[jjguitarplaya]

We're buying materials for building our new home and I now need to purchase the anchor bolts to secure the sill to the crawlspace foundation. We're using 8x8x16 block and I wanted to make sure I was buying the correct size hot dipped anchor bolts (J Bolts). Do I need 8" or 10" bolts?
We're building in Virginia. Thanks so much!

 

[concretemasonry]

The minimum embedded length and the maximum spacing from national codes can always be over-ridden by a local code authority based on conditions and problems. Check the local codes even if you do not need a permit.

Coastal areas may have stricter requirements because of storm winds. I lived within 10 miles of the coast and everyone there expected to a beach front home sooner or later, even with good anchor bolts.

Dick

 

[jjguitarplaya]

I had actually spoken with the local building inspector about the IRC and he said that my county office follows the guidelines of the 2009 IRC and pretty much no changes. (We live in a rural area). According to the 2009 IRC do you know what the code would call for with the anchor bolts? I've read the code but its confusing to me. We're buying what materials we can out of pocket and building in stages and my materials list doesn't indicate size only the number needed. Thanks for your help!

 

[jomama45]

We're not under IRC here, yet, but I believe most codes call for galvanized 1/2" diameter, minimum embedment of 7". Typically, you'll want to hold the bolts up 2-2.5" to bolt the sill plate down, so the math is 2.5" + 7" minimum = 9.5" minimum, so you'll need 10" long anchor bolts to satisfy code.........:thumbsup:

 

[jjguitarplaya]

Thank you so much! That really helps a lot and I hope you have a great weekend.

 

[GBrackins]

This is the Virginia Residential Code for Foundations. Depending on where in Virginia you are located you may have additional high wind (hurricane force wind) requirements which would impact the size and spacing of anchor bolts.

Check out the requirements in your code and verify with your local building department.

Hope this helps! Good luck! :thumbsup: