Crushed footer pads

[mridgeelk]

These pics show failed footer pads. The soils in this area can be very high in alkali content. I believe that this damage is due to the incorrect type of portland cement used in the concrete or possibly incorrect cement/water ratio although the concrete stem wall is in relatively good shape. Any comments? Ed

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[Chad Fabry]

I'm betting they used native soil as a fine aggregate.

[kurt]

That'd be my call also, or some variation of that.

I've seen whack job builds where they dig the hole for the footing, then mix the mud right in the hole. For something to fall apart that badly, the entire mix had to be a mess.