Acceptable Tolerances for Residential Footings
As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine, August/September 2017. This column pertains to the nature of minimum requirements or specifications for the size of concrete footings in relation to the foundation walls they support. Question: I have a foundation that was poured and I am not impressed. The footings were poured and when they set the […]
The Risk of Not Knowing: Duty to Provide Fall Protection
Originally published in Concrete Contractor magazine. Question: Yesterday, an OSHA inspector witnessed two of our crew members standing atop the formwork, while finishing a pour. The first worker was floating the wall and the second worker was installing anchor bolts. Both of these are standard procedures for us and the workers are trained and confident working […]
Winter Walls – The Walls Are “Leaking”
As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine, April 10, 2017. This column presents a comparison issue between what is assumed to be faulty construction or installation and the natural hydration process combined with the change of seasons. Question: Last winter we installed several foundations for a builder in one development. He called this week asking us […]
Tips for Pouring Concrete Foundations in Cold Weather
As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine December 04, 2013By James R. Baty II, F.ACI, F.TCA Question: Concrete foundation pours in cold weather will be affected by temperatures in the mid 30s to mid 40s or lower. How should I ensure my customers and our building inspectors that the walls will perform as designed? – Concrete Contractor […]
Confirming the Connection Detail for a Residential Footing
As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine, January/February 2017. This column is an expansion of the footing detail discussion offered in the December 2016 edition. In this issue, a CFA member asks for an interpretation of the cover requirements for dowels in a footing used to provide connection between the concrete footing and the foundation wall. […]
Formed Finish Not a Structural Concern
As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine, April 13, 2016. The Concrete Foundations Association explains the references supporting the decisions to form cast-in-place concrete with any material and why aluminum is not a structural concern when used as the form. Question: I constructed a basement foundation for a home owner last week with a new set […]
Out of Plumb May Not Mean Damaged and Unsafe
As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine. Question: The foundation for my new home has one wall showing two vertical cracks and the top of the wall is not even with the base of the wall. I’m concerned the backfilling has pushed the wall in and the building inspector wants an engineer to certify the wall […]
Standing Water in Prepared Footings: A Problem or a Precaution?
by JAMES R. BATY II Created: May 18, 2015 for Concrete Contractor Magazine In this column, the Concrete Foundations Association explains frequent concerns lifted by homeowners as they are engaging a contractor or during the construction process. These issues are offered to you, the concrete contractor as a way of better understanding your customer and identifying the […]
“Damp Rising”
As published in Concrete Contractor Magazine. Question: I have a homeowner that wants me to put a poly sheet over the footing before I begin forming the foundation wall. He has read that water can migrate up through the footing into the wall and create mold problems for his home. Is this accurate? I’m concerned […]
Asking the Cold Weather Question
Recently, a staff member in our office was sent out to chronicle the stages of a typical residential foundation installation. We’re always looking for new images and new ways to look at perhaps the most important part of any home before it all gets covered up. While we’ve had this interest for several weeks, the […]
