Slide 25 of 48
Notes:
- Continuity of foundation
- Foundations in the vicinity of all shear walls should be continuous
- The contractor should check with an engineer or building department to determine whether any lack of continuity in the foundation will affect the ability of the foundation to resist earthquake loads
- It may be necessary to install new footings under the outside walls of the house and connect them to the existing foundation
- Again, a contractor should contact an engineer where such may be required
- Shoring
- A contractor must provide adequate shoring for temporary construction access:
- Before removing cripple stud walls
- So that the home is not damaged during construction.
- The contractor must not weaken the structure while attempting to improve it
- Concrete quality and owner consultation
- Concrete strength can be lost through deterioration
- Concrete can deteriorate due to reaction with the soil over time
- This usually can be seen if the concrete surface is rough and appears to have been eaten away
- An engineer should check the concrete before the contractor installs a retrofit
- It is the contractor’s obligation to notify the owner that an engineer should be consulted
- Document this communication with the owner and the owner’s response
