Expert: Stephen Major (Owner--Major Design Group) - 6/23/2007

Question
the existing house foundations exposed are 1 foot wide and 6 inches high from the excavated trench. can u advise on how to tie new foundations in to these old ones

Answer
Alan,

Normally, footings are tied together by inserting and securing reinforcing rods into the existing footings, and pouring the new concrete around the protruding rods.  

My descriptions are for US products and sizes.

Drill at a slight downward angle, using a hammer drill.  Use #5 or #6 rebar pins.  They can be epoxied into the holes with chemical anchors.  Visit:

http://www.simpsonanchors.com/catalog/adhesives/vgc/index.html

Also, you can tie the brick to the existing foundation using any of a variety of galvanized or stainless steel heavy duty brick ties.  Check with a commercial masonry supply house.  Specific methods vary depending on the tie used.

--Steve Major