http://www.leakhq.com/html/foundation_repairs.html - Block Basements or at times called cinder block basements include lines of morter every eight inches they go up and every sixteen inches they go round. This mortar does not bond forever to the blocks. All it needs is a little bit frostiness in the ground or some harsh traffic going past to put a large split into it. The liquifacition in the soil will apply hydrostatic pressure to push the wall in from the outside, This creates a big bow in the central usually going sideways. We repair all that with installing the components of 125 pound steel beams to hold the wall verticle. It appears competent and works well.