I would like to replace my existing crawlspace cripples (4 feet high or so) with concrete block or poured wall system in a seismic area. The reason is to allow me to increase my grade elevation to provide better drainage away from upslope side of house. In other words, this will allow me to backfill against the wall. I will install a french drain as well, but by doing this I eliminate a front entrance deck that I dont want. If I use 8 ” block on a foundation wall that is 8 ” thick do you think that would present a problem? And how to extend j-bolts, etc. Either way I will have to jack up the house too while doing this. Just looking for some ideas from you experts out there.
Thanks
Replies
What will the the height of un-balanced fill be? In other words, what will be the difference in height of the grade between the interior and exterior of the foundation wall? Also, what is the existing 8" foundation wall made of.
Matt
Difference in height between finished grade (upslope after backfilling) and crawlspace grade will be around 5 feet at the most. Currently, the cripples (2 X 4) rest on an 8 inch thick poured concrete foundation wall on a 16-24 inch footer (guess). I dont think I have any cripples taller than 4 feet, more like 3ft I think. The foundation is stepped since its on a fairly steep slope. Again, the main goal is to replace the wood with something (ie block, ICF, etc) that I can backfill against to assist in sloping away grade from house, and obviously connecting the two together to ensure effective shear loads, etc.
Thanks