The barn is an indispensable and important attribute of a personal plot. Thanks to an extensive selection of materials and tools, it is possible to independently create a building without the help of specialists. And all work begins from the ground.
What you need to pay attention to before starting construction
The foundations for sheds should be selected taking into account the properties and type of soil available. Thanks to a competent analysis of the soil, it is possible to select the optimal base option.
Soil types:
- sandy loam;
- loam;
- gravel;
- clay;
- rock.
Despite the ease and simplicity of construction, rock-type soil in the form of a dense array without voids and cracks is considered the most suitable for its construction. It is distinguished by the absence of quicksand, freezing in the cold season, subsidence, the ability to give the foundation and the entire structure sufficient stability.
New technologies
Due to the development of the laying of such foundations, it becomes possible to carry out high-quality construction on gravel, clay soils, as well as on sandy loam and loam. So the subsidence of the soil, its significant compression, as well as the presence of quicksand and frosty heaving becomes less important.
Soil heaving can occur both on the sides of the structure and under it. Barn foundations can be protected from this in the following ways:
- removal of heaving soil at the construction site and its replacement with crushed stone and coarse sand;
- creating a monolithic foundation;
- waterproofing and insulation of the base from all sides;
- deepening the foundation below freezing level.
Pouring solution
Quality barn foundations ensure the reliability and strength of buildings. Particular attention should be paid to the components of the solution. Standard Portland cement has sufficient characteristics, but it must have a fresh production date. It is advisable to purchase crushed stone of a fine fraction, due to this, the consumption of materials is reduced, the solution becomes denser when laying and more monolithic when solidified. The absence of impurities and debris in all components, including water, is important. To obtain a solution, cement, crushed stone and sand are mixed in the prescribed ratio, then water is poured in portions to form a uniform thick mass.
On what to buildbuilding
The type of base is selected depending on financial capabilities, resistance to negative impacts (freezing, groundwater) and the soil available on the site.
Strip foundations for sheds are more versatile and durable. Their device begins with digging a trench. Before this, a site is marked out, and stakes with twine stretched between them are installed along the perimeter of the future building.
The base will gain additional strength and solidity if it is poured within one day and carefully compacted. It is worth remembering that it takes several days for concrete to harden, and during the heat, to prevent cracking, it is periodically doused with water.
Pillar foundation for a barn
This is a more budgetary and easier option for arrangement, which does not require the involvement of special equipment and the appeal to specialists. Since the base rests on several pillars dug into the ground, there is no need to dig a full trench. Care should be taken when choosing this option for moving ground, but it is best suited for uneven areas.
Column foundation technology
It is desirable to sprinkle clay soil with gravel. The depth of digging the pillars for the support is calculated taking into account the level of freezing, another 15 cm must be added to this value. Brick or concrete supports are installed at the junctions of the walls and at the corners of the base. The bottom of each recess falls asleepsand and gravel, followed by tamping. A steel rod is placed in the center to increase strength.
To prevent the structure from sinking, a reinforced concrete base is laid on the bottom. The laying of the pillars will take up the remaining space in the recesses. It is possible to use pipes filled with concrete, blocks, bricks. When using the latter, coating with a waterproofing composition is necessary. The columnar foundation for the barn requires protection from moisture also at the junction of the walls and the base, especially if it is planned to build from wood.
Support poles for a light wooden structure can be made from a similar material. For waterproofing, impregnation with special mastics or firing is used. Due to this, the barn is environmentally friendly and budget.
Block shed foundation
The foam block is a lightweight and durable material with an acceptable cost. Installing it is quite easy even for those who have never done such work. They can be used both for the base and for walls, allowing to reduce the overall load on the soil. Construction begins with digging a trench or foundation pit, if a basement is required.
The depth calculation indicated above is used, the width in this case is the thickness of the block and an additional 20 cm. A pillow of sand and gravel is poured into the bottom of the pit (trench), then a formwork with a reinforcing cage is installed. Concrete is poured from above, its layer should be about 20 cm. Installation of foam blocks is possible only after completecuring.
The foundation for a barn made of foam blocks is easy to install, affordable cost, resistance to the influence of acidic soil and freezing, a long period of operation and low time costs for its arrangement.
The installation of foam blocks begins from the corner points. Filling of external seams is carried out with the addition of means to protect against moisture. The base from the outside is wrapped with the selected waterproofing material, then the trench is buried.
Asbestos pipes at the base of buildings
The foundations for sheds are being formed from asbestos-cement type pipes with their installation in drilled wells and pouring with a mixture of concrete. A reinforcing cage is used to increase reliability and strength. But, like any other design, it has its advantages and disadvantages.
Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the fragility of use. The maximum period of operation is about 70 years, taking into account the fact that a reinforced concrete foundation can stand for several hundred years, foundations made of stone and brick also have a long service life.
Pillar pipe structure cannot be used on soft soils, wetlands and terrain with large elevation changes.
Despite this, this type of foundation has many advantages:
- It takes about a week to gain strength, after which further work can begin.
- No need to buy lumber to createformwork.
- Low cost. Asbestos-cement type pipes are much cheaper than concrete blocks or reinforced concrete piles.
- No need to dig a trench, level the bottom and fill in the sand and gravel mixture, as some types of foundations require.
- No lifting equipment or specialist assistance required for installation.
