How To Build A House, Garage or Addition Foundation

Part 2         Part 3

The foundation is the part of a building that supports the load of the house.  In construction the term "foundation" generally applies to all of the building segments that are constructed beneath the framing of the first floor including all of the walls, piers, columns, pilasters and other supports.

 

 

The Two Most Common Types Of Foundations
Spread Foundations	Pile Foundations
The most popular of all the foundation alternatives, spread foundations take the weight of the structure and distribute the load to a stable soil base by means of individual foundations.	Pile foundations transmit the weight of the building through soil that cannot support the load to a solid base or strata.

This article will not deal with the construction of a pile foundation.  Pile foundations in residential properties only occur in wetland areas and where construction is occurring on reclaimed land or very close to lakes or oceans.  Pile construction is definitely not something that the home handyman should even consider.  It requires specialized engineering and heavy equipment.

Spread Foundations
The Three Most Common Types Of Spread Foundations
Slab On Grade	Crawl Space	Full Basement

 

Slab On Grade Foundations
The Three Most Common Types Of Slab On Grade Foundations
One Integral Unit	Supported By Foundation Wall	Independent

 

The following procedure details the construction methodology for a slab on grade foundation: Site Clearance:  As a general rule, there is little if any excavation required to pour a slab on grade foundation.  Brush and trees are removed by a small bulldozer and to spread any fill that may be necessary for leveling. Lay Out Foundation:  Install batter boards and strings to define the outline of the foundation.  The batter boards that are tied to the stakes should be no less than 8" above final grade.

3. Install The Form Boards:  The forms that are used to pour the concrete are generally 2 X material and are aligned with the strings.  Some contractors will use metal forms, especially if they are constructing a number of duplicate foundations.

The forms must be held in place securely as there is a tremendous amount of weight in wet concrete.  This is an area where many home handymen skimp, with the result that the forms bend or , even worse, break open before the concrete has cured.

The proper method to secure the concrete form is to place a 2 X 4 stake adjacent to the form board.  Another 2 X 4 stake is driven at an angle approximately 3' from the form board.  A board called a kicker is then used to tie the two 2 X 4 stakes together.  The braces should be placed a minimum of every 4' around the perimeter of the form.

Before pouring the concrete, test the form.  If you can bend it or move the form, at all, by pushing or pulling on it, you must add additional bracing.

Continued..........