What is the maximum height of unbalanced backfill for an 8-inch masonry foundation wall?

The maximum height of unbalanced backfill for an 8-inch masonry foundation wall is 4 feet. This height is established based on common standards and practices to ensure the integrity and stability of the masonry structure.

Backfill is the material used to replace the soil excavated for the foundation, and when it is unbalanced, it exerts lateral pressure on the foundation wall. Exceeding the maximum backfill height can lead to increased pressure that the wall may not be able to withstand, leading to potential structural failure or damage.

For an 8-inch masonry wall, adhering to the 4-foot limit helps to ensure that the wall's structural design can adequately handle the loads imposed by the backfill. This consideration is crucial in construction to maintain safety and structural performance, meeting local building codes and engineering guidelines.

Other height options exceed the recommended limit for such a wall, which could potentially compromise the wall's stability and safety in the long term.