Chicago is a traditional poured in place, concrete, below grade market. Because of tradition, economically barged river transportation and local terminals the perceived "inferiority" problems  of concrete masonry foundations is just a myth. First, as dominant as poured in place foundations are on the Chicago market, concrete masonry is as dominant in other markets and sometimes is split 40-60%. The key element to both systems is they have to be properly built and back filled for proper performance of a wall.

Enclosed please find a wall cross section of a concrete masonry wall system for residential or commercial construction for your consideration. Please use it, and bid it, as a voluntary alternate on your next job and you will be pleasantly surprised. The tolerances and quality of the concrete masonry construction will impress you. Call for a free copy of NCMA TEK 15-2A. or visit www.ncma.org.