![]() ![]() ![]() In thinking about using the technique suggested, I'm searching for a less invasive and time/cost intensive solution. Although the u-channels are resisting the inward pressure on the wall, I would feel better if I could lock the blocks together and restore some of the wall's original integrity. Unfortunately there are still lots of cracks in the mortar joints.both horizontal, stair step, etc. The interior of the wall has been braced with 7 foot long vertical steel U-channels through-bolted to exterior earth anchors every 4 feet along its length. The main culprit for the external pressure against the wall appears to be expansive clay soil. The basement wall in question is 60+ feet long and entirely below ground. I realize that one traditional solution to a cracking and bowing wall would be to install rebar inside every 3rd or 4th block core and then fill the cores with concrete. If you remember, Steve brought in Victor and his team from Luciano Cristofaro Contractors to build the foundation, and todays article shares how they built the block wall foundation. This would be kind of a hybrid between traditional technology and more modern approaches such as using carbon fiber straps epoxied to the interior of the wall. Its time for another Pro-Follow update as we follow along with contractor Steve Wartman and his crew. It typically is installed in a poured concrete footing or base for the concrete block wall, set into the concrete for the depth of the footing and spaced so holes in the blocks will go over the rebar, to be secured with concrete grout. I considered using a portland cement-based grout to attach the rebar, but thought an epoxy-based cement might provide a stronger and more flexible adhesive bond between the rebar and the concrete block. Rebar is placed in walls both vertically and horizontally, depending on the type of wall and the forces on it. RE: Use of rebar to reinforce existing concrete block wall Ron (Structural) 13 Jul 19 22:46 The bottom could be inserted into a hole drilled in the floor slab. If additional anchoring were needed, the top of the rebar could be bent and inserted into a hole drilled into the top block, or is could be attached with some kind of bracket and lag-bolted to the sill or a floor joist. It would require less cutting/grinding than with carbon fiber straps The homeowner could install this system with an angle grinder and a few diamond cutting blades. This might be very beneficial if there were significant stair-step cracking of mortar joints. It would serve to lock the courses of block together. Significantly lower cost than using carbon fiber straps If feasible, this method would provide a number of benefits: The rebar would be bedded in a continuous bead of epoxy or other suitable adhesive and would be flush with the inside surface of the block. Each groove would be wide and deep enough to accommodate a #4 or #5 length of steel rebar. What I am suggesting is cutting vertical v-shaped grooves in the inside face of the block wall, floor to ceiling at regular intervals maybe every 2 1/2 to 3 feet. Has anyone thought about using steel rebar on the inside of a concrete basement block wall to reinforce it and prevent further bowing and cracking? ![]()
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