Is there an alternative to using concrete to secure lag bolts for attaching sill plates to cinder blocks?

Question

Using approved construction methods, it is required to attach the last course of cinder blocks in the foundation of a house to the wooden sill plate with lag bolts. It is manually intensive to individually place the cement in the holes of the cinder blocks to set the lag bolts. The cement takes time to dry and the lag bolts can sometimes pull-out when tightened.

I'm wondering if there is another material available that can be easily deposited into the cinder block, accept a metal s***w, and match the strength and durability as concrete.

Answer 1

Are you laying a mesh down over the top course so before pouring concrete and setting the bolts?  Otherwise, you would have to fill a larger cavity with concrete.

Answer 2

Some other material shouldn't be less labor intensive than concrete. If the lag bolts pull out, the concrete has not had enough time to set! Even one day later,it's really not that strong yet. The lag bolts should never be able to be pulled out.

Answer 3

First of all, the masonry courses should be solidly grouted if the masonry units (what you call cinder blocks) are below grade or touching the ground.  Each and every cell should be filled with grout, not concrete.  Hopefully, you have rebar at least every 4 feet (code requirement) in the masonry.  Grout is cementitious material made with sand and 3/8" minus aggregate and water.

You should be using L bolts, not lag bolts.  Lag bolts are for wood connections.  You can also use, headed stud anchors which correspond to ASTM F1554.  You can use A307 anchor bolts with a bent end to be embedded into the grout.  The anchor should project above the top of the masonry unit to accept the toe plate and the nut to tighten the bolt.

The previous person is absolutely correct about tightening the nuts too soon. You should wait about 10 days minimum before stressing the grout and putting the anchor into tension.

You need to comply with current code requirements in your area.  Consult with a professional structural engineer.  You should not be second guessing this connection detail as it is critical to your wall/foundation assembly being strong enough to resist sliding forces and uplift forces.