I am pouring a slab and adding a wall in a buildup (basement). It has a 12×12 footing and 4″ slab. The inspector also wants a 6″ wide by 8″ tall stem wall. This complicates construction and will require two pours of concrete. The stem wall would have to be hand mixed. There is a grade outside of the wall and dirt could gradually drift down to rest against the 2 x 4 wall. I think the purpose of the stem wall is to prevent wood to dirt contact. What can I offer as an alternative to the inspector? Thanks. I need an answer by Mon morn when I meet him.
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Replies
One pour.
You don't need two pours. In fact it's better with one and no cold joint between the slab and stem wall. Just form up the outside to the height of the stem wall and then form up 8" on the inside. Your finishers can strip the inside forms in order to finish the slab. It's done all the time.
Ques for one pour
If I am pouring at 2 dirrerent heights, 12" and 20" wont concrete seeks its own level and overflow the 12"
No
Be sure the concrete is not too wet. You need an experienced crew. This is not DIY.
Anything that meets code
Inspectors don't specify construciton details. If they are asking for a 6" wide by 8" tall stem wall, then they are superseding their job responsibility and you should ask for clarification from their boss. Actually, what I think your inspector probably wants is for you to simply follow code. That usually means keeping rot prone exterior framing & finish materials 8" above grade. How you do that is up to you, not the inspector. There are many ways to achieve this..A concrete wall (full or stem) is one; properly detailed CMU walls or walls built w/ lumber (treated for ground contact) are others. However, if you are considering forming and pouring 20" tall concrete stem walls and think this plastic material behaves just like water, then I recommend you hire a professional to form and pour your walls.
Thanks for suggestions
I poured in one pour, no problems. The cement guy made the mxer 'drier".