is oxidizing into the remainder about the reinforcement.) Properly detailed and constructed, with good quality concrete and proper cover, this should not be a significant issue.

As other said, if you are looking to connect a building foundation and an accessory retaining wall, you do have to account for the forces involved.