Rock Foundation or Brick Foundation
Engineers are often asked to perform a variety of assessments and observations during a site visit. In two cases shown below, we assessed existing foundations with a basement underneath a residential structure.
Per Los Angeles City Code brick or rock foundations are not permitted. These foundation types of foundations which were common up to 1920s, are not permitted due to earthquake requirements. In today’s code, reinforcement (rebar) is required to be used in construction of foundation.
Brick Foundation
If you are going to do remodeling or an addition to any structure with such a foundation, you will be advised to demolish, remove, and replace the existing foundation with a concrete foundation. If there is an existing basement, the basement walls need to be changed as well to either Concrete Masonry Block (CMU) or Reinforced Concrete Basement walls.
While homes with river rock foundations are scattered throughout Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, this type of foundation is decreasing in popularity owing to its unstable nature. River rock foundations are not designed or build to resist earthquakes. Mostly of these type of properties were built before 1920s, rock foundations are held together by mortar. This leaves them vulnerable and prone to damage as the mortar deteriorates over time to the point that stones may start falling out. Naturally, the structural integrity of the house is compromised and it suffers extensive damage. If neglected, a distressed rock foundation not only affects the cosmetic appeal of the home but also puts its residents at great risk.
Please go to our contact page and setup an appointment for your foundation assessment.
About Us
The scope of services offered by our licensed engineering firm in Los Angeles are as follows:
We specialize in providing structural engineering services for smaller to medium-sized projects, including but not limited to:
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), residential remodeling projects, residential additions, and various commercial ventures such as bakeries, restaurants, gymnasium, and medical offices. However, we do not provide services for Homeowners Associations (HOA), hillside projects, public schools, or hospitals. We conclude by inviting you to reach out to us with any questions about the bulletin or any other structural engineering inquiries they may have.