masonry footing for a 'wet' stone wall

17 years ago

My architect specified a solid poured footing for a 40 foot stretch of stone wall, down 4 feet (frost line her in NE). I have put these plans to bid, and one contractor came back and thought the 4 foot foundation was over kill. He said 90% of freestanding wet walls he has done could be built on 18" of gravel and a 4" concrete reinforced pad. I asked him if that was ok for a wet wall and he said yes. I also asked him if he would warranty it against cracking and he said yes. This would be a lot cheaper than the Architect specified, and I would assume was just spit out as boiler plate when he generated the build document. Any thougths?

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Comments (3)

spunky_MA_z6
17 years ago
how high is the wall? is it a retaining wall or a sitting (knee) wall?
housekeeping
17 years ago
I would take the contractor's suggestion back to the architect and ask him to compare his solution (costs and benefits) with the contractors. I expect he might disagree with the contractor's solution but at least he'll have to organize his thoughts and explain his position to you. If he gets testy over that, you don't want to work him, anyway.

As an additional check, you could also inquire at your local building department. Often times you can get to talk with building inspector/ code guy himself. Many are very knowledgeable, and they will definitely know how deep you have to go to handle frost in your area. BTW, in addition to location, another factor in frost depth is the type of soil, so that might account for the difference.

And finally, even if the contractor will "warrant" the work, he actually has to still be findable at the time any warranty work is needed, so you need someone with an established business presence. You could also ask him to make a connection for you with someone who has had this done (by him) in the past and go and look at thier wall, and chat them up.

Are your other major projects progressing nicely? You certainly aren't afraid to address the big stuff. Good for you!

Molly~
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jamesbodell
Original Author
17 years ago
Its sort of a seat retaining wall. There is about a foot grade difference on either side of the wall. It will be about 24 inches high on one side and 36 on the other.

During my commute to work I see another project and I noticed that the wall there is gravel and a poured pad. Then they used cinder blocks for internal support, and stone around that.

I will wait to see the bid before making any decisions or taking up with the contractor, and I will be looking at references and drive by work completed by the contractor before making a decision.

As an FYI, I will have a 4 foot retaining wall and that will be poured down 4 feet, or to ledge and pinned, whatever comes 1st.

Molly, some of my more ambitious projects are being bid out. Time is an issue. For example, the landscape project and bluestone terraces I was planning to do are being done by professionals. So is the foundations work I was planning to do.

I am forced to take smaller projects with shorter completeion cycles, like new walls in a sitting room and installation of interior leaded glass windows between hallways and room. Just no time and the wife seems to be losing patience with projects that go over a month. I can't blame her.

My next project is a Post and Beam constructed open wood shed. I intend to pin the hole thing together like in the old days! I have rough sawn 4x6 lying around from my rennovation. I think this should be a fun project!

masonry footing for a 'wet' stone wall

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spunky_MA_z6

housekeeping

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masonry footing for a 'wet' stone wall

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spunky_MA_z6

housekeeping

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jamesbodell
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