The basis of any structure, which determines the stability and service life, is a reliable foundation. Various materials can be used for construction: reinforced concrete blocks, rubble stone, brick or concrete piles. The most common type is concrete, which is important to pour correctly to form a reliable foundation for the building.
The main task of the foundation for a future bathhouse is to absorb the forces from the mass of the building, as well as to prevent the impact of groundwater on the walls of the building. Pouring a foundation is a serious construction operation that must be approached with a high degree of responsibility.
Work on preparing the foundation of a bathhouse can be done independently, but it requires qualifications and requires preliminary calculations. By doing the work yourself, you can reduce the costs of construction activities and form a solid structure, which is the basis of the building. Let's consider how to pour a foundation for a bathhouse with your own hands to ensure the strength and long service life of the structure.
The foundation is the basis of any building, without which it, in principle, cannot be built, since it is on it that it stands
Types of foundations
Using reinforced concrete, you can form a reliable base for the construction of a bathhouse. She may be:
- tape, which is the most common and can withstand significant forces from the mass of the bath, depending on the depth of the tape into the soil. The foundation of the building follows the configuration of the perimeter, taking into account the internal partitions;
- columnar, used to install a light bath made of wooden beams. The base consists of a group of supports located at the corners and middle of the spans of the building;
- solid in the form of a reinforced concrete slab, the dimensions of which correspond to the length and width of the future bathhouse. This type of base is not used often. However, it is indispensable for soils with closely spaced aquifers, as well as soils that are heterogeneous.
Regardless of the base design, the foundation is poured according to general principles execution construction work. The bases of the bathhouse differ in the shape, size of the pits and design features of the formwork.
Sequence of events
The material presented in the article on how to pour a foundation for a bathhouse can be used for any structure.
If you know how to pour a foundation for a bathhouse with your own hands, then you will be able to this operation on one's own
The general set of measures to prepare the foundation for a future bathhouse includes the following work:
- Development of a construction project with calculations taking into account the mass of the bathhouse and soil features.
- Selecting a design, determining the need for materials.
- Construction site preparation, excavation work.
- Installation of formwork.
- Preparation and installation of reinforcement cage.
- Concreting.
Let us dwell on the features of individual stages of work.
Project part
When designing a bathhouse, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the soil and select the optimal type of foundation. The depth of the foundation is influenced by soil characteristics:
- the base for a bathhouse, placed on non-heaving soils with aquifers located deeper than 2 meters, can have a depth of 0.5 m. For lightweight wooden structures, 30 cm is sufficient;
- when the building is located on clay soils and when groundwater is close, a deep foundation is required, located below the freezing point;
- construction of a bathhouse on heaving soils is possible if the recess is at least 0.7 m from the zero mark.
The ideal soil is dense, containing sandstone or gravel.
Let's consider the features of soils:
- Light soils make it possible to form a strip base with a pre-prepared cushion of sand and gravel mixture.
- Soils containing fine gravel, coarse sand and clay inclusions, suitable for columnar and strip foundations.
- Soils characterized by a heterogeneous structure and easily flooded require the installation of a monolithic concrete base.
- The high concentration of fine-grained sand fraction and quartz allows the formation of any type of base.
To form a reliable foundation for a bathhouse, it is important to consider the following factors:
- possible landslides;
- soil bearing capacity;
- soil subsidence;
- site slope.
When working on a project, plan the location of the foundation for the construction of a bathhouse so that there is a possibility of rainwater drainage.
Having decided on the design, it is easy to calculate the need for concrete. To do this, it is necessary to multiply the total height of the base, including the part located above the zero mark, by the width and determine the area. Next, it is easy to calculate the volume corresponding to the need for concrete solution.
It is worth remembering that the minimum foundation depth should be more than 0.5 m.
When designing a column-type base, remember that concrete supports are installed in the corners of the structure and points of intersection of walls with an interval between supports of no more than 2 meters.
Knowing the number of supports and the depth of their location in the soil, it is easy to calculate the volume of concrete and predict the costs of constructing a columnar foundation. Similarly defined required amount concrete composition for a monolithic base.
Preparatory activities
Carry out work to prepare the construction site, guided by the following recommendations:
- Before laying the foundation for a bathhouse under construction, clear the site. Remove turf, remove rocks and debris, and level out uneven surfaces.
- Mark the building, starting from the corner located on the outside of the future bathhouse. Refer to the pre-designed drawing.
- Drive in the pegs according to the sketch of the bathhouse.
- Pull and secure the cord.
- Check for right angles by comparing dimensions diagonally. Equal diagonals indicate the presence of a rectangular contour.
- Complete the markup interior walls the buildings.
- boards;
- sheet metal.
- Portland cement grade M350, the characteristics of which will ensure the operational strength of the structure;
- pre-screened river or quarry sand;
- medium gravel;
- water.
- Usage sand-cement mixture in a ratio of 3:1, diluted with water to the required consistency. The composition has the required strength, but sets quickly.
- The use of pre-mixed gravel, sand and cement in a ratio of 5:3:1 with the addition of water to the mixture. Concrete made according to this recipe hardens longer. This makes it possible to batch prepare and pour concrete into the formwork.
Now you can start earthworks, which involves excavating soil 15-20 centimeters deeper than the depth of the trench, recess for pillars or solid foundation. The width of the base should exceed the dimensions of the building by 5 cm on each side, and for soft soils - by 10 cm.
Plan the bottom of the pit using a level, ensuring that the walls are perpendicular. Add sand or a sand-gravel mixture 20 cm thick to the bottom, moisten and compact thoroughly.
Production and installation of formwork
The concrete foundation is poured into a pre-assembled frame structure. To complete the work you will need:
A formwork structure is assembled from metal or wooden panels, which should rise 20-30 cm above the zero mark. It is important to ensure a smooth surface on the inside of the frame, allowing the panels to be removed after the concrete has hardened.
This element of the bath structure is performed by pouring concrete into formwork made from boards
Ensure the frame remains stationary using vertical posts driven into the soil. After installing the panels, install wooden spacers or metal threaded rods. If necessary, use tie wire to ensure structural rigidity.
Waterproof the frame from the inside of the formwork using plastic film or roofing felt. The panel contour must follow the configuration of the building and have rigidity that allows it to withstand the forces from the mass of concrete. Now you can begin to strengthen the structure using steel reinforcement.
Reinforcement
Gain concrete structure using steel rods is mandatory when constructing any building, including a bathhouse. Reinforce the structure according to the following recommendations:
Everything is ready, you can start concreting.
Concreting
How to pour a foundation for a bathhouse with your own hands, ensuring its reliability? Remember, concrete should be poured in one go. This will ensure uniform setting and the required strength of the monolithic base.
You can order the required volume of concrete, but you can simply prepare the solution yourself. For this you will need:
There are several recipes that allow you to prepare high-quality concrete:
Prepare the solution by first mixing the dry ingredients and adding water in small portions. Having ensured the homogeneity of the composition, you can begin pouring. While filling the formwork with concrete, remove air bubbles using a shovel or steel rod.
Using a vibrating tamper, thoroughly compact the mass. After filling the formwork, plan concrete surface. Ensure the hydration process of concrete by periodically watering during hot weather. The formwork can be dismantled no earlier than 3 weeks after pouring.
Results
After studying the recommendations given, you can prepare solid foundation future building. It is important to decide on the type of base, use high-quality materials and carry out work in compliance with building regulations. This will ensure the durability and strength of the foundation for the bathhouse being built.
The construction of the foundation is a fundamental part of the building. The reliability, wear resistance and appearance of the bathhouse depend on the successful construction of this structure. The procedure must be followed correctly so that the bathhouse will delight you with its aesthetics and cozy atmosphere.
How to pour a foundation for a bathhouse with your own hands - a step-by-step guide
An example of an equipped strip foundation for a bathhouse. The tape runs along the perimeter of the walls and under the future interior partition
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Necessary for the construction of a small and not heavy structure, but can withstand heavy loads, depending on the depth and properties of the soil | |
| Necessary for the installation of lightweight structures. Look great if you need to create several compartments of the bath, for example, for the main compartment and the pool | |
| Recently, this has been a common type of foundation for baths. Requires minimal labor and material costs, but is only suitable for one-story baths. A pile foundation can be used even with a heavy building structure and a high groundwater level | |
| They are rarely used for bathhouses, but if you want to create a building on heterogeneous, quickly freezing or flooded soil, it is very difficult to do without them |
Foundation materials
Rules for constructing foundations for a bathhouse
Based on construction methods, foundations are divided into the following types:
- industrial. Constructed from separate blocks or modules;
- non-industrial. They are carried out simultaneously, directly during the intensification of construction work.
Construction regulations
| Prescriptions | Explanations |
|---|---|
| Before digging trenches or other depressions, it is necessary to clean off the top fertile layer of soil. When it is planned to build a blind area or additional bathhouse buildings, the soil under them is cleaned once. If you neglect this rule and leave the top layer of soil intact, then after the construction of the foundation the plants may rot, and if they come into contact with the soil wooden structure there is a risk of damage building material up to the need to completely replace it, which is a labor-intensive process. | |
| After removing the top soil, a significant depression is formed under the future building. If created strip foundation, new soil must be poured into empty areas. You should choose cleaned soil that does not contain debris and organic residues. If an underground is additionally formed, then the same method is used so that when the water level rises, there is no flooding of the bathhouse building. | |
Digging a trench for a strip foundation using a template | Recesses and trenches are dug to a certain depth. The exact size of the depth is determined by the properties of the soil, the level of seasonal rise of groundwater, and the strength of soil freezing in the cold months. For each region there is a certain depth where the soil freezes to 0 °C, and for clay soils to -1 °C. To accurately find out the depth of soil freezing in a particular area, it is enough to order geological surveys. If the trench is up to 100 cm deep and up to 60 cm wide, its sides must be completely vertical. When the depth is greater than this mark, a decision is often made to expand the edges upward. If the ground is unstable, temporary formwork can be installed, which must later be removed. |
Foundations located around the perimeter of walls, and sometimes partitions, have a ribbon shape. They are made not only from reinforced concrete mixture with reinforcement. Reinforced concrete blocks, which are stamped at the factory, and bricks are actively used. The material is selected depending on the type of soil and the features of the entire structure of the bathhouse, including its shape, dimensions and weight. In frequent construction, strip foundations are made of rubble concrete, since the basis of their structure is natural stone, which is tightly filled with concrete mixture.
When the soil in the area where the bathhouse is being built is guaranteed to be safe, you can safely create a shallow strip foundation, since it is also capable of withstanding significant loads. The smaller the foundation structure, the cheaper and easier it is to construct. For most baths, a shallow foundation is optimal and completely safe.
Legend in the image:
- a - rectangular foundation through the wall;
- b - stepped;
- c - rectangular under a wall made of timber;
- g - foundation wall for the underground;
- d - prefabricated structures made of reinforced concrete blocks.
The dimensions of strip foundations for baths with any number of floors are approximately the same. The loads that are transferred even from a three-story bathhouse to the base are not very large, and the area of the foundation is often several times greater than that required to support the weight of the structure.
The width of the sole is determined depending on the type of foundation:
- rubble - more than 60 cm;
- reinforced concrete and others containing a significant percentage of concrete - more than 40-60 cm;
- brick - 51 cm.
These parameters must be maintained, as they provide ease of use and the possibility of trouble-free binding of stones located in the vertical direction.
Base for strip foundation
To ensure the durability of the strip foundation, it is necessary to install it on a sand bed. Typically, the sand layer should be more than 20 cm in height, which should be taken into account when digging a trench. If the soil is considered heaving, the sand cushion can be placed more than 60 cm, since it limits the area of influence on the foundation.
An alternative to a completely sandy one can be a sand-gravel backfill, which is made up of sand and gravel in a ratio of 4:6. Weak soils affect not only the features of the formation of the base for the foundation, but also the construction of the strip foundation. The entire inner surface of the trench must be completely isolated with geotextiles before the sand bedding begins. This feature during construction will help protect sand bedding from mixing with silt or erosion when groundwater rises to a high level.
Video - Sand cushion under the foundation
It is advisable to carry out reinforcement of the foundation when creating any bathhouse, even a small economy-class design, since excess strength will help the foundation to remain intact. long years. A frame consisting of several faces is sufficient.
Before installing the reinforcement frame, you should place reinforcement chairs or stable stones under all elements standing on the lower surface. The reinforcement cannot be installed directly on the sand cushion, since when pouring concrete, all faces must be covered by it to ensure maximum strength designs.
Dense reinforcing bars are driven into two rows. Perpendicular to them are long, but thinner elements, which are fastened to vertical stripes at all joints. For this, welding or special wire is used.
Manual for SNiP 2.03.01-84 and SNiP 2.02.01-83. File for download
The proportional composition of the concrete mixture is calculated after purchasing cement powder, since its strength characteristics vary depending on the brand of all components, their class, as well as the presence of additional elements in the mixture.
Typically, a common scheme is used in which cement, sand and crushed stone are mixed in a ratio of 1:3:5. Add as much water as necessary to create a complete mixture, but remember that the proportional ratio of water to cement is 0.5.
Video - Preparation of concrete for the foundation of a bathhouse
The mixture is placed in the formwork immediately after its preparation is completed, as it can harden quickly. It is necessary to simultaneously release bubbles from the cement composition. For this, a shovel or an ordinary stick is used, but if possible, it is worth purchasing or renting a deep vibrator.
To ensure the correct placement of concrete without the initial formation of significant air pockets, it is necessary to tap the formwork along its entire length. If the concrete mixture is poured during the cold or rainy season, then immediately after placing it in the formwork, the concrete should be covered with plastic film, insulation should be placed on it, and the structure should be carefully laid on top with high-quality waterproofing.
The formwork can be removed until the concrete has completely hardened. Usually it is enough to wait a week or a little less.
Columnar foundations can be chosen for most baths. The exception is for structures that require the creation of basements or underground spaces. When you need to save on construction, you should build a columnar foundation, since it is much cheaper than a strip foundation, and its construction is not difficult.
It is necessary to clearly measure the depth of a columnar foundation only if the soil on the site is prone to heaving. Reinforced concrete pillars must fall below the level of maximum soil freezing so that there is no risk of the bathhouse being skewered. It is advisable to deepen them taking into account the most severe frosts, and not focusing on average indicators.
Materials for creating a columnar foundation
Columnar-tape foundation with a base for a stove
The foundation is formed from many small pillars on which the entire structure rests. In some cases, natural stones serve as supporting pillars big size. They are placed in the corner sections of the log house, and in the gaps it is allowed to use smaller stones.
In most cases, reinforced concrete blocks are used, which can be purchased in advance or built independently directly when building the foundation. Recently, builders have learned to skillfully use bricks or asbestos-cement pipes as pillars, which is a very relevant and convenient idea. In this case, these materials are first placed in the ground and then filled with concrete mixture. Formwork is required; a frame of several reinforced concrete rods is provided in each recess.
Creating a columnar foundation
The construction scheme for a columnar foundation remains virtually unchanged, regardless of the material chosen.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| A drilling rig is used for this. It turns out to be a small well. | |
| The resulting space is filled with sand to a level of about 20 cm. | |
| The sand cushion is compacted by pouring water into the holes. | |
| When the holes are dry, the selected material for the posts should be placed in them. Usually these are reinforcing bars, after installation of which concrete mixture is poured into the recesses. | |
| Externally used for poles reliable waterproofing. These are volumetric layers of roofing felt and bitumen mastic, which are used in several stages, that is, they form several alternating rows of coating. |
A shallow foundation can be designed using either monolithic concrete, and when using a brick structure. Often pillars are installed, the walls of which gradually narrow.
Often, a columnar foundation is made from a mixture of concrete, which is poured either into a hole with inserted reinforcing bars, or into an asbestos-cement pipe, which is a kind of frame for the structure. Less often columnar foundations are made from pre-prepared blocks that have undergone factory processing. They also need a sand cushion.
If the building has a heavy structure or the area has unstable soil, you can organize a grillage in the form of a reinforced concrete belt. It is a structural link that unites all elements. Usually a grillage is necessary when building a brick bathhouse, but it is often used for a wooden one.
Columnar foundation - details of arrangement
The technology for creating this foundation involves drilling wells. You can make recesses using special installation, and manually. For wells, the optimal diameter and depth are assigned in advance. Next, the holes are reinforced and filled with concrete.
The supports should be placed under the walls of the bathhouse and often along the line of its partitions. Their number is calculated taking into account the total load created by the building. The diameter of the piles supporting the external frame and those located inside is different. The width of the internal supports is influenced by the total load from the floor, partitions and other elements inside the structure.
You can manually create holes with a maximum depth of 3 m. If the structure of the bathhouse imposes a significant load or the work takes place with heaving soil, a drill should be used. Using this installation, wells 5 m deep or more are created. If the bathhouse is being built in areas where the supports have to be buried at a distance of more than 6 m, it is necessary to use an electric or motor drill, since a manual one will not cope with this task.
Video - Columnar foundation
Reinforcement and concreting of the foundation
It is necessary to select roofing felt pipes. Their length is always greater than the depth of the wells, since they must extend out of the ground over a considerable distance. The upper sections of these structures are formwork. To do this, they are wrapped in 3 layers of roofing felt and tied using thin steel wire.
When the formwork is formed, it must be lowered into the finished well. Sometimes visible in wells groundwater. If their level does not exceed the surface of the earth, there is no need to worry, since pile foundations are intended specifically for those areas where floods occur or the groundwater level is too high. If so much water accumulates that it exceeds the level of the well, it must be pumped out using a special pump. Only after water has been eliminated from all holes can concrete be poured.
The concrete mixture is poured in batches. It should be measured so that each time the layer does not exceed 5 m. In wells, concrete must be compacted. Vibrating devices are used for this. It is necessary to fill the entire foundation in a short time so that it dries evenly.
To properly build a grillage, you must follow some rules.
- The height of the foundation is above 3 meters.
- The width of the grillage should be similar to the thickness of the plinth structure if the piles are standing in the same row. When the piles are scattered, to determine the width of the grillage, the thickness of the walls on the first floor is estimated. It should be remembered that the width of the structure cannot exceed 4 meters.
Grillage - photo
When the grillage is assembled from several component elements, special attention must be paid to the correct fastening of the piles in the head. During concreting, another object is connected to the grillage - a special rod with the outline of the letter T. The head of the pile is necessarily covered with an additional reinforcing rod with limiting plates.
The plates should be slightly thicker than the piles. The height of the head is created optimal so that it is possible to horizontally cover the pile and the area of the grillage to which the structure is mounted. When all parameters are met, you can begin concreting the joint. All reinforcement elements that extend beyond the structure must be attached to the mounting loops by welding. Upon completion of the work, the resulting joints must be filled with cement mortar or concrete.
The accuracy of the grillage level affects the possibility of safe construction of walls. If it has a significant distortion, it is necessary to level it by adding a layer of cement to the necessary areas. Before completing the construction work pile foundation for a bathhouse, it is necessary to measure all its sides and check their compliance with the initially planned parameters.
This is the most reliable and easiest to manufacture type of foundation for a bathhouse. It requires high-quality materials, since more requirements are placed on a monolithic slab than on other structures. The work process is not complicated; many developers are pleased that there is no need to use construction equipment.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Usually for monolithic slab a pit is dug with allowance to create a special cushion of gravel or sand. It is necessary to accurately level the surface. Creating slopes is prohibited. If you neglect this rule, the foundation is guaranteed to undergo cracking and deformation. | |
| To create formwork, it is necessary to select boards at least 25 mm thick. They are installed using supports. Before laying the reinforcement, you should check the rigidity of the fasteners so that after pouring the concrete, deformation or destruction of the formwork does not occur. | |
| Drainage is created for subsequent water supply and drainage. Layers of waterproofing are applied to the sand cushion if insulation is necessary. When using the latter, you should make sure that it is covered on both sides with material that does not allow moisture to pass through. | |
| The reinforcing mesh is knitted using reinforced concrete rods of various sections. Initially, it is necessary to provide a base on which the reinforcement cage can be placed. It should be remembered that it is impossible to lower the reinforcement into the pit directly onto the insulating layers. When pouring concrete in this case, the mixture will not cover the lower edges of the reinforced concrete mesh, which will significantly reduce the strength of the entire structure and can lead to cracking of the foundation. Special chairs for reinforcement are installed on the surface of the pit. It is advisable to use these elements. An alternative can be voluminous bricks and other rigid structures, but it is very difficult to attach a reinforcement frame to them. The widest reinforcing bars are selected. They are necessary to install a vertical row. To make it convenient to work with the structure, you can immediately install all the rods on the chairs for the reinforcement. Horizontal frame elements are laid out in 1-3 layers, depending on the depth of the foundation. The distance between layers can be made from 10 cm, since tighter fastening is rarely justified. At all intersection points, the reinforcing bars are fastened by welding or steel wire. |
|
| You can create your own concrete mixture using a common recipe. Crushed stone, sand and cement are mixed in exactly the proportion of 5:3:1. If this work seems too long, you can buy ready-made mortar, which is sold dry. To dilute the mixture, both self-made and factory-prepared, it is necessary to use water. The exact framework is not determined, but the concrete should be brought to a consistency reminiscent of low-fat sour cream. Immediately after dilution, you must begin pouring the mixture. It is very difficult to do this manually. If necessary, work is carried out in several stages, that is, in layers. This technique negatively affects the strength characteristics of the foundation, but is allowed in building codes. It is advisable to use special equipment. The device can be rented or borrowed from friends. In this case, the device will take the finished mixture from the mixer and deliver it to the object using a tray. While pouring the concrete mixture, you need to work in parallel with an internal vibrator. With its help, the structure becomes strong and even, since excess air is removed in a timely manner. It is impossible to do without this measure. |
|
| After pouring the foundation, you must wait 24 hours and moisten it. For this you need a sprinkler. It is forbidden to flood the structure with a strong stream of water. If work is carried out at low temperatures, the foundation must be covered with a waterproofing polyethylene film. Slab foundation takes a long time to dry. It is advisable to refrain from further construction work for 3-5 weeks. |
Anyone can pour the foundation for a bathhouse with their own hands. To do this, it is necessary to choose the appropriate type of structure, correctly carry out all stages of work and use only high-quality materials. If the foundation is poured carefully and all building codes are followed, the foundation of the bathhouse will be strong and durable.
Video - How to pour a foundation for a bathhouse with your own hands
Many regions of our country, unfortunately, cannot boast of solid soils: most territories are characterized by peat bogs, sandstones, loamy soils and other soils that require a high-quality foundation.
This is worth paying attention to, since any structure is a guarantor of reliability and long service life.
We have already written several times about the importance of this issue, so today’s article will be not about choice , not about , but is fully devoted directly to how to fill foundation for a bathhouse.
How to properly pour a foundation for a bathhouse: what needs to be done before pouring
Before pouring the foundation, it is necessary to carry out a number of works that will ensure high-quality preparation and facilitate the pouring process in the future.
Preparatory work
You should start, first of all, by determining the location for your building.
You need to choose wisely and taking into account the requirements of urban planning standards: taking into account the necessary setbacks from the boundaries of the site, ditches and other buildings.
If the site has vegetation, then it must be cleared of all plantings at the proposed site of construction of the foundation and the surrounding area.
Marking for the foundation
In the selected and cleared area using available materials:
- pieces of reinforcement, wooden stakes and other means that can act as support points;
- twine, nylon cord, signal (fencing) tape, etc.
Key points are determined, marked with stakes, which are connected along the perimeter with a rope, thus marking the foundation. External boundaries are marked corresponding to the expected dimensions of the bathhouse, or exceeding them. Internal boundaries are marked for strip, columnar and other types of foundation, with the exception of monolithic.
Excavation
It is necessary to remove the entire fertile layer of soil, or carry out peat removal. This stage involves excavating soft layers of soil that may be mobile. Such excavation is usually carried out to hard soil layers. Additionally, this guarantees the removal of most organic elements and substances under the bath.
Pillow
After removing the soft layers of soil, a significant depression appears at the site of the foundation, which in some cases will be filled with water. Therefore, it is necessary to place a pillow under the foundation. Most often, the pillow is filled with sand or gravel, or in layers (first sand, then gravel). sand cushion It is recommended to shed with water or process using a vibration plate to increase the density of the created cushion. The cushion must be level.
REFERENCE. It would not be amiss to lay a layer of geofabric before filling the cushion; this will provide additional fixation of the soil, and also ensure that the filling will not “go” underground or be washed out by rain.
Installation of formwork
The formwork is a frame (most often made of boards, the use of slate and plywood is allowed) for casting the foundation, to create the external boundaries of the foundation according to pre-prepared markings. It guarantees the correct shape of the foundation for the bathhouse, and will also prevent concrete from overflowing to the outside of the structure. The height of the formwork must not be lower than the level of the intended concrete pouring.
Reinforcement
The reinforcing frame is made of metal reinforcement through the initial installation of vertical posts into the ground and further laying of horizontal reinforcement (laid in 2 or more layers, depending on the thickness of the foundation). The rods are subsequently fastened perpendicularly, knitted with wire.
Welding of reinforcement, as a rule, is not used, since the structure must be sufficiently ductile.
Video
Watch a short video on how the formwork for a pile-grillage foundation is made. At the same time, you can see how well the reinforcement cage is connected:
IMPORTANT! It is not allowed to install horizontal lower reinforcements directly on the cushion; all reinforcing structures must be immersed in concrete on all sides.
Pouring the foundation for a bathhouse: work procedure
There are many filling techniques, so in our article we will try to cover the most popular topics.
Why is it better to pour in one go?
The strongest and most monolithic foundation fill will be the one that is poured at a time using special equipment. In addition, pouring using a concrete mixer allows you to combine this process with the use of an internal vibrator. A foundation poured in parts is significantly inferior in strength, because when concrete is re-poured onto an already hardened layer, the layers do not adhere to each other. The resulting structure will resemble huge concrete blocks lying on top of each other, but not connected to each other.
Video
Watch the video that shows pouring the foundation for a bathhouse with a concrete pump, you will see how quickly and easily it is done:
Blend recipes
The composition of the mixture primarily depends on the brand of cement used. Classic recipe consists of cement, sand and crushed stone in a ratio of 1:3:5, or 1:2:3 (we recommend this recipe). The resulting mixture is diluted with water to the desired consistency, however, the proportion of water should not exceed 0.5.
Crushed stone is an optional additive to ensure maximum adhesion and strength of the composition. Now ready-made mixtures of sand and cement are sold, which need to be dissolved in water. The consistency is most often compared to low-fat sour cream.
Brand of concrete for the bathhouse foundation
Since the foundation is a serious structure, it is recommended to use cement of at least grade M400-M500.
How to mix concrete
It is certainly possible to mix concrete manually, however, the amount of the finished mixture is very large. In addition, the manual method guarantees the presence of a large number of air bubbles, which has a bad effect on the quality of concrete. It is recommended to use a concrete mixer; in addition, the mechanical method allows for pouring at a time.
Video
The video shows how you can make 250 grade concrete by mixing by hand:
Also watch a video that clearly shows how to mix concrete in a concrete mixer:
Seal
Immediately after pouring concrete into the formwork, it is necessary to remove the maximum amount of air bubbles formed during the preparation of concrete and its subsequent pouring into the structure. There are several ways to do this:
- bayoneting (repeatedly piercing the surface with a shovel, stick, etc.);
- tapping the formwork around the perimeter (considerable effort must be made);
- using a deep vibrator (can be rented or purchased).
Covering
If pouring concrete was carried out in the heat, then it is imperative to cover the surface with plastic film or any other covering material to protect the drying material from cracking under the influence of heat. In winter, it would not be superfluous to lay insulation, on top of which additional layer waterproofing for the same reason - insurance against the formation of cracks.
Watering
There is one rule that faces opponents: the recommendation to moisten the foundation with water a day after it is poured. This advice is not without meaning, since concrete acquires hardness as it hardens, the water film prolongs the drying process, and as a result, the concrete has time to gain even greater strength.
CAREFULLY! Watering with a powerful stream of water is not allowed.
Removing formwork
The formwork is removed only after the concrete has hardened, as a rule, this period occurs after 5-6 days, the maximum period does not exceed two weeks. Rushing to remove the formwork can lead to uneven drying of the structure, its deformation, and destruction.
How to pour a foundation for a bathhouse if you choose:
The above rules are applied to other types of foundations, taking into account some features.
Tape
Bored piles
So, we told you how to properly pour the foundation for a bathhouse. As you can see, the process of pouring the foundation is not particularly complicated if a good preparatory work and all conventions are met. However, this process involves the use of expensive equipment and tools, so sometimes it is justified to conclude a contract with a specialized organization. However, the modern market offers many solutions where you can do it yourself.
The simplest in terms of design is, of course, a strip foundation. It can be placed under any walls: brick, stone, block, log, etc. In addition, it is also the most reliable.
The disadvantage of the strip structure is its labor intensity and the large amount of building materials.
Marking the site for the foundation
The proverb “measure twice, cut once” is 100% true in our case. Only we will have to dig, not cut.
Having reached the level of the above-ground part, strengthen the reinforcement. It should consist of horizontal and vertical metal rods. Then pour concrete into the formwork to a height of at least 20 centimeters above the ground. Concrete in this part can be replaced with stone and brick masonry.
Foundation for the stove
There are two fundamentally different ways calculation and construction of the base for the stove:
1. The most common method is a separate foundation, independent of the main one, which is made in principle the same way, according to the same rules as for walls. With any foundation, even the deepest, its progress is inevitable.
This means that independent structures will also rise and fall independently. If you rigidly fix the stove hog in the ceiling part, you will face unpleasant surprises in the form of kinks and damage to the integrity brickwork ovens.
2. Another method allows you to combine the foundations into one whole. Simply, additional beams are laid between the wall bases under the stove, strengthening and reinforcing them with stove pillars. The stove itself is mounted directly on these beams.
Calculation of the amount of building material
This is done quite simply. We calculate the volume of our finished foundation.
To do this, first measure the length along the entire perimeter. Then we multiply the length by the width and by 100cm, where 100 is the depth of the trench (75cm) plus the height of the above-ground part (20cm) plus 5 centimeters of error. In this simple way we will find out how much concrete we will need to build a foundation for a bathhouse.
We proceed in the same way when calculating the amount of sand and gravel. Only the last digit will be 10 cm, respectively.
If the calculation is difficult for you, you can resort to using an online calculator
When pouring the foundation, you must remember
- In medium-density soils consisting mainly of clay, loam and fine gravel under stone and wooden buildings You can make either a monolithic strip or block foundation, or a columnar one.
- When pouring the upper part of the foundation, do not forget to leave technological holes. They will be needed for ventilation, laying various communications, etc. For this purpose it is convenient to use segments plastic pipes large diameter.
- If you want to arrange a basement, do not forget to take care of the opening in advance, which should be 3-5 centimeters wider than the door frame.
- To avoid having to drive anchors into the concrete for fastening later, place iron rods protruding outward from the ends into the formwork in advance.
- The concrete hardens for two weeks. During this period, it should be protected from natural precipitation and watered in hot, dry weather.
- A week after pouring the concrete, it is necessary to weigh it down with rows of bricks or other material to improve shrinkage and eliminate remaining voids.
Cost of work and materials
Let's start with the cost of land work. It depends on who will produce them.
Migrant workers in the Moscow region are content with 700 rubles per 1 cubic meter.
The pouring itself and the materials from the work manufacturer will depend on the size of the foundation perimeter. For example, the work of constructing a foundation for a bathhouse measuring 4x6 m will cost the customer 55,000 rubles plus the cost of materials 80,000 rubles.
The same for a bathhouse measuring 9x9 meters will cost 110,000 rubles and 150,000 rubles, respectively. However, it must be taken into account that the proposals for this moment more than demand, and before agreeing to the proposed amounts, it is worth calling several companies and comparing prices.
If a foundation strip is not suitable for your site, you can build.
We recommend watching a video about how you can quickly and inexpensively make a simple foundation for a bathhouse:
So, you have become the owner of a plot of land and want to build a truly Russian structure on it - a bathhouse. The construction of a bathhouse, like almost any other structure, begins with a foundation.
To understand what kind of foundation for a bathhouse you need, you first need to draw up a project and determine the bearing capacity of the soil and the depth of its freezing. The freezing depth is determined using a special map.
The depth of freezing determines the depth of the foundation. But in order to determine what the area of its base should be, you will have to carry out survey work. Drill a hole about two meters deep and see what kind of soil is under your fertile layer. Each type of soil can withstand a certain load.
Video - how to properly pour the foundation for a bathhouse
Choosing the type of foundation for a bathhouse
There are several basic rules for choosing the type of foundation. Wet soil requires the construction of a concrete monolithic foundation strip. Clay or gravel on the site will allow you to build a foundation in the form of pillars. If the bathhouse is being built on an area with a difference in heights, it is advisable to use a foundation on screw piles. If the structure is heavy, you can build monolithic foundation in the form of a slab.
Preparing the area for the bathhouse foundation
We clear the site of construction debris. According to the project, we mark the area. We stretch a fishing line or cord from the supporting benchmarks. We carefully check the diagonals so that we get a perfectly even rectangle. If you plan to build a foundation on supports, and not on a solid strip or slab, then mark out the places for the supports. They should be located at the corners of the house, at the junction of internal load-bearing walls and no further than 2.5 meters from each other.
This type of foundation was previously used for the construction of structures standing in water and, therefore, it can be used to build a bathhouse even in a wetland, or in an area with high level groundwater.
Screw piles of small diameter, which can withstand the weight of the bathhouse, can be screwed into the ground manually, using a crank lever. The procedure is performed by three people, one of whom, using a building level, controls the strictly vertical position of the pile.
Once placed in the ground, the piles are cut using a laser level. Concrete solution is poured into the void of the pipes, and the head is welded to the upper part. Horizontal load-bearing power elements are mounted on it.
To build a foundation in the form of a slab, a compacted sand and gravel bed is placed along its boundaries. wooden formwork, corresponding to the height of the future slab. A layer of waterproofing, such as thick polyethylene film, is placed on the pillow. A spatial power frame is formed inside the formwork. For this purpose, metal reinforcing bars are tied together at the intersections with tying wire or fixed by welding. The load-bearing frame should not extend beyond the future concrete casting.
Foundation for a bathhouse on stilts
If you need a large level of deepening of the foundation support, then it is reasonable to build a pile foundation.
The pile can be made on the ground and then placed in the ground. For this purpose, you can use piles made at industrial enterprises.
A simpler solution would be to create bored piles. To do this, a hole is drilled in the ground. A sand and gravel cushion and a layer of waterproofing are laid at the bottom of the well. Then a pipe of the required diameter is inserted into the well. The material used to make the pipe does not play a fundamental role. You can use metal, plastic or asbestos-cement pipes. A sheet of roofing material rolled into a cylinder can also be used as formwork for such pipes. A force is forming on the ground metal carcass, which descends into the pipe. The resulting structure is poured concrete mortar with a high strength index. When pouring each layer of concrete approximately 30 centimeters thick, it is cut - that is, pierced in several places with a sharp object to prevent the formation of air bubbles.
It is very easy to make such a foundation with your own hands. The only mechanization you may need is the use of a drilling rig. But you can get by with a simple hand or motorized drill.
Columnar foundation for a bathhouse
This type of foundation is perhaps the most common. To create it, holes are dug at the selected locations for the supports. Sand is placed at the bottom of the pit, which is spilled with water and thoroughly compacted. Then, from the bottom of the pit to the required level, a pillar of brick secured with mortar is erected. A reinforcing mesh of metal rods can be placed inside the brickwork to give additional strength.
A layer of waterproofing must be laid on the top of the brick pillar. If your site has heaving soil (that is, soil that is subject to strong expansion when freezing), fill the brick pillar in the hole with tightly compacted sand or a mixture of sand and gravel.
Strip foundation for a bathhouse
One of the most durable and reliable foundations for a bathhouse is the classic strip foundation. For a structure with not too much weight, it can be made shallow. However, in order to compensate for temperature changes in the soil, it is better to provide it with support pillars that will go into the ground below its freezing level.
After marking the perimeter of the strip foundation, we begin digging a trench. For a bathhouse, a strip foundation about 30 centimeters wide is sufficient. We dig a trench along a line marked with a stretched string.
At the bottom of the trench we place a cushion of 20 centimeters of tightly compacted sand. You can add another layer of crushed stone on top of it.
The formwork of such a foundation in case of weak soil must be formed directly from the bottom of the trench. It is made from durable boards or wood panels. Inside the formwork there are at least two horizontal layers of a load-bearing frame, which is tied with vertical and horizontal ties, also made of a metal rod. At the corners of the foundation, it is better to bend the rods and overlap them.
Pouring concrete into a strip foundation requires its cutting or processing with a vibrating drill.
Columnar foundation for a bathhouse - photo
