6" Block For Foundation Wall

72chevy4x4

typically, 8" block is used in my area for foundation (crawl and basement) walls. I just ran across a bunch of 6" block-is it acceptable (by code) to use 6" and rebar/grout to get the strength of a standard non-grouted 8" wall? The question pertains to a 1 or 2 story structure w/ basement.

NC2X4

I think if you bond it with the brick veneer. However I would check code.

Chris Johnson

I do 6" structural pour in place walls all the time, above and below grade.

Guessing here for CMU, it would work if it was backfilled on both sides, such as a garage wall where you are building down below the frost line.

__________________
Chris

Tscarborough

Structurally it is fine, but code rules.

__________________
It ain't Rocket Science unless you are building rockets.

Tom M

Masonry walls under 9 ft high for a 1 story are allowed to be 6" by code. 8 inch becomes the minimum over 9ft.

72chevy4x4

does anyone build foundations out of 6" block? I've dealt with 4", 8" and 12"'s, but never knew there were 6" block! thanks for the feedback guys.

TERM101

Tom M is right about the code. I typically shy away from using 6" block due to to headache of having to run so far to get them in my area. I usally just go with an 8 out of sheer preference. But yes, a 6" can be used in some applications.

stacker

i have never laid a foundation with 6 inch block.most of the 6 in i have laid are for partion walls.

__________________
life is short,do your masonry naked!!
http://ok.local.yahoo.biz/knabemasonry/index.html

concretemasonry

There is nothing wrong with using 6" block and it usually is a benefit to the owner.

If you have an unbalanced load, you may (not always) need some or more steel and grout. Just check local code, which is perscriptive and required for your area to be legal without using and engineer to use something different. If it is worth the money, you can always hire an engeer to come up with a different design.

Unfortunately, American engineers and contractors are really not aware what can be done with masonry and what is being done elsewhere - I am being polite. I have seen groups of 5 to 20 apartment buildings that were 10 to 22 stories built using 6" load bearing block that were partially reinforced. There were no steel or concrete columns - just knowledgeable suppliers, contractors and engineers.

__________________
Dick

Engineer, designer and consultant recently active domestically and internationally on construction and design in about 35 countries.