9.4 How to Build a House Foundation: Earthworks
The construction of a house begins with the foundation, which is the part that is in direct contact with the ground and supports the entire structure. But before starting the foundation, it is necessary to prepare the land through a process called earthworks.
What is Earthworks?
Earthmoving is a set of excavation, loading, transport, unloading, compaction and finishing operations carried out to obtain a surface with the desired slope and leveling characteristics for the execution of a project. It is the first stage of construction and is essential to guarantee the stability and security of the house.
How is earthwork done?
Earth leveling begins with clearing the land, which consists of removing vegetation, stones, debris and any other material that may interfere with construction. Then shoring is done, which is the excavation and removal of the earth to level the ground.
Next, backfilling is done, which is filling with earth in areas that are below the desired level. Backfilling must be done with layers of compacted earth to ensure the stability of the ground.
After landfilling, soil compaction is carried out, which consists of pressing the earth to make it denser and more resistant. Compaction is necessary to prevent the soil from moving over time and causing damage to the structure of the house.
Finally, the finishing is done, which is the finalization of the leveling of the land and the preparation for the beginning of the construction of the foundation.
Why is earthwork important?
Earthmoving is important for several reasons. First, it ensures that the ground is level and stable, which is essential for building a home. Irregular or unstable terrain can cause serious problems, such as cracks in the structure, infiltrations and even landslides.
Second, earthworks help prevent drainage problems. A poorly leveled terrain can accumulate rainwater, which can cause infiltrations and damage to the structure of the house. In addition, accumulated water can attract insects and cause health problems.
Third, earthworks allow the house to be built at the correct level with respect to the street. This is important to avoid problems with water entering the house from the street and to ensure that the house has good visibility and access.
Finally, earthmoving is important to ensure that the foundation of the house is built correctly and safely. The foundation is the most important part of the house and any mistake in its construction can cause serious and expensive problems to correct.
Conclusion
In summary, earthworks are an essential step in building a house. She ensures that the land is prepared to receive the foundation and that the house is built safely and stably. Therefore, it is important to hire qualified professionals to carry out earthworks and follow all technical standards and recommendations.
