Energy and Construction - Clima2007

James Said:

I want to face a 4 foot exterior concrete wall with thin river stone. What is the best construction technique?

We Answered:

I have just finished having a concrete stone wall installed at my home that is 6 feet tall that did not require a concrete foundation. The fence was supplied by AFTEC, who specializes in concrete fences. The whole wall is made out of concrete that has some awesome texture that can be stained. When it comes out, it is stronger than a stone wall and they installed it for less than what I could build it myself. Check them out at www.aftec.com

Clara Said:

Question about a concrete washout pit on construction site?

We Answered:

There's always a bit of extra concrete on a large pour, because
it's better to have a bit to much than too little.
This concrete cannot be left in the truck to harden,
so it must be dumped and the truck cleaned out.
The pit is for the waste concrete and the wash-out slurry.
If this is new construction, there's almost always a non critical
use for a bit of spare concrete:
a pad for the trash or recycle bin?
a pad for the Air Conditioner?
If you plan ahead, you can have a better job for very little cost.

Alfredo Said:

How is the frame of a house attached to the concrete foundation?

We Answered:

when the slab or footings for the home are poured there are foundation bolts ,straps, and stab bolts in the forms . once the concrete has cured what is called a mud sill or green plate goes over these and bearing plate and nuts go onto the foundation bolts. hold downs attached to the walls will be bolted to the stab bolt. and the straps are nailed through the the wall into studs once it has the shear panel on it. At least that's the way we do it here on the west coast!

Perry Said:

What is a typical callout on a construction drawing for high quality, residential grade foundation concrete?

We Answered:

For foundation used in residential building cement Portland concrete concrete having f'c 3000ksi @ 28 days is commonly used. Since concrete is delivered from the concrete plant you do not need to specify how to make it. It is mixed in accordance with ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials) standards which are incorporated in virtually all building codes.
More important is define that it should be placed on in-excavated soil, that there should not be standing water in the excavation. If you need to get smooth edges, forming is required either in wood or metal forms. Forms shall be lubricated for easy removal. I would suggest that minimum reinforcing steel to be installed. Although it is more expensive steel assures that concrete will not crack during the settlement of the soil. Once at the site, the concrete must be placed and compacted. These two operations are performed almost simultaneously. Placing must be done so that segregation of the various ingredients is avoided and full compaction—with all air bubbles eliminated—can be achieved. Whether chutes or buggies are used, position is important in achieving these goals. The rates of placing and of compaction should be equal; the latter is usually accomplished using internal or external vibrators. To properly cure concrete must be kept damp during the several days it requires to set and harden.

Thelma Said:

Is it kosher to pour foundation over construction debris?

We Answered:

Construction debris under a slab should be ok as long as no voids are left in. Now you say that a foundation is going over the debris, but you also said the stem wall is already done(a stem wall is a foundation), so my assumption is that it is a slab going over the debris not a foundation. I would have a problem putting a new foundation over anything but natural undisturbed soil (or fill that has been compacted to the proper degree) as it specifies in the building code.

If you are unsure, call for a soil test before the pour.

Cory Said:

Fixing Premanufactured house on foundation?

We Answered:

Yes, bolts. There are many manufacturers that have web sites with tons of construction details. If you are shopping for a home. ask the dealer to get a "bank pack" for you. You can't, but maybe someone will.