step footing for retaining wall replacement at existing stairs? 1

looks like attachments are working again (cheers Eng-Tips) so here's a closer picture too.

Stepped footings are possible to construct, however there are several items I would consider.

- the new footings should likely be placed below the frost level.
- the new footings should be placed on undisturbed soil, therefore, if the existing wall's footings extend all the way down, you will also have to go all the way down.
- depending on the depth of your excavation, what is going to keep the soil underneath the stairs in place while you excavate/form, etc... You are going to end up with either lost formwork or one sided formwork adjacent to the existing stairs.

You could step the footings, but if it were mine, I would pull it all out and start over. That way, the walls can be cantilevered off the stair slab.

hokie's suggestion would be a lot less expensive and easier to implement.

This effort seems to be a bit imcompatible with the structure, unless perhaps the structure has some historical or architectural significance. I would probably concentrate on the wall by the sidewalk and do pier-supported wood steps to replace the concrete steps. Then you only need a small concrete boxed area at the beginning of the stairs, with piers installed upslope.

I, too, agree with Hokie. Take 'er down.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering