9.1. How to Build the Foundation of a House: Choosing the Land

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The construction of a house begins long before the first walls are erected. The process begins with the choice of land, goes through the elaboration of the project and culminates with the construction of the foundation. In this section, we'll focus on how to build the foundation of a house, starting with choosing the land.

Choosing terrain

The choice of land is a crucial step in building a house. Location, size, topography, solar orientation, proximity to services and infrastructure, among other factors, must be considered. In addition, it is essential to check the soil condition of the land, as this directly affects the type of foundation that can be built.

To check the condition of the soil, it is necessary to carry out a geotechnical study. This study provides information on soil composition, bearing capacity, water table level, among other aspects. Based on this data, the engineer or architect can determine the most suitable type of foundation for the house.

Types of Foundation

There are several types of foundations, each suited to different soil conditions and building types. Foundations can be shallow or deep. Shallow foundations, also known as direct foundations, are used when firm ground is close to the surface. Deep, or indirect, foundations are used when firm ground is at a greater depth.

Among the shallow foundations, the most common are the isolated footing, the footing and the raft. The insulated footing is used to support point loads such as pillars. The running shoe is used to support continuous walls. The raft is a slab that covers the entire area of ​​the house, distributing the load evenly on the ground.

Among the deep foundations, the most common are the pile and the pipe. The stake is a concrete, wooden or steel pillar that is driven into the ground until it reaches a firm layer. The pipe is a concrete pillar that is built in loco, that is, at the work site itself.

Foundation Building

The construction of the foundation begins with digging the ground. The depth and extent of excavation depend on the type of foundation to be built. After excavation, the foundation form is made, which is a wooden or metal structure that shapes the foundation. Next, the reinforcement is placed, which is a steel structure that gives strength to the foundation.

After placing the reinforcement, the concrete is made. Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand, stone and water, which is poured into the form of the foundation. After concrete is poured, it must be cured, which is a hydration process that gives concrete strength.

After the concrete has cured, the foundation form is removed. Then, the waterproofing of the foundation is carried out, which is a layer of waterproof material that protects the foundation from soil moisture. Finally, the foundation is filled with soil, and the house is ready to be built on top of it.

In short, building the foundation of a house is a complex process that involves several steps and requires technical expertise. Site selection, soil study, foundation type selection, excavation, form, reinforcement, concrete, curing, waterproofing, and filling are all important parts of this process.

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119.2. How to Build the Foundation of a House: Soil Study