CMU-MAN-002-01

Basement Manual: Design and Construction Using Concrete Masonry

Revised 2001

Concrete masonry is commonly used in construction of basements. This manual features discussion, design tables and suggested construction details prepared to assist architects and engineers in the design of reinforced concrete masonry foundation and basement walls. It also acquaints builders and owners with the recommended construction details and practices associated with particular technologies. A wide variety of different applications are covered, including deep foundations, basement walls subjected to large lateral soil pressure, basement walls supporting heavy compressive loads, walls where the unsupported wall length or height will exceed the recommendation for plain concrete masonry, and more.