Pipe Imbedded in Stem Wall

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#1

Originally Posted By: tutley
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


This house had concrete floors. On the outside of one bathroom, a 2" ABS drain pipe is imbedded in the stem wall. Obviously poor planning on someone’s part. Is this a structural issue? If not, is there another concern for this abnormality?


[ Image: http://www.nachi.org/bbsystem/usrimages/p/pipe_in_stem_wall1.JPG ]

#2

Originally Posted By: ccoombs
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If Murphy’s Law is on track I’m sure it falls in the middle of a short shear wall!


Joking aside, this probably isn't an issue structurally. Looking for other signs of structural issues in the area is about all you can do without reviewing a set of plans.

These things make me nervous more for what is happening in the walls and at the top plates than at the foundation level.

#3

Originally Posted By: psmothers
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Saw this one recently.





ABS vent pipe. It was exposed in the carport. I recommended it be sealed to prevent any physical damage.

–
Foxe Smothers


"Its not a matter of will we rebuilt it is matter of how soon..."

"A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
#4

Originally Posted By: jpeck
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tutley wrote:
Is this a structural issue?


Could be, yes.

How thick is the wall? Poured concrete, 6" thick?

2" pipe is about 2 1/2" outside diameter, that would only leave about 3 1/2" of concrete.

Where is the steel? Should there be any steel running across there? If yes, each piece of steel needs to have at least 1/2" clearance or greater (need to allow for the largest size of aggregate to get by the steel) on each side. That means each #5 needs 1 5/8" minimum. Plus, the outside bar needs to have 1 1/2" concrete cover, which adds 1" to the total. That means two #5s need 3 1/4", plus 1" extra clearance for concrete cover, for a minimum of 4 /14". And the wall is only 3 1/2" thick.

Okay, we will even allow for the 1/2" clearance of two adjacent bars to overlap, that reduces the minimum width to 3 3/4", but the wall is still only 3 1/2". Of course, I have been allowing the pipe to replace the other 1 1/2" of concrete cover, and it does not, so we need to add that extra 1" (already had the 1/2" in there), making the minimum required width of 4 3/4".

IF there is steel in there (anywhere the pipe goes up), there is going to be a problem if 2-#5s are in there, you might make it with one #5.

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida
#5

Originally Posted By: ccoombs
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Jerry


Very good point if it was a raised stem wall. Based on the post I assumed it was a slab-on-grade and there should be plenty of room for steel in the footings if this is the case.