During my foundation wall installation I experienced a 32 ft cold joint below grade after the line pump exploded due to a bad load of concrete followed by a 6 hr delay for a second pump. I need to know what the best way to seal the crack is, and are there any concerns as for the strength of the walls? Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Jason
Replies
Jason,
A lot of could be's in your situation.
You probably don't have any steel in the walls and depending on the severety of the cold joint, you could have a structural concern.
Regarding the ultimate sealing for your foundation, you may want to consider something like this......
http://www.advancedcoatings.on.ca/
Gabe
Edited 9/16/2002 2:18:32 PM ET by GABE_MARTEL
Gabe,
First the surprise the wall has rebar running through it as this is in Wash. and due the eartquakes they require the rebar. the wall is 8 ft high and the cold joint is approx. 2ft below the top, which is about 1ft below grade in graval soil. Also thanks for the link, I will check it out.
Jason
Another link worth a look:
http://www.xypex.com
-- J.S.
I'll rephrase than steel comment to say,,You probably don't have enough steel in the walls to offset the reduction in the structural integrity caused by the cold joint if severe enough to expose the rebar or worst to allow water to seep into your basement.
I would still epoxy the joint to seal it from both sides to prevent premature corrosion of the steel reinforcing bars.
Gabe
Gabe,
Thanks for the info, I have requested an engineer to inspect the walls as it was caused by the concrete co. and I am withholding payment until I am sure of the walls strength. I am definitely going to seal the crack, and the rest of the walls while I am at it. Thanks for the fast response.
J S Thanks for the link
Jason
Edited 9/16/2002 7:07:35 PM ET by WOLFJAE
Good move.
It's always easy to help those that are smart enough to help themselves.
Gabe
On some large construction sites they chisel, jackhammer, out concrete in the area at the cold joint but leave the rebar. We cut back about 3/4" on either side taking care to remove any soft or loose pieces. Then we remove the gravel and dust, a vacuum works for the dust, , rinse and dry to get the epoxy to stick.
Then they, using forms where necessary, inject epoxy to fill the space. As I remember they used 20+ gallons of epoxy in one spot. It's not cheap but, according to my old boss, it works well and saved money as removing the entire wall and repouring would have been a trick.