G. Drysdale1, J. Wierzbicki², K. Hughes³, B. R. Banting⁴, and W. W. El-Dakhakhni

1. Professor Emeritus, Centre for Effective Design of Structures, Department of Civil Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L7, Canada, drysdale@mcmaster.ca
2. A.Sc. Candidate Department of Civil Engineering, McMaster University, wierzbj@mcmaster.ca
3. A.Sc. Candidate Department of Civil Engineering, McMaster University, hughekj@mcmaster.ca
4. A.Sc. Candidate Department of Civil Engineering, McMaster University, bantinbr@mcmaster.ca
5. Martini Mascarin and George Chair in Masonry Design, Centre for Effective Design of Structures, Department of Civil Engineering, McMaster University, eldak@mcmaster.ca

ABSTRACT

In modern house construction, the use of increased head room and the trend toward greater depths of backfill have led to reduced use of concrete block in basement construction. This paper provides conceptual information on use of 20 cm concrete block basement walls fitted with external surface mounted ties anchored into the top and bottom of the wall to create tied arch action. Test results verify that this structural system works well. It also provides a cost efficient alternative to existing basement wall construction systems with minimal changes to traditional construction techniques.

KEYWORDS: arching, backfill, basements, bending, concrete block, reinforcing, soil pressure, tied arch, ties.

C7-3