Expanded clay blocks in modern construction began to be used very often. This material has a relatively light weight, good strength, excellent heat conductivity and low cost. However, given the specific features of such products, the question of how to choose a foundation for a house from expanded clay concrete blocks is very often asked by novice craftsmen and even experienced builders.
General information
To begin with, it is worth noting that these types of blocks are practically no different from other piece materials with the same dimensions. They are laid on typical foundations, and only when using piles it is necessary to make certain additions to the design. Therefore, in order to determine which foundation to choose for a house from expanded clay concrete blocks, it is worth considering all types of these systems and determining their characteristics for certain types of buildings.
Types of grounds
In modern construction, there are three types of foundations that are used most often. They are great for working with this material and have a relatively low cost. However, if a foundation is being created for a two-story house made of expanded clay concrete blocks, then it is worthwhile to take such a choice very carefully. Therefore, their features, scope and manufacturing methods will be given below.
Tile constructions
This type of foundation is great for small buildings. It is very easy to manufacture and at the same time the construction costs will be minimal. However, it is very important to note the fact that such a foundation for a house from expanded clay concrete blocks should be made only on stable soil. It is also necessary to understand that this type of structure is chosen for one-story houses, and in the manufacture it is understood that there is no basement.
The manufacture of slab foundations
The process takes place in several stages:
- First you need to prepare the soil. To do this, clear the place under the base and deepen a little.
- At the next stage, the soil is compacted so that the foundation for the house from expanded clay concrete blocks has a dense base.
- Then make a pillow of sand and gravel. It should not protrude beyond the edges of the recess.
- Next, a small formwork is installed and cast over the entire area. Its height should be 10-15 cm.
- After the solution hardens, reinforcement is made on the surface using metal structures.
- At the final stage, the final filling of the screed is performed. It is possible to build on such a foundation only after a month, since this is the minimum time required for the concrete to solidify completely.
Tape Constructions
It is believed that the strip foundation of the house of expanded clay concrete blocks is the most reliable and practical. He is not afraid of soil movements, temperature changes and other external influences that other structures can not tolerate. At the same time, this type of foundation allows you to create a basement that can be made warm. However, it is necessary to take into account the fact that for its manufacture it is necessary to plan large costs and time.
It is worth noting that this type of foundation can be created both from concrete and using special blocks. The choice of a specific material depends only on the personal preferences of the customer and his financial capabilities. However, if you plan to make a warm basement, then the use of blocks is more rational.
Tape Base Making
- To make a strip foundation for a house from expanded clay concrete blocks, you first need to dig a trench around the perimeter of the future structure. Its depth should be at least 80 cm. However, this parameter is best agreed with the architect at the design stage. It directly depends on the technical characteristics of the building.
- In some cases, it is worth digging a trench under the interior partitions. If, however, an oven or staircases will be installed in the room, then this should be done at the place of their subsequent installation.
- Then they tamp the soil and fill up a layer of crushed stone with sand at the bottom. It should be about 30 cm high.
- The next step is to protect the future structure from moisture. To do this, lay a plastic film on the walls of the trench. Some builders for this purpose prefer to use roofing material or other materials based on bitumen.
- In order for the foundation for a one-story house from expanded clay concrete blocks to be solid, reinforcement should be performed. Metal structures are laid in a trench, tied with a wire. Some specialists recommend bonding for welding, but then the product will lose its elasticity.
- The next stage of preparatory work involves the installation of formwork. Usually it is created in such a way that it rises above the ground to a height of about 10 cm. For this, sheets of plywood or boards are used.
- The foundation is poured using concrete. Usually used class B-15 or B-20.
- After pouring the foundation, you need to stand at least 20 days before it completely hardens.
Piles
This foundation for a one-story house made of expanded clay concrete blocks is considered one of the most practical. It is easy to erect, the cost of construction is relatively low and immediately after installation, you can begin building the building. However, it must immediately be mentioned that there are many types of piles that are designed for a specific type of soil and the corresponding construction of the building.
You also need to remember that the installation of some types of this material may require a special technique. For houses from expanded clay concrete, metal screw piles are usually chosen, which can be installed manually without resorting to special equipment.
Special attention must be paid to the fact that such a foundation can also allow the creation of a basement. However, this will require special sewing around the perimeter with additional insulation.
Pile foundation manufacturing
- First of all, you need to determine the size of the foundation of the house from expanded clay concrete blocks. For this, a special project is created, which is called a pile field. It displays the location of all the supports with an indication of the distance from each other.
- If it is planned to install an oven or staircases in the house, then in the places of their installation, supports are also mounted to create a separate foundation.
- The next step is to level the territory. This is done not only for the convenience of subsequent work, but also to determine the level of future surfaces.
- Next, you need to drill holes in the ground at the places indicated in the pile field. The depth is measured based on the design features of the supports themselves, which is usually indicated in the instructions for use.
- Then, using a special tool, the piles themselves begin to be installed. They are screwed to a certain depth, which corresponds to the parameters of a particular product.
- When all the piles are located in their places, you need to do their strapping. For these purposes, use a metal channel, which is welded around the perimeter of the structure and in the area of the location of the partitions.
- Further, it is recommended to create a kind of armo-belt. For this, a small formwork is made, which is poured with concrete. It is at this place and it will be necessary to install blocks.
- Some masters recommend the subsequent sewing of the foundation around the perimeter. It is best to use flat slate or a metal profile. If necessary, you can insulate the entire structure.
Tips and reviews of specialists
- Concrete and block substrates should be protected from moisture. For this, not only special compositions or materials are applied to the structure, but also special drainages are made.
- If it is necessary to organize the input of various communications into the house, which are supposed to be introduced through the foundation, then this should be done below the level of freezing of the soil.
- After creating the foundation, it is necessary to create a waterproofing that will separate the structure from the masonry. For this, it is better to use roofing material or roofing felt.
- There are other base designs, but the options presented in the article, according to the builders, can be considered the most practical.
Conclusion
Based on the above material, it can be concluded that choosing a foundation for a house from expanded clay concrete blocks should be based on the size of the structure. It is important to take into account the depth of soil freezing, its mobility and the climatic component of a particular region. In some cases, the choice of foundation depends on the personal preferences of the user, since it is influenced by the presence of a basement and installation sites in the house of heavy structures in the form of flights of stairs or stoves.