Under Michigan Building Code, what is the minimum thickness requirement for basement walls constructed of poured concrete?
Correct Answer
A) 8 inches
Michigan Building Code requires a minimum 8-inch thickness for poured concrete basement walls.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Michigan Building Code (following IRC R404.1) requires a minimum 8-inch thickness for poured concrete basement walls. This thickness provides adequate structural strength to resist lateral soil pressure from the surrounding earth.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option B: 7.5 inches
7.5 inches is the actual dimension of a nominal 8-inch concrete block (CMU), not the minimum for poured concrete walls. This option is a distractor that blends two different construction systems.
Option C: 6 inches
6 inches is below the required minimum and would not provide sufficient structural capacity against the lateral pressure of backfilled soil on a full basement wall.
Option D: 10 inches
10 inches exceeds the minimum requirement. While a 10-inch wall would be structurally adequate, the code minimum is 8 inches. Answers that exceed the minimum are typically incorrect when the question asks for the minimum.
Memory Technique
8 inches for basement walls — think of 'eight is great for concrete weight.' The number 8 rhymes with 'great' and represents the strength needed to hold back soil.
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