In continuation with the earlier article on ‘the various stages in construction of a house’, the SECOND STAGE is the FOUNDATION and SLAB/RCC Roof
In this article we will be discussing on how a foundation is laid and what are the important structural components that are laid before the basement of a house is constructed.
Foundation:
Construction of foundation starts with an evaluation on its depth, width, and marking layout for excavation and centerline of foundation. Foundation is the part of the structure below the plinth level in direct contact of soil and transmits the load of superstructure to the ground.
Foundation of a house is generally below the ground level. This portion of the structure is not in contact with air, light, etc., or to say that it is the hidden part of the structure.
Footing is a structure constructed in brickwork, masonry, or concrete under the base of a wall or column for distributing the load over a large area.
Types of Foundations:
Following are different types of foundations used in construction:
- Shallow foundation
- Individual footing or isolated footing
- Combined footing
- Strip foundation
- Raft or mat foundation
- Deep Foundation
- Pile foundation
- Drilled Shafts or caissons
Depth of the Foundation:
Depth of foundation depends on following factors:
- Minimum depth of the foundation should be not less than the availability of the hardest soil
- Availability of adequate bearing capacity
- Depth of shrinkage and swelling in case of clayey soils due to seasonal changes, which may cause considerable movements
- Depth of frost penetration in case of fine sand and silt
- Depth of groundwater table
What is a Footing?
Footing is a part of foundation which is constructed with concrete. It acts as a base to the floor columns and floor walls. The main function of footing is to transfer the vertical loads directly to the soil.
The width of footings should be laid according to structural design.
Procedure for Construction of Foundation:
- Excavation of earthwork in trenches for foundation
- Layout cement concrete
- Lay the footing(as per the instructions of the structural engineer)
- Lay Anti termite treatment
- Lay of granites up to the plinth level
- Lay damp proof course on the walls
- Refilling of earth around the walls
- Refilling of earth in the building portion up to the required height according to the plinth level
Foundation Design Precautions:
- A foundation should be designed to transmit combined dead load, imposed load, and wind load to the ground
- Foundation should be designed in such a way that settlement to the ground is limited and uniform under the whole of the building to avoid damage to the structure
Therefore it is very important to lay the foundation with utmost care as the whole house stands on it. If there is a small hiccup in laying a foundation the entire house will be on to the ground within fraction of seconds.
In the article, we will be discussing on the important structural components of a house
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PKC Realtors.
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