Monolithic strip foundations are a popular choice in private housing construction. It is very important to fill them correctly, because the strength of the entire building depends on it. Our tips site has collected the main, most common mistakes that owners make when pouring a monolithic strip foundation.
The first mistake ā a universal project and the rejection of geological and hydrological surveys
It often happens that future homeowners have found a standard, universal project on the Internet, decided that this is the cottage of their dreams, and started to implement it. But typical projects are not tied to a specific area! It is understood that the relief is flat, the ground is normal. In fact, each site has its own characteristics. What is your groundwater level? What is the strength of the soil? Is it possible to build a monolithic-strip foundation, how much should it be deepened in order to be below the freezing point? Only geotechnical surveys, on which they often save money, will help to answer all these questions. And as a result, they get problems with the foundation of the house ā the foundation.
The second mistake is to hurry up with filling and leave the foundation for the winter
Very often, the owners rush to fill the monolithic strip foundation, planning to complete the construction in a season. And all work begins in March, when the ground has not yet warmed up, it is frozen, the melt water has not yet disappeared. This can have a very negative effect on the quality of the foundation. The frozen soil will soon thaw, will start to move under the load of the foundation, this will cause cracks and deformations.
In addition, some believe that the foundation should be allowed to settle until the next season and leave it unloaded for the winter. According to experts, the correct factory-quality concrete is gaining maximum strength after 28 days. So, the foundation gulf was in April, when the ground thawed, in May it is already possible to start building walls. And have time to finish the main construction work before late autumn.
Important! Leaving the strip foundation unloaded for the winter, you will encounter frost heaving. Freezing soil will simply squeeze out a fairly light structure, cause cracks and level violations.
The third mistake is not to remove the fertile soil layer
Some do not remove the fertile soil layer before digging a foundation pit, trenches, saving time and money. Such a layer is usually about 15 centimeters, there is a lot of organic matter in it. It will gradually rot under the foundation, which will cause the walls, floor, and partitions to sink. The pit must be prepared correctly, removing the entire fertile soil layer.
The fourth mistake is to refuse the formwork
Rarely, but it happens that the foundation is poured directly into the trenches, without the construction of removable formwork. As a result, the future homeowner receives substandard concrete. The soil from the edges of the trench will crumble into the solution, completely unnecessary blotches will appear in it. In addition, in the absence of formwork, the geometry of the foundation is violated, it will be uneven. And more solution is consumed, so there is no talk of any savings.
Poor-quality formwork, built from waste, different-sized boards and old doors, can also cause problems with the strip foundation. The formwork must be solid, motionless and even. Only in this case, the result of pouring the solution will be of high quality..
Mistake five ā overdoing it with fittings
Many owners of the future home believe that the more iron in the solution, the better for the foundation. And when pouring into it, they throw a variety of scrap metal, up to old spare parts from a car. It is not right. Yes, fittings are needed, but a rigorous calculation must be made. Reinforcing rods should go only from below, in the middle and from above, and not along the entire height of the foundation, chaotically. The reinforcement should be positioned horizontally along the entire tape of the mortar.
Important! The reinforcement should be placed at least 3 centimeters from the side walls and 8 centimeters from the bottom and top edges. It should not come into contact with the ground, otherwise corrosion of metal parts will begin in the foundation, which will negatively affect its strength.
Mistake six ā pour the solution gradually, in layers
How does work usually take place on the construction site of a private house? The owner himself with an assistant makes the solution with a concrete mixer, or even manually, with a shovel, transferring it to the trench with a trolley or buckets. The pouring process is delayed and the first layer of concrete has time to harden. As a result, the foundation can turn out to be flaky, with breaks, where moisture will get. You cannot delay the fill for a week, doing everything leisurely. This is just the case when you need to work quickly, hiring or finding additional assistants and renting a concrete mixer.
The seventh mistake ā to refuse to use a vibrator and bayonet
Remember that concrete is not water. By itself, it will not fill the entire space. It is necessary to carry out at least bayonetting with a shovel, crowbar, and other devices. And then tamping can be done manually or mechanically. Only in this case, the space between the formwork will be completely filled with mortar, the foundation will turn out to be strong, without air cavities. The most reliable of all is deep vibration, completely expelling air from the solution.
Do not make such mistakes and re-read the portal article dedicated to the features of the construction of strip foundations.
The main mistakes in the construction of a monolithic strip foundation
The āmonolithic strip foundationā is an effective modern housing technology that utilizes strips of concrete for foundations. It is relatively low cost, non-wasteful in terms of materials used, and provides a stable foundation for a variety of building styles. However, there are common errors made in its construction and these must be rectified in order to ensure a strong, secure house. This post examines the most common mistakes encountered whilst constructing this type of foundation, and suggests improved techniques for constructing them correctly. The post highlights the importance of quality assurance in foundation construction, and offers advice on how to successfully construct a monolithic strip foundation, ensuring a strong and durable home.
House and cottage, suburban construction 
Can anyone provide insight into the main mistakes to avoid when constructing a monolithic strip foundation? Iām looking to avoid potential issues and ensure my foundation is strong and long-lasting.
When constructing a monolithic strip foundation, there are several mistakes to avoid to ensure its strength and durability. Firstly, inadequate site preparation can lead to unstable ground, compromising the foundationās stability. Itās crucial to conduct proper soil testing and take necessary measures like compacting or providing additional support.
Another common mistake is insufficient reinforcement. The reinforcement bars should be accurately placed and adequately sized to distribute loads evenly. Neglecting this can weaken the foundationās ability to withstand stress and result in cracking or settlement.
Inadequate waterproofing is also a major pitfall. Without proper waterproofing, moisture can seep into the foundation, causing damage over time. Employing effective waterproofing techniques, such as membranes or coatings, can prevent problems like dampness, mold growth, or deterioration.
Ignoring proper curing practices is another mistake to avoid. Curing is crucial to allow the foundation to gain strength gradually. Failing to cure adequately can weaken its overall integrity, leading to potential structural issues.
Lastly, overlooking the importance of design and structural calculations can be detrimental. Professional expertise is essential to ensure the dimensions, materials, and load-bearing capacity align with the building requirements. Cutting corners on proper design and calculations can compromise the foundationās strength and longevity.
By avoiding these mistakes and investing in professional guidance, you can construct a monolithic strip foundation that is strong, resilient, and capable of providing a solid base for your building.
When constructing a monolithic strip foundation, some common mistakes to avoid include inadequate site preparation, improper concrete mixtures, insufficient reinforcement, poor compaction of the soil beneath the foundation, and ignoring proper curing methods.
To ensure a strong and long-lasting foundation, it is important to properly compact the soil to prevent settling, use the correct concrete mix with the appropriate strength for the load requirements, ensure proper reinforcement is used to prevent cracks and ensure structural integrity, and follow recommended curing procedures to allow the concrete to properly set.
Additionally, it is crucial to pay attention to water drainage around the foundation to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage over time. By avoiding these mistakes and following best practices in construction, you can ensure that your monolithic strip foundation is durable and reliable for years to come.