Brick or Stone Pocket Solution

This is the method of retrofit I selected for my personal 1911 river rock foundation, here in Pasadena. However, there are pluses and minuses using this method.

PLUSES

1. This method is less than ½ the cost of a sister foundation and less than ¼ the cost of full replacement.

2. This method preserves the architectural integrity.

3. It is my opinion that this method would maintain the mechanical connection of the structure to the existing foundation for any credible model of a future quake.

MINUSES

1. The majority of local building departments have not been educated in the dynamics of lateral stress involved in raised foundation structures.

2. This results in the extra expense of hiring a structural engineer to stamp the details.

3. Even though this is a voluntary upgrade a few localities will not issue permit even with engineering approval. Were I ever again in need of a brick or stone foundation retrofit for my own home I would choose this most economical option (with or without permit) Ed Sylvis.