Originally Posted By: ekartal This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Two differnt cracks? First one looks like lateral pressure against wall. That second crack may run much further down the foundation wall. Could you see from inside? Both look like further evaluation…
Originally Posted By: Larry L Leesch This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Pic #2 appears to be a crack in the grade beam viewing from the outside. Pic #3 appears to be the same crack in the stem wall which is also above the grade beam. It would need to be evaluated by an engineer. I hope you wrote it up accordingly.
Originally Posted By: ccoombs This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I agree with David. The crack didn?t show signs of vertical movement across the crack. If it was an isolated crack, it could be due to underground line running under or in the slab. The curb might be an issue only because of the potential for spalling at the inside. If this were a post-tension foundation and the crack was a straight line and perpendicular to the foundation edge I would not stand any where close!
Originally Posted By: Larry L Leesch This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’ll disagree with ya Curtis. Any crack thru a grade beam should be evaluated by an engineer. If the inspector does not call it out, he CAN, in some states, be liable by an implied warranty for not calling it out. It’s better cover your backside than risk losing your wallet.
Originally Posted By: Craig Shap This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I agree to call it out even though the structure not show deflection along the concrete floor especially if the crack is visable from the exterior into the interior. Keep inmind this crack can widen, causing moisture to penetrate pending on the exterior water table, leaves an opening for insects to travel through as well. Nver mind what the realtor thinks “use your better judgement on this”.
Originally Posted By: ccoombs This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Larry
As an inspector I would call it out. As an engineer, I would give the answer I posted. Two different hats, two different answers. I was just giving my "engineering opinion." And you know how much free advice is worth!
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Something my Dad tought me ages ago is … “if you don’t know, don’t guess” (he was an engineer too) …
Since you are in TX I am assuming you have expansive soils in your area, and this may be post-tensioned slab and grade beam construction.
If that is the case the usual guidelines for cracking just don't apply to that type of construction, and something may be very wrong. Have an SE evaluate that, and let us know the outcome.
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: dhartke This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert,
As a whole masonry cracks are complicated but vital to understanding the movement in foundation and other structure when considering brick and stone veneer, slabs, etc.
Do you know of a link that would group the different types and size and what message they're sending to us? Of course the different soil types would have to be considered. A "master guide to cracks". No pun intended.
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Glad I could be of some help …
Michael ... burried in those links is a pretty good discussion of the typical grade slab construction with expansive soils in the Huston area called "Buyer's Guide to Slab-on-Ground Foundations" which may be helpfull for you.
