Soils and Foundations Code Interpretation

 This section implies that backfill material shall be in accordance with code requirements. Backfill was originally addressed in the “Waterproofing and Dampproofing” section of the BOCA code. In its original form, it addressed backfill around foundations — a pertinent component of a waterproofing application. Therefore, backfill requires addressing from a waterproofing perspective. It also implies that the excavation outside of the foundation shall be backfilled with soil that is free of all organic material, construction debris and large rocks. The backfill shall be placed in lifts — no more than 8 inches in depth — and compacted in a manner that has no adverse effect on the substrate or the waterproofing or dampproofing material.