The construction of the foundation is one of the most important building stages. The carrier platform largely determines the durability of both large-scale capital facilities and small outbuildings. The barn cannot be attributed to demanding objects in terms of the characteristics of the foundation, however, there are many important nuances in the technique of its construction. Moreover, this operation in most cases is carried out with a modest set of materials and technical means, which in itself forces the performers to look for ways to optimize work activities. To arrange a quality foundation for a barn, it will not be superfluous to use proven technologies for solving such problems at minimal cost.
Preparation for work activities
Before starting the construction of the foundation, it is necessary to carefully calculate the work plan. It is important to determine the place of construction of the object, the area and orientation of technological points. An approximate layout of the barn will allow you to perform the correct positioning of the carrier platform, regardless of what technology it will be performed on. So that the foundation for the barn lasts longer and is not damaged at the very first stages of operation due tosurface defects, it is important to clear the soil. The layer of vegetation must be eliminated and, if possible, the rough coating should be made not only even, but also rigid. This may also require the removal of a loose layer of soil or the use of a tamping tool. How to achieve the desired characteristics of the base surface will depend on the quality of the soil itself.
Preparing the solution
Almost all barn foundation methods require the use of concrete. To prepare the mortar, you will need a basic set of water, sand and cement, but with the addition of gravel. The fraction of its elements can be any, but it is desirable to correlate it with the volume of the planned mass - the larger the pouring area, the larger the fraction. For example, gravel for a columnar foundation will have a minimum size, and for a strip foundation, it is desirable to select a large fraction. It is also important to observe the proportions for the solution from which the foundation for the barn will be made. With your own hands, in a small container, mix sand with gravel in a ratio of 3: 5, then add 1 part of Portland cement. Water is added with the expectation of obtaining a thick but tenacious mass.
Device of a monolithic foundation
This is a simple technique, but quite a voluminous way to make the foundation. Its use is justified when it comes to the construction of a brick outbuilding. The essence of the technology lies in the construction of a solid sand cushion withincluding the same gravel. Approximately 10-15 cm, a foundation should be laid, on which a cement screed will be organized in the future. But before that, a continuous formwork is formed around the perimeter of the working area, on which it is planned to install the foundation for the barn. Do-it-yourself restrictive barriers are made, within which the cement mortar will be poured. They can be made from plastic or wooden slats with panels - the main thing is that they can hold the poured mass. After that, you can proceed to the installation of reinforcing bars and the direct device of the screed. Please note that the full strength of such a foundation may take about 2-3 weeks, depending on the working area.
How to make a foundation for a column barn?
The columnar foundation requires fewer materials in terms of volume, but its implementation involves more careful calculations. Usually, a carrier base is formed, fixed on racks fixed in the ground. If we are talking about a small shed, then four pillars with a diameter of about 15 cm are quite enough. For each of them, a hole is initially dug into which a pillow of gravel and sand is poured. Next, the column rod is installed and poured with cement. If necessary, you can use special equipment for driving piles. After that, the columnar foundation for the barn is covered with logs. The basis for the flooring will be formed by fastening structures, including grillage piping, channel and profile elements.
Techniquestrip foundation devices
This type of foundation is one of the most common in the construction of residential private houses, but for outbuildings it is considered too troublesome and unreasonably expensive. To implement this technique, it is necessary to make excavation lines around the perimeter of the working site. You will get trenches that are covered with sand and gravel. For greater reliability, a reinforcing base is also carried out in earthen niches. If a strip foundation is planned for a large barn, then trenches should be made in the central part. Further, the prepared niches with reinforcement are poured with the same solution. After the concrete has hardened, you can begin work on the flooring device, which can simultaneously act as a floor covering for the future barn.
How to make a foundation for a barn from foam blocks?
There are two common ways to build a platform for a barn from a foam block. In the first case, it is supposed to create contour bearing lines according to the type of strip foundation. That is, a trench is made around the perimeter, which is filled with a combination of sand and gravel, after which blocks are laid on the cement mortar. Next, a connecting structure is formed for metal flooring or durable logs. The second method is used when working with objects that are demanding in terms of resistance to high loads. In this scheme, the contractor lays the foundation in blocks all over the site. The foam block itself is distinguished by low thermal conductivity, insulating qualities, ease of processing and low price. Sofrom the point of view of obtaining high performance qualities of the barn as a storage of materials demanding content, this foundation option may be the best.
How to choose the best foundation option?
Before analyzing possible options for a suitable foundation, you should decide on the tasks that the barn will perform and the conditions for its operation. For a small building in a warm region, a pile foundation with several supporting rods will suffice. It is desirable to build objects of a large area on a monolithic basis - for example, from a solid concrete screed or in the form of a block platform. These techniques will allow you to build a durable and well-protected foundation for the barn at the bottom. Do-it-yourself monolith is implemented with a standard set of tools, but requires more physical effort. For example, laying a block may require the help of at least one partner.
Can a barn be built without a foundation?
Of course, it will not be possible to do without a supporting base, but the optimization of this structural part of the barn in some cases justifies itself. So, if there are no strict requirements for thermal insulation, then it is quite possible to confine ourselves to installing the frame on four concrete blocks dispersed in the corners of the future building. You can make a barn without a foundation and on cleared soil. Such projects are usually implemented using prefabricated structures, which provide a rigid wood or metal platform that replaces the foundation. But importantdo not forget that the classic foundation also guarantees the horizontalness of the surface. Therefore, it is important to initially adjust the rough coating so that it does not have serious deviations in heights over the entire area.
Conclusion
It would be wrong to consider the foundation as a separate part from the main frame of the barn. Even the high-quality implementation of the base without taking into account the nuances of the further construction device can cause many problems during operation. The main thing to pay attention to when pairing the foundation for the barn and its structural basis is the technique of forming a hermetic bundle. The transition is usually made from concrete or wooden logs to a metal profile. Next, the main sheathing is made along the frame of the barn, which can have several layers. Docking zones can be additionally treated with sealants, mineral wool and polyurethane foam.
