Monolithic base plate with own hands

Every builder knows that it is impossible to achieve long service and reliability of a building if the technological process is not observed during its erection. A good house starts with a quality foundation. Its type depends on the selected project, features of the ground and the availability of funds from the developer. In private construction, a belt or pile foundation is usually used. Plate, made of concrete and reinforcing mesh, in most cases can be the most suitable option.

Wanting to save as much money as possible, a private developer tries to do all the work himself. But the slightest mistake in the calculations can lead to a serious problem. Often we see houses whose walls are skewed or covered with cracks. This suggests that the calculation of the pressure of the walls on the foundation is made incorrectly or the structure is located on the topsoil and stands on a heavily buried foundation. How not to make a mistake and build a house that does not have to be constantly repaired? Very simple.

If in the site chosen for construction, groundwater is close to the surface, then do not make a strip foundation. The monolithic slab will allow you not only to protect the walls from cracks due to soil freezing, but also to save on the construction of the rough floor.

Let's look at the advantages that the base plate has.

• The possibility of erecting a house on any type of soil.
• Low construction cost.
• Simplicity of performance of works with which even unskilled builders can cope.
• The load from the walls and floors of the house is evenly distributed over the entire surface, which means that only 30-40 centimeters of concrete are sufficient to ensure that the base plate is supported by a two-storey cottage. Even for the construction of the Ostankino tower it was required to make a monolith one meter thick.

It is enough to consider the technology of manufacturing such a universal base, as the foundation plate, to cope with each stage. To work will require rubble, sand, formwork, metal fittings and concrete.

First, we determine the position of the future house. We measure the area, denoting its boundaries with the help of several pegs and twine. After that, we remove the soil to a depth of about 30 centimeters. The bottom of the foundation pit is lined with geotextile. This measure will save the pillow under the foundation and will not allow the sand to seep into the ground. We fall asleep a layer of rubble and a rammer. Top with sand. Each layer is ten centimeters high wetting water and carefully rammed. We make such a sandwich, until we rise to the level of the rest of the soil.

The finished sand cushion is covered with a layer of waterproofing. It should extend beyond the future foundation by 40 centimeters on each side. All the bands are carefully glued together, turning them into a single sheet. We lay a layer of polystyrene, which serves as a heater. Only after this we collect the formwork. The main preparatory work is finished.

No less important stage - the manufacture of metal fittings. The grid should be located at a height of 10-15 cm from the thermal insulation material. Depending on the thickness of the selected foundation, at least two layers of reinforcement are required. Peculiar legs can be made from pieces of rod. We connect the reinforcement with a special wire or connect it by welding. When this stage of work is completed, it is necessary to once again check the integrity of the formwork.

Now you can order a machine with a ready mortar of concrete. This service will be provided by any concrete plant located near the construction. You should take care of the good driveways for the mixer with the solution.

Filling the formwork must start from the farthest corner, evenly distributing the mass of concrete and filling the entire space between the reinforcement. For better work performance, you need to use a vibrator. It will help to avoid the formation of voids inside the solution. Concrete is poured level with the prepared formwork. After that, the walls of the formwork are laid boards, along which the foundation-plate is leveled manually.

Many beginning builders think that this is all the work is finished. But this is not so. It takes about 20-30 days to completely solidify the solution. But this does not mean that after pouring concrete you can safely forget about the construction for a whole month. Only proper care will provide an ideal foundation. The cooker with its own hands is regularly wetted, sheltered in hot weather and slightly opened for a short period of time in the rain. A little patience, and you can start building the walls of your house.