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Max stem wall height without engineering

atvjoel

Registered User
Joined
Aug 1, 2021
Messages
124
Location
Alaska
I saw another post but there was more arguments then actual info. I am looking at Table R404.1.1(1) and if I am reading this correct you can go 6' stem wall with "unbalanced backfill" if you have SP SW GP or GW soils and you have 8" stem wall.

Luckily I answered my own question as the definition of "unbalanced backfill" is underneath the table and answers my question.

I am doing crawl space but I was really confused because I was tossing around the idea of doing a slab, and its confusing why you really need to be below the frost line if you have do a heated slab. I get it, frost heaving but what if you dont have a water susceptible soil.

Looks like you can "balance" your fill around your stem wall and go as high as you want without design from an engineer.
 
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