Attach crib wall to foundation…
In redoing an office in the corner of my house, I’ve found that the basement crib wall (perhaps 14″ high on top of the foundation) is attached to the foundation with nails.
Given that Seattle is seismically active, I’d like to improve the connection. I think the usual way is to drill 1/2 holes, epoxy in threaded rod, and then put on nuts.
Is that the proper procedure? Any special tools or techniques that will make this easier?
Replies
Check out a Simpson catalog.
They have a whole line of seismic retrofit stuff.
Might find something there that works a bit easier.
What you have said though does work.
We use these in concrete. Admittedly I don't know how they rate for seismic conditions, but from my experience, once they are installed, it is not possible to remove them. We use the 1/2 x 7" ones. These are for concrete. There is another style for masonry, but that is another situation all together. Is your foundation concrete or masonry?
As long as you are beefing up the pony wall (cripple wall), it may not be a bad thing to install structural sheathing on the inside of the wall - especially if the sheathing already in place is not structural, but also because you really don't know how well the existing sheathing is fastened. The idea is to tie the cap plate of the pony wall to the bottom wall plate with the sheathing. Don't let the sheathing touch the concrete though so hold it up about 1/4" if it is coming down close.
I was told by a building inspector that a drilled in anchor bolt like a Redhead had to have at least 7" of penetration into the concrete to meet the requirements of a regular wet set anchor bolt. 7" is tough to achieve since they tend to withdraw as you tighten them. See what Simpson Strong Tie has to offer.
Eric,
Drilling in all thread works well with epoxy, that way you can install a washer and nut. Obviously a roto hammer will cut your work time in half. Make sure to get right down into the hole with a vaccum and or a compressor to make sure there is no dust left in the hole, otherwise the epoxy won't adhere to the concrete.
Call Tim at Astrof Concrete form rentals to get everything you need for this project - as well as some more expert advice. Look in Seattle yellow pages or online.
Cheers,
Brad
I'm doing exactly that as I open up each wall of my house. With that short of a space though, you might actually need a right angle attachement for a rotary hammer to fit the bit and tool. Bosch has those.
The other option is the heavy L shaped plates that attach to the face of the wall then go over that sill plate, this might be easier to do in a short space.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
If your hair looks funny, it's because God likes to scratch his nuts. You nut, you.