The Ontario Building Code | Lateral Support of Foundation Wall
9.12.3.4. Lateral support of foundation Wall
(1) Where the height of foundation wall is such that lateral support is required, or where the required concrete strength of the wall has not been reached, the wall shall be braced or laterally supported before backfilling.
9.12.4. Trenches Beneath footings
In Plain Language
A foundation wall needs lateral support as set out in this article, since a basement wall resists significant soil pressure from the backfill on the outside.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.