Subfloor required to brace basement walls? (8’)
KustomAmbition
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I have plans to build a post frame building on top of a 8’ basement wall. The basement wall is in, And my plans were to Have excavator backfill and begin putting the post frame walls up, but my excavator is telling me that If the subfloor isn’t on the house first the walls could push over? That the subfloor “braces” and provides stability to the basement walls?
I’ve never heard of this concern, given How subfloors are built and toenailed in, etc…I’m not understanding how this would hold much extra pressure back anyway?
can anyone offer any additional information?
Replies
You're contractor is very correct. As you backfill the dirt will exert a lateral force on the foundation with nothing to offset the force being applied. Two ways to offset the force is 1.) 2x bracing against the wall inside the foundation every 5' to 6', or 2.) cap the foundation with the subfloor structure. When the framing and the decking is all fastened together and tied to the foundation it creates a diaphragm that can distribute the forces.
Interesting. Ok, thank you for the information. He was confusing me the way he was describing it, but what you said makes sense.