Hi there,

I would be grateful for some good advice from any concrete/foundation experts out there.

I’m doing my own remodel, adding one bedroom and half bath, using the existing footprint. My engineer spec’d out 3 shear-walls (Bay Area CA). Each shear-wall location required to dig and pour a set of 2’x2’x18″ seismic-footings below the existing monolithic slab footing. There is also an existing integrated 4 ‘ wide concrete walkway that was poured same time as the existing foundation. 

Had to break-out sections of the walkway to be able to dig beneath the slab foundation. Saw cut cleanly along the path and had to be broken out along the foundation, so it has an irregular surface. The soil is clay.

Passed inspections, poured the footings, now need to replace the walkway sections and try to tie it into the existing foundation. I’ve been researching online, and cobbled together a plan of action. Please let me know if this is a sound plan or if I’m way off.

Drill into the exposed sub grade foundation and into either side of the walkway, to epoxy in 3/8 rebar for tie-in and to help avoid settling.

There wasn’t any metal in the existing walkway, but figured I’d add 4×4 wire mesh for added strength and something to tie into the rebar. Mesh placed 2″ from surface.

The form depth is deeper than the existing concrete path, so instead of filling it in with the rain soaked clay fill dirt, I figured better to use sand or gravel fill to bring it up to the 4″ depth?

I’ll pick-up a trailer of 3000 psi ready-mix and wheel barrow it in.

Pictures attached- before footings poured, after footings poured

thanks!
Mike
San Jose, CA