Concreting a strip foundation is one of the key stages in the construction of private homes and low-rise buildings. The strength and durability of the entire building directly depend on the quality of this work, so it is important to carefully follow the technology and rules for carrying out the work. A strip foundation is a continuous concrete strip that runs under all load-bearing walls, ensuring uniform distribution of the load on the ground.
Main steps
The first step in concreting is preparing the pit and formwork. The pit for the strip foundation must be dug taking into account:
- design dimensions;
- foundation level;
- soil type;
- foundation depth, etc.
The formwork is made of wood, metal or plywood, it must be strong and stable to withstand the pressure of fresh concrete. It is very important to ensure the tightness and evenness of the formwork walls so that commercial concrete does not leak out and voids do not form.
Before pouring the concrete mixture, it is necessary to prepare the reinforcement frame. The reinforcement strengthens the structure and increases its resistance to tensile and compressive loads.
Rods of different diameters are used, connected with knitting wire. The frame should be located on special supports so that the reinforcement is completely inside the concrete layer, ensuring maximum strength of the structure.
How is concrete poured?
The concrete pouring itself requires attention to the quality of the mixture and the sequence of work. Concrete is prepared taking into account the design requirements for the grade and mobility of the mixture. It is advisable to pour continuously to avoid the formation of cold joints and ensure the monolithic nature of the structure. Vibrators are used to compact the concrete, which eliminate air bubbles and voids, increasing the strength and durability of the foundation.
After pouring the concrete, it is necessary to organize proper care for it. Freshly poured concrete must be protected from drying out and exposure to precipitation. Usually, it is covered with a film and periodically moistened during the first few days. This ensures uniform hardening and prevents cracks.
Concrete reaches its full strength in an average of 28 days, after which the formwork can be removed and construction can continue. High-quality work ensures the reliability, durability and stability of the building for many years. Planning, proper preparation, compliance with the sequence of operations and quality control of materials are the key to the successful construction of a durable strip foundation.