Determining height of backfill

Structure · Problems · printed page 41 (PDF page 42)

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Book index entries

Backfill – Height Determining Height of Backfill Footings – and Foundations Foundation – and Footing

Text in the illustration

when the exterior grade level is not visible from inside of the basement, use an electrical conduit, dryer vent, exterior faucet or similar penetration to calculate the height of the backfill
this is also useful in older homes to determine how close the joists are to grade level
electrical conduit or similar
wall framing
floor framing
height = B
grade level
backfill
foundation wall
height of backfill= A - B
height = A
basement

Generated explanation

The illustration shows a section through a basement foundation wall and footing, with exterior backfill and wood wall and floor framing above. An electrical conduit or similar penetration through the top of the foundation provides a reference elevation visible from both sides. Dimension A runs from the basement floor level to this reference, while dimension B measures the reference height above exterior grade. Subtracting B from A determines the backfill height relative to the basement floor. The notes explain that this method is useful when exterior grade cannot be seen from the basement and for assessing how close floor joists are to grade.

Components

foundation wall foundation footing basement floor slab wall framing floor framing electrical conduit backfill footing drain

Materials

concrete wood soil gravel