Integra Block from the Ground up (Part 2)

Once the Stem wall is built, rebar installed, and Integra bolts layed out, it is time for it to be inspected, and grouted.

This Integra stem wall is now ready to be grouted

On larger jobs, a concrete truck and a grout pump is used to fill up the block wall. Most stem walls are grouted completely solid. You can see in the photo below , a concrete truck, the grout pump, and the hose leading to Jason and Aaron while they place the “grout”.   (Grout is concrete that has smaller rocks in it so it will pass through the hose and flow properly inside the wall)

Jason and Aaron pumping grout (concrete) into the stem wall of this Integra House

Once the grout is placed, the grout is scraped level to the block, and the integra bolts are placed into the grout according to a plan outlined by the Integra Engineers.

This is the Completed Integra Stem Wall. The Integra bolts have been placed precisely where indicated by the integra engineers.

Once the stem wall is complete, it is time for the plumbers and electricians to place their “underslab”  piping in its position. Then the stem wall is back filled with dirt, and compacted, a layer of  ABC (rock and sand) is placed on top of that leaving about 4″ remaining for the concrete floor to be poured to the top of the stem wall.