Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 21, 1999 11:37pm | #1

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   Kevin -
   I'd worry more about the metal studs bending then anything else. They don't have much structural strength to bending typically. Wood however is substantially more resistant due to its grain and would stiffen the forms quite well. You may want to field the question to a concrete guy.

2. 
   Ian_ICF_Builders | Oct 23, 1999 06:52am | #2

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   Kevin: I strongly agree with Bob. The steel studs will merely roll over on you. Use wood or heavy steel studs. The studs must be anchored down, to keep them from moving upward, they also must have a 2x nailed to the slab keeping them in place at the bottom for lateral movement. Be careful, if you have any doubts, talk to the engineer that engineered the wall, see if that person is conversant with form pressures, you could end up with a real mess. Glad to help out Ian

3. 
   Guest_ | Oct 23, 1999 10:54am | #3

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   Bob and Ian give good advice. Just keep in mind that when you pour a face wall, all the force is in one direction (away from the surface you are pouring against). Your diagonal bracing has to be unusually stout. Also, you should use horizontal double walers spaced closer at the bottom then top. Then verticle strongbacks with your diagonals. For an extra precaution, place the concrete in two lifts.

   Jerry

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 24, 1999 06:50am | #5

   *Good diagonal bracing, whalers, all good stuff, think about pumping to minimize impact and even loading.But ! Who did the design ? 6 ' high even with rebar, this is a very narrow wall-- what are the tie-back details. The upset forces on this are fantastic. We would normally pour a 12" wall with drainage details, vertical rebar, and a couple of buried tie-back wing walls, depending on the length of the wall and the soil / slope conditions. Is there a return wall at the ends? Keep your backside covered on this one .

4. 
   KevinH_ | Oct 24, 1999 06:50am | #4

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   I'm soon to pour a retaining wall for a
   basement expansion. We are pouring against the soil (actually moisture barrier and drainage mat). So there will be no walers. Thus the pressure against the forms will be great. I will brace them thoroughly and fasten to the floor/slab (monolithic). The question is this:
   forms will be 3/4" CDX on 20 GA. 2.5" steel studs on 12" centers. Should I worry about bulges? I don't think there could be a catastrophic failure (blow-out). The walls will be 8" thick and 6' high. The rebar schedule is #4 on 8" centers each way.
   Thank you for any helpful suggestions you might be able to offer.