Foundation Anchorage Rehab

[aueng06]

I have recently learned that in many new residences being constructed the homes are not at all anchored to the foundation. There are no anchor bolt connections between the sill plate and the cmu stemwall. Additionally, stemwalls are not fully grouted or grouted at set intervals. Since these homes are being built outside of city limts, where no building codes are enforced, there is little if any recourse for homeowners, just learning of this problem, to take. Does anyone have any good ideas about a way to create adequate anchorage of the home to the foundation when the house is already constructed.

I have two main ideas...

1. drill holes into the tops of CMU blocks and sill plates, insert anchors into sill plate as they should be, and pump concrete into cmu block hole to grout block without removing sill plate.

2. use a strap to tie the sill plate to the CMU block nailing into the wood and using enough Titen HD screws into the hollow block to resist the necessary loads.

Does this sound reasonable and do you have a better idea?

P.S. As always, cost is an factor to homeowners. The more economical option is always the best in their eyes.

 

[PSlem]

There usually isn't enough clearance to hammer drill if joists are dimensional lumber so use

http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/UFP.html

 

[csd72]

aueng06,

Just because there is noe enforcement does not mean that they have no recourse. This is an obvious code violation that should be brought to the attention of the relevant state department.

To tie the CMU to the footing, you could knock out the face shell for the lower couple of blocks (hopefully below ground level) ever 4 or 6' drill and epoxy grout anchor bars at an angle then bend them to vertical. Fill the core with grout and patch up.

Regards
csd

 

[JStephen]

I suspect "where no building codes are enforced" meant "where are are no required building codes" as well, so there isn't anything to report to the state.

 

[COEngineeer]

How about those bolts with screen tube that simpson use?

 

[DonPhillips]

No code does not mean there is no minimum standard of care for the builder. An attorney should be able to make a case that a building code is a minimum standard of care and any home constructed in the United States, regardless of building code, should meet or exceed the 2006 IRC.

Don Phillips

http://worthingtonengineering.com