9.8. How to Build a House Foundation: Foundation Concrete

The foundation is undoubtedly one of the most critical aspects of building a home. It is the base that supports the entire structure, ensuring its stability and security. In this section, we will focus on the foundation pouring phase.

Preparation for Concreting

Before starting concreting, it is essential to prepare the site. This involves digging the soil to the correct depth, which is determined by the type of soil and the weight of the structure to be supported. The soil must be compacted tightly to prevent any further movement. The foundation form must be built with strong wood to support the weight of the concrete.

Choice of Concrete

The choice of concrete is crucial when pouring the foundation. Concrete must be of high quality and have the correct strength to withstand the load of the house. It is generally recommended to use concrete with a compressive strength of at least 20 MPa for residential foundations.

Concrete Preparation

Concrete preparation involves mixing cement, sand, aggregates and water in the correct proportions. The mixture must be homogeneous and have the correct consistency to ensure adequate strength. Water should be added gradually to avoid lumps forming.

Concreting

Concreting the foundation must be done in a single step to avoid the formation of cold joints, which can compromise the strength of the foundation. Concrete should be slowly poured into the form ensuring all areas are filled. The concrete must be compacted to eliminate any air bubbles that could weaken the foundation.

Concrete Healing

After concreting, the concrete needs to be cured to gain strength. Curing involves keeping the concrete moist to prevent rapid drying, which can cause cracking. Curing usually takes about 28 days, during which time the concrete gains about 90% of its final strength.

Shape Removal

After curing, the form can be removed. However, it is important to ensure that the concrete has gained sufficient strength before removing the formwork to avoid any damage to the foundation.

Foundation Inspection

Once the formwork is removed, the foundation should be inspected for any defects such as cracks or voids. If there is any defect, it must be repaired immediately to ensure the integrity of the foundation.

In short, pouring the foundation is a critical step in building a home. It requires careful planning, preparation, and execution to ensure the foundation is solid and capable of supporting the home's load. Always remember to follow local building guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety and durability of your home.