Plate foundation: advantages

The slab foundation represents a solid monolithic reinforced structure, which is a reliable basis for building large structures on complex loam and subsidence soils. This is a very common modification of the foundation, characterized by increased rigidity and strength. Most often, the slab foundation consists of concrete slabs, which are located under the construction of the entire structure, which allows you to redistribute the load on the ground.

This building is able to withstand heavy stone houses, as well as buildings made of reinforced concrete and bricks, ensuring their firm landing in the ground. If there is a shift of soils - then the entire plate will move immediately, which will prevent the destruction of the house. Because of this, the slab foundation is also called floating. It is the most stable and reliable of all such structures.

It is especially convenient to use a monolith for the construction of low-rise buildings in the terrain with complex climatic conditions, where the soils are swollen and swampy.

The main criteria for selecting this foundation are weak subsidence grounds that are close to peatlands, as well as the increased loads that arise when building heavy houses. The need to build a monolithic foundation causes unevenly compressible soils, as well as a high level of groundwater occurrence.

The plinth foundation is erected on flat sections without a slope of the earth, since on uneven terrain its slipping may occur. Before starting the pouring of the slab, all communications are brought to the structure: sewer pipes, power wiring. After this, pour a pillow of gravel or crushed stone with a height of at least 30 centimeters. At the next stage, a blind area is made to prevent the spreading of concrete, and a reinforcement casing that will strengthen the slab foundation is tied.

Calculation of thickness depends on the characteristics of the future structure, with the foundation should not be less than 25 centimeters.

After the preparatory works, the concrete is poured. This is done once, completely filling the future slab with a solution and not allowing long breaks. In the process of laying concrete should be compacted with an industrial vibrator to eliminate the appearance of voids.

The resulting surface is leveled with a plank or a rule. When all conditions are met, a monolithic, reliable construction is obtained. In some cases, during the construction of columns and the construction of heavy overlappings, the slab foundation is poured with stiffening ribs. They can be placed above and below. In the first case, the ribs are made of a steel frame and attached to the plate by means of anchor bolts pre-embedded in the slab. In the second case, if the ribs are directed downwards, the cushion is indented, where the reinforcement is laid, which, together with the slab, is poured.

Following the described technology, it is enough just to fill the slab foundation with your own hands while building your own house. Virtually all the work can be done without the use of building specialized equipment.