Ufer?

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mccayry

Senior Member
Location
Tennessee
Working on a new resi build at the moment. The basement walls have been prebuilt and are setting on a crush/run gravel base. I placed a 5/8" grnd rod under the walls so that we could tie into the rebar. Come to find out, they wont be using any rebar, it will be fiber reinforced concrete. Should I just span a 20 ft piece of #4 copper or do you have any other suggestions. Thanks
 

Smart $

Esteemed Member
Location
Ohio
I would pull the rod and drop in 20' of #4 with enough extra to reach panel. Easier to toss wire in trench than pound/drive 2 rods IMO.

Probably cheaper also.
I'm a little confused here. OP says basement walls are prebuilt (precast?) and setting on a gravel base... then says they will be using fiber-reinforced concrete. Exactly what is the fiber-reinforced concrete being used for? If basement slab floor, my understanding is it does not qualify as "foundation or footing".
 

jumper

Senior Member
I'm a little confused here. OP says basement walls are prebuilt (precast?) and setting on a gravel base... then says they will be using fiber-reinforced concrete. Exactly what is the fiber-reinforced concrete being used for? If basement slab floor, my understanding is it does not qualify as "foundation or footing".

I dunno, I did not read real closely and thought there was a footer. Basement walls on a slab with no footer does not sound right.:?

Yeah, slab does not count for an area for installing a CEE.

I really only meant that a CEE is easier than rods to install IMO.
 

Hv&Lv

Senior Member
Location
-
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Engineer/Technician
I dunno, I did not read real closely and thought there was a footer. Basement walls on a slab with no footer does not sound right.:?

Yeah, slab does not count for an area for installing a CEE.

I really only meant that a CEE is easier than rods to install IMO.

The problem I have is convincing the AHJ there is 20'. He can see two rods and assumes they are 8' long, but doesn't assume there is 20' of #4.

I went to a meter pedestal a couple of weeks ago to install the service, and the inspector passed the install, even though the rods were only 9" apart. Don't know who built it...(just a side note)
 

Smart $

Esteemed Member
Location
Ohio
I dunno, I did not read real closely and thought there was a footer. Basement walls on a slab with no footer does not sound right.:?
He said walls set on gravel base, so I don't think they set on the floor slab. Not familiar with the design, but I'm thinking the gravel serves as a self-leveling "footing". Likely a typical floor slab.

I really only meant that a CEE is easier than rods to install IMO.
I gathered that and agree. I only commented because I don't see a yet-to-be-poured concrete foundation or footing in the OP description.
 

Hv&Lv

Senior Member
Location
-
Occupation
Engineer/Technician
He said walls set on gravel base, so I don't think they set on the floor slab. Not familiar with the design, but I'm thinking the gravel serves as a self-leveling "footing". Likely a typical floor slab.


I gathered that and agree. I only commented because I don't see a yet-to-be-poured concrete foundation or footing in the OP description.
Watched one being installed a couple of years ago. I don't see how it would last being set on gravel, but as usual, change frightens most.
http://www.superiorwalls.com/pdf/Energy_Smart_Foundation_in_Two_Days.pdf
 

infinity

Moderator
Staff member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Journeyman Electrician
I wasn't so sure if there was a poured footing so I suggested the 2 rods but if there is a poured concrete footing I would go with the CEE.
 

infinity

Moderator
Staff member
Location
New Jersey
Occupation
Journeyman Electrician
Here the electrical inspector must see the uffer before it is covered.

Same thing here, usually inspected by the building inspector checking the footing forms before pouring. Having the BI inspect should be a no-brainer but I've had problems with them in the past. :rant:
 
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