Rat Walls

[hs0214]

I'm in the process of preparing to test for a building inspector and the one subject I cannot get a clear cut technical description of is... a Rat Wall. Can anyone direct me to references for a rat wall?

 

[JAE]

You might try this:

http://www.washtimes.com/world/20031215-122310-2242r.htm

 

[sdz]

A rat wall is a solid non structural wall that extends far enough into the ground to prevent rats from burrowing underneath. They were required to be 600mm below ground level where I live but are no longer required.

Often the edge footing beam was made deep enough to meet the rat wall requirements.