This CFA Technical Note explains the two major consensus standards that cover residential concrete construction, ACI 332 Requirements for Residential Concrete and the International Residential Code (IRC), and the potential benefits of using them separately or together. A standard, while written in mandatory code language, does not become a code until it is adopted by a government jurisdiction responsible for enacting and adopting codes. Most city and county governments adopt one or more standard documents developed by the ICC (International Codes Council), ACI, NEC and other standards developing organizations. As these are the two most relevant codes in the United States, being informed how they are alike and different is important to the decision for how they are to be used.

This CFA Technical Note discusses recommendations and code requirements regarding backfilling of newly-poured concrete basements, one of the most ignored aspects of foundation construction and yet a requirement for both major consensus standards covering residential concrete construction, the International Residential Code and American Concrete Institute (ACI) 332 Standard, this document aides in the interpretation and provides workable solutions. In both standards, foundation walls must be supported at the top and bottom before backfill is placed or temporarily braced. The prescriptive tables presented in each standard are based on this premise rather than performance as a cantilevered retaining wall.

This edition of the CFA Technical Notes series explains the practical implementation of the CFA Cold Weather Research completed in 2004. This research was undertaken with the goal of providing evidence for the performance of “real world” mixes that contractors regularly use and establishing the validation process by which variations in mix design can be evaluated and applied to foundation wall construction during cold to frozen conditions.

Cracks in concrete walls and slabs are a common occurrence. They appear in floors, driveways, walks, structural beams, and walls. Cracking can not be prevented but it can be significantly reduced or controlled when the causes are taken into account and preventative steps are taken. Most cracks should not be a cause for alarm. This edition of CFA’s Technical Notes answers common questions about cracking in concrete walls including; What Causes Them? How Can They Be Reduced? When Should You Be Concerned?

CFA-TN-006: Guide to the Interpretation of Structural Design Options for Residential Concrete Structures

This CFA Technical Note is intended to serve as a guide to assist in the interpretation of applicable design requirements for the design of the traditional one and two family dwelling units. Current the structural design provisions for resident concrete construction are presented in ACI 332. However, the ACI 332 provisions largely refer back to ACI 318 provisions. There are numerous difficulties with this approach. One is that this leaves the designer in the position of interpreting which ACI 318 provisions are applicable and which ones are not. Another is that ACI 318 provisions are intended for use in traditional reinforced concrete construction in buildings and structures and therefore have many more materials and structural considerations. It is widely held that because of these complications that this hinders the design of concrete in one and two family dwellings. It also widely believed that the lack of an appropriate design provisions hinders the use of concrete in non-traditional applications such as above grade walls and floor slabs.

In residential construction the foundation walls are designed for specific pressure, which depends on the properties of the soil and its water content. Changes in the water content due to weather conditions, changes to the building systems or rising water table can result in significant increases in the pressure and thus the loading on the wall. Proper drainage can ensure that the design pressure is consistent with the actual pressure on the walls. This CFA Technical Note explains the goal or design theory behind proper drainage system design, materials, maintenance and common failure mechanisms.

This CFA Technical Note sets an understanding of the key factors for OSHA regulations related to residential foundation construction around excavations. Foundations walls are designed based on a constant soil condition that assumes the site is maintained to ensure their long term performance. The properties of the soil, its water content and the conditions that can affect those factors must be identified to successfully design the footings and walls. Once the foundation is designed, excavation is the first step of actual on site work. It sets the stage for the construction of the walls and must be done according to common regulations to ensure the safety of the workers and the integrity of the structure.

This edition of the CFA Technical Notes series explains the procedures and methods by which we manufacture, mix, handle, place and cure concrete. Understanding the difference in performance for how hard the concrete gets, how it weathers and performs, and how many or how wide the inevitable cracks become based on the decisions made during construction is the goal. The user will ultimately have a better understanding of this resilient and versatile material and enabled to achieve greater quality control while delivering a better product to the customer.

A frequent point of discussion between contractors, designers, and code authorities involves the interpretation of "nominal" versus "actual" concrete wall thickness. This technical note provides clarification on this topic by examining relevant building codes and industry standards. Understanding the code-defined relationship between nominal and actual dimensions is essential for ensuring compliance and project continuity.