Foundation made of sand-lime brick by hand. Correct laying of bricks on the foundation. Columnar foundation made of bricks

The practice of laying a foundation with bricks is less common than a concrete foundation. But subject to certain conditions, the design has the right to use. Correct calculation of the load, high-quality material and strict adherence to the technological process will allow you to build a reliable brick foundation. The features of its arrangement will be discussed further.

Characteristics of a brick foundation

The use of brick support structures in construction has limitations. It is allowed to install it on dry, hard soil that is not prone to heaving, provided that the water level is low. The construction of a massive building is not permissible; a brick foundation is intended for lightweight structures. Mainly it is used for wooden house. This is due to the properties of the material, which is characterized by:

• high level of rigidity;
• high hygroscopicity;
• poor resistance to low temperatures;
• strength indicators are at an average level.

Brick strip foundation can last from three to five decades if all requirements are met during installation.

Advantages of a brick support structure:

• The absence of heavy and large elements allows construction to be carried out without the involvement of special equipment or a team of workers.
• Ground movements will not provoke significant destruction; the base is more flexible than a monolithic concrete belt.
• Partial damage can be easily restored by replacing the masonry in certain areas.
• The arrangement of a brick structure does not require the installation of formwork, which facilitates the process of constructing the foundation.

However, the joyful picture is marred in places by the shortcomings of the material:

• Brick is hygroscopic and easily absorbs moisture, which negatively affects the strength of the foundation. In winter it freezes, and the number of freezing and thawing cycles is limited. It is intended to extend the service life of the brick base high-quality waterproofing and insulation.
• The cost of the material is higher than using concrete, and the service life is shorter.
• Not suitable for all land plots.

Important! If the ground is unstable, strengthen the reliability brickwork reinforcement of the foundation will help.

Materials for arranging the supporting structure

A competent approach when choosing materials for arranging the foundation is the first step towards a reliable and durable foundation.

Brick

The key function is assigned to brick, on the strength of which the integrity of the supporting structure and the entire building as a whole depends. The design of the underground part of the foundation is carried out exclusively with red ceramic bricks, high-quality fired and always solid. It is characterized by high compression resistance and less susceptibility to moisture. For arranging a strip foundation, the use of hollow and sand-lime bricks is strictly prohibited! Part of the foundation above the ground, the base and ceilings can be made of white silicate brick. But with the condition of a dry soil layer and low water level.

The main parameters that you should pay attention to when arranging a brick foundation:

Frost resistance - F35-F100.

Water absorption is at the level of 6-16%.

Calculation of material requirements consists of determining the volume of the brick supporting structure multiplied by the number of bricks in 1 m 3. This indicator depends on the size of the product. The size of the masonry joints is also taken into account.

Insulation and waterproofing

Insulation and waterproofing of a brick base is carried out in various ways; the following types of materials are suitable for these purposes:

• Tile based on polystyrene foam.
• Rolled in the form of geotextiles.
• Coating stations, where cement plays a key role.
• Sprayed with bitumen treatment.

Reinforcing products

Reinforcement can strengthen a brick foundation; installation is carried out directly during the laying process. Transverse reinforcement is performed using wire mesh with a diameter of 4-6 mm, corrugated rods with a cross-section of 6-8 mm are used for longitudinal strengthening of the supporting structure.

Cement mortar

The laying of a brick strip foundation, located later underground, is carried out with high-strength concrete mortar. Upper part It is permissible to decorate with a cement-lime mixture. If the UGV is high enough, the concrete composition for the brick foundation is prepared with the addition of waterproofing substances. The proportions of the mixture depend on the characteristics of the soil.

Technology for constructing a strip foundation

The construction of a brick foundation is preceded by a load calculation to correctly determine the design parameters. The summed up mass indicators of walls, roofs, floors and taking into account the properties of the soil will give the required value.

Comment! The width of the brick supporting structure should exceed the wall parameters by half a brick. This will ensure convenient installation of the joists along the internal ledge when arranging the floors.

The main stages of work are as follows:

• The trench is prepared so that waterproofing material can be installed along the brickwork. If the foundation is being constructed on clay soil or prone to heaving, then backfilling is carried out. For this purpose, the width of the ditch is increased by at least 1 m.
• The height of the sand cushion is 10-15 cm. A layer of sand is evenly distributed along the bottom of the trench, then the surface is moistened and thoroughly compacted. The horizon is checked by level.
• The arrangement of the brick base continues with the installation of waterproofing. The most common option is to fold several layers of roofing material into the letter “P” upside down. Polymer materials will provide high-quality protection from moisture to the foundation.
• A brick foundation requires a concrete base 10 cm high, which is poured into a small formwork. This measure helps to increase the load-bearing capacity of the brick structure. Reinforcement with steel wire or metal rods will help increase efficiency. This measure is not necessary for a light wooden house due to the increase in construction costs.
• When the cement has hardened, they proceed to laying a brick foundation. The work begins with removing the corners, the laying is carried out using any standard dressing. Reinforcement with corrugated rods between the first and last two rows will help increase strength.

If plastering of the brick foundation is not provided, the seam is made flush. The external seams of the plinth are filled with concrete with a recess of 10-15 mm, this promotes high-quality adhesion of the solution during plastering. After finishing laying the brick foundation, a break of 2-3 weeks is required for the mortar to dry completely.

Waterproofing and insulation of the brick base is a mandatory stage of the technological process. Cement, bitumen or geotextiles as moisture protection are chosen at the discretion of the developer. Insulation is carried out with EPS boards. Treating its surface with expanded clay concrete will help protect the material from damage by rodents.

It was previously said that when arranging a supporting structure on soils with high UGV, backfilling is carried out first. A similar measure is necessary not only at the bottom of the trench, but also along the entire perimeter of the brick base. The gap between the trench walls and the masonry is filled with crushed stone, gravel, sand or ordinary construction waste. This layer ensures accelerated drainage of water from the brick foundation during the season of melting snow or prolonged precipitation.

Advice! Effective protection brick foundation from surface moisture is facilitated by the arrangement of a blind area. For this purpose, the surface around the perimeter of the building is concreted with a slope towards the outside.

Features of a columnar foundation

In addition to the strip base, a brick version of the supporting structure is used in the form of a columnar foundation. It is usually used when arranging a wooden house of light construction. If construction is carried out on rocky rock, the deepening of a columnar brick foundation is not required.

The erection of pillars is carried out using standard dressing methods. To enhance the strength of the support, the structure is made hollow. Subsequently, the voids are filled with concrete mortar and vertical reinforcement is installed.

Important! When arranging brick supports, regular monitoring of compliance with horizontal and vertical levels is carried out.

The pillars are placed at the corners of the building and along the perimeter of the external walls with an interval of about 2 meters. The installation step is determined depending on the weight of the building and the properties of the soil. It is necessary to have supports at the intersection or junction of walls. Internal lintels also require a brick columnar foundation.

The design of the sand cushion, waterproofing, and backfilling is carried out similarly to the process of constructing a strip base.

Conclusion

The main points of the information presented:

• The design of a brick foundation is acceptable on stable soils with low groundwater level. Ideal for light buildings: garages, bathhouses, one-story houses.
• The construction process is easier than a monolithic foundation, but the financial costs are higher.
• The service life of a brick foundation is lower than that of a concrete structure.
• The main role is played by brick, so it is advisable to choose the maximum class of strength and frost resistance required for this type of foundation.
• The hygroscopicity of the material requires mandatory waterproofing. Insulating the basement helps reduce future heating costs.
• Reinforcement of brickwork increases the strength of the base.

Compliance with the technological process at all stages of foundation construction will ensure its strength and long period of operation. You can eliminate the defects later, as the following video will tell you:

For private developers who do not have much experience in construction, a brick strip base may not seem reliable enough. However, when making the right choice material, performing accurate calculations and following construction technology, you can build a reliable, strong and durable strip-type brick foundation.

Advantages and disadvantages of a brick foundation

Before choosing a brick foundation, you should familiarize yourself in more detail with the disadvantages and advantages of a structure of this type.

From large quantity The advantages can be highlighted as follows:

• Simple construction. A brick foundation can be built without the use of special construction equipment, and the work can be performed by one person or a team of several workers.
• Plasticity of design. A foundation consisting of many small elements is more mobile than a monolithic foundation. Consequently, soil movements will have a minor impact on the brick foundation.
• Possibility of repairing individual fragments without dismantling the entire foundation.
• Versatility. You can build a structure of any configuration from brick.

You also need to know about the disadvantages of a brick foundation:

• The construction of such a foundation requires a lot of effort and time, and the construction speed is very low.
• Compared to other types of foundation, a brick foundation is characterized by a high cost.
• Due to the high hygroscopicity of the material, brick foundations require mandatory waterproofing.
• Possibility of construction only on dry and stable soils.
• The service life of a brick foundation is about half a century, which is relatively short compared to a concrete structure.

Material selection rules

Having made a choice in favor of a brick foundation, you should understand that the brick will be the main building material. Consequently, the strength and reliability of the entire structure will depend on its quality.

First you need to figure out what types of this artificial stone exist and how they are characterized.

Brick can be silicate and clay; in the first case, the material has white, in the second – red. Red brick is used to build the foundation, so you should study this material in more detail.

Red brick is made from baked clay and is therefore highly durable. There are several types of this material:

• Refractory or fireclay bricks are more suitable for the construction of stoves, fireplaces and chimney ducts.
• Facial or decorative brick It is distinguished by its lightness and high thermal insulation properties, which explains its use as a facing material.
• Ordinary red brick, in turn, is divided into solid and hollow elements. Solid bricks are used to build the base and foundation; walls and partitions are built from hollow stones.

When building a foundation, both types of bricks can be used. The underground part of the foundation is built from red stones, as they are more resistant to compression and soil moisture. White brick can be used for the construction of the above-ground part of the foundation, basement and upper floors, but provided that the construction is carried out on dry soil with deep groundwater.

When choosing a brick for a foundation, the main attention is paid to the grade of material, and two parameters are taken into account:

• M – possible load per 1 cm of 2 elements. It is best to build a foundation from bricks of a grade higher than M-150.
• F – frost resistance. This parameter shows how many freezing and thawing cycles the brick can withstand. Bricks with frost resistance higher than F-35 are suitable for foundation construction.
• Water absorption coefficient. For laying the underground part of the foundation, a material with an indicator of 6 to 16% is used.

The dimensions of the brick are also taken into account when choosing the material; the foundation can be built from standard stone having the following dimensions:

• Single ordinary elements have a size of 25*12*6.5 cm (length*width*height, respectively).
• The size of thickened bricks is 25*12*8.8 cm.
• The size of modular stones differs slightly in length and width and is 28.8 * 13.8 * 6.5 cm.
• Modular thickened bricks have a size of 28.8 * 13.8 * 8.8 cm.

The quality of the brick is the most important criterion that can be determined by visual inspection:

• If the production technology is violated, the bricks will have an uneven color, too bright or faded color.
• Used bricks have uneven edges and crumble easily. It is possible that such elements have been subjected to freezing and thawing, so they may not be able to withstand significant loads.
• Foundation bricks should not quickly absorb moisture, in which case there is a possibility of rapid destruction of the foundation.
• For good adhesion to mortar, high-quality bricks have grooved sides.

Technology for constructing strip foundations made of bricks

You can build a brick strip foundation with your own hands if you follow the following instructions:

1. First, they dig a trench, its depth depends on the level of soil freezing, and its width should allow waterproofing to be laid on both sides of the tape. In some cases, backfilling may be required, which results in an additional increase in trench width.
2. Sand is poured into a layer of 10-15 cm at the bottom of the trench, moistened and compacted. The resulting pillow is leveled using a building level.
3. At the next stage, waterproofing material is laid. These can be roofing felt sheets folded in several layers, but it is best to use modern polymer materials. Waterproofing should cover the bottom and walls of the trench. Read our detailed articles about, as well as about.
4. Then the formwork is installed and a concrete pad 10 cm high is poured. The cushion is designed to increase the bearing capacity of the foundation, so the possibility of reinforcing the concrete layer is not excluded. However, it should be remembered that the total cost of the foundation in this case increases significantly.
5. After the concrete has completely hardened, they begin laying bricks. First, the corners are brought out, and then the laying of rows is continued with the obligatory bandaging of the seams.
6. Having completed the masonry work, you should stop the foundation construction procedure for 2-3 weeks. During this time, the solution should completely set.
7. Continuation construction work becomes . This stage is especially important for areas with close groundwater. Filling is done along the entire perimeter of the foundation, filling the space between the walls of the trench and the brick foundation. Gravel, crushed stone, coarse sand or construction waste are used as filler.
8. To protect the foundation from precipitation, a beating is made. To do this, pour concrete mortar into the soil around the perimeter of the foundation, making a slight slope away from the house.
9. Before the actual construction of the walls, the upper horizontal surface of the brick foundation is covered with a layer of waterproofing and thermal insulation.

Columnar foundation made of bricks

A column-type brick foundation is erected using the following technology:

1. For each support in the form of a pillar of bricks, it is necessary to make a hole. The width can be standard, 100*100 cm, and the depth is determined depending on the groundwater level and the mass of the main structure.
2. The bottom of each recess is leveled, compacted and covered with a small layer of sand, which is also thoroughly compacted.
3. The sandy area at the bottom of the hole is filled with liquid concrete and the surface is leveled, checking the horizontality with a building level.
4. The cement screed is covered with roofing felt to prevent the penetration of soil moisture into the brickwork.
5. They begin to build a brick structure directly on the roofing felt, and the column can have a rectangular or square shape. The strength characteristics of a columnar foundation are increased by laying reinforcing mesh between the rows of bricks. The area of ​​the column is selected individually, but taking into account the following factors: the corner columns should be the strongest, their size can be 51 * 51 cm. The columns under load-bearing walls can be made smaller, 38 * 38 cm is enough, they are placed in increments of 1.5 - 2 meters. Each brick column should rise 15-20 cm above ground level.
6. Further work involves plastering the surface of each support and waterproofing it with molten bitumen. A sheet of roofing material is placed on the surface of each pillar, which will protect the walls of the house from the negative effects of soil moisture.

A brick foundation is great for building small buildings in a country house or personal plot. At the same time, all the work can be done independently; it is enough to follow the technology of the construction process and choose the right material for the work.

In order for your house to last for a guaranteed long time, you need to choose and make a good one. For a house made of bricks, a reinforced foundation is needed. At the base of a house made of foam blocks, you can make a simpler foundation. The construction market does not stand still and now there are many materials that allow even beginners in construction to make an excellent foundation for a brick house with their own hands.

Thanks to the development of modern technology, there are many types of bases. They differ in design features and characteristics.

There are criteria according to which the foundation option is selected: the size and weight of the house, features, topography on the site, the presence of groundwater, whether the soil freezes.

A special feature of a room made of brick or stone is its high mass. On average brick house one floor, can be much heavier than a two-story wooden house. The density of bricks intended for construction is 1.5 tons per 1 kb/m. The density of pine or spruce is 500-600 kg.

ATTENTION: according to construction standards, it is not recommended to lay a shallow strip or pipe foundation. These options have low load-bearing capacity and the pipes are susceptible to corrosion.

The area of ​​the building is also important. If you are going to build a house on two floors, then the foundation will have to be made stronger. When pouring the base, it is best to comply with all SNiP standards. Prepare a layout with all the calculations necessary for construction.

Soil characteristics

Soils are:

• Weak ones (clay, soils with swamps) - collect moisture, are not strong and therefore cannot support houses in a large mass, especially if you plan to build several floors; in winter the soils become heaving. The collected moisture freezes and becomes ice, increasing in volume. As it expands, bumps appear and the base becomes deformed. Houses on stilts are suitable for such soils.

IMPORTANT: If you decide to install piles, then make sure that they lie deeper than the ground freezes.

• Medium soils are loamy soils. Here it is important to know at what depth they lie groundwater.
• Durable - rocks or sandstone. They can withstand any foundation: from shallow foundations to strip foundations. These rocks do not collect moisture, so they are not affected by frost.

Features of groundwater occurrence

This is an important indicator when laying the foundation. The higher the groundwater is, the greater the likelihood that heaving will occur. You can’t build on such soils. The best option there will be a monolithic “floating” slab or piles. The disadvantage of such foundations is that it is impossible to build a large building.

When building a two-story house, you will need to greatly strengthen the foundation. You can also build drainage and make a strip base. Remember that the foundation should be located below the level from which freezing occurs. For example, this is an ideal option for the south of Russia, the freezing level there is no more than 0.5-0.7 m. In the north, the freezing depth is more than 1.5 m, so in terms of price it is very expensive.

IMPORTANT: when laying a foundation from strips, when the water is located high, you can organize good waterproofing. If this is not provided, then water will leak through the cracks and cracks into the basement, causing mold and mildew to multiply. Moisture in winter will expand and destroy the foundation.

Brick as a material

A brick house has two features: they have a large shrinkage and a large mass.

The problem of shrinkage is common to all houses built from small materials. It compresses well, but when stretched or bent, it easily breaks.

The worst thing is uneven shrinkage, which causes:

Due to the occurrence of these problems, strength and reliability are significantly reduced. You should also remember about deformations that will lead to distortions:

1. Large shrinkage of various parts. Most often this happens due to a violation of the technological process or poor study of geology. Shrinkage occurs in areas of weak soil or poor compaction.
2. Buckling is the reverse process, when not shrinkage occurs, but individual parts begin to rise. This is possible due to the appearance of groundwater and the shallow depth of the foundation.

In these cases, it is necessary to strengthen the supports and strengthen the soil. Of course, you will have to spend a good amount of money, so choose the right foundation option, as well as follow the technological process.

Brick is one of the problematic materials. More massive is only reinforced concrete structure. Taking these features into account, we can say that many foundations simply cannot cope with such a load.

Foundation options

If you want the foundation to last for many years, you need to choose the most profitable option. The type of foundation will directly depend on the weight of the future building. The most profitable are pile, slab and strip foundations.

Let's consider options for laying foundations.

1. A pit, especially if the plans include a zero level or a house with a basement.
2. Preparation of a trench if the house will have 1-2 floors and a basement is not provided.

With any option, several requirements must be met:

• - peculiarities ,
• - soil freezing,
• - how groundwater flows,
• - relief features.

IMPORTANT: To ensure that the preparation work is completed efficiently, it is best to contact a specialist.

If you can’t turn to specialists, follow several standards:

You also need to consider the type of house that will be built:

• — It is best to build simple houses on monolithic and solid foundations.
• — Houses are built on stilts when the soil is weak or if the plan is for a large building.
• — Do you want to build a house with a basement? ground floor, large in size - choose a strip foundation.

NOTE: there are several rules for the depth of laying the foundation of a brick house. The depth depends on the heaving of the soil, freezing characteristics, as well as the presence of groundwater.

Strip foundation for a house

This is the most popular option. It can withstand massive structures and is also easy to manufacture. Such a foundation is placed along the entire perimeter of the future house, as well as under load-bearing walls. With this option, you can plan a basement or basement.

The foundation can be monolithic or prefabricated. The first option is a reinforced structure, completely filled with concrete. A very solid foundation that you can make with your own hands. The biggest disadvantage is the long time required for complete hardening.

Prefabricated - it is made from blocks (stone or concrete). It can be built quickly, but you will need special equipment and assistants. This option will not be as durable as a monolithic one.

Based on the load exerted on the ground, they are divided into: shallow and buried. The first ones are laid to a depth of 0.5-0.7 m. Small simple buildings. Houses made of bricks, as we already know, are very heavy and it is difficult to support their weight, because of this it is best to make a recessed version. It is made below ground freezing by 0.3 m, especially if there is a basement and basement.

The price of the foundation of a brick house also depends on the distance to the site from the city, where you can buy everything necessary materials. So:

IMPORTANT: Place roofing felt along the bottom to make high-quality insulation.

• Make a belt out of . It is best to take rods 6-10 mm. Connect the rods together using a welding machine. The resulting frame is lowered into a trench and laid on brick or stone supports.
• Pour the concrete in several batches. Each layer should be approximately 15-20 cm. Using a vibrating hammer, if you don’t have one, then shake each layer with a shovel. Thanks to this procedure, there will be no voids left.

IMPORTANT: the concrete solution must be of medium fat content. In this case, it does not flow on its own; you need to try to distribute it.

• Leave everything until it dries. The average drying time is up to 30 days. Don't forget to soak the frame with water to prevent drying out.
• When the concrete has hardened, remove the formwork. Insulate from water. For these purposes you can use various materials.
• Fill the foundation, but do not disturb the waterproofing.

Pile foundation for a brick house

When the soil cannot support a large and heavy house, then it is worth considering the option of laying a foundation from piles. In this option, most of the load is transferred to the ground, located much lower. The piles are connected to each other with a solution of concrete or reinforced concrete, on top of which the walls will already be erected.

A pile foundation can be made on any soil, this will reduce your materials and work. The main disadvantage when constructing such a foundation is the need for special equipment that can drill a well or drive it.

There are different options for foundations of this type. The best option is a bored version with reinforced concrete piles. You can make such a base either with your own hands or using special equipment. The cost will also depend on the distance of the construction site from the city.

If you prefer this option, you will need:

• We clear the area and remove the top layer. Make the corners strictly straight.
• We mark the places where they will be. We make a small recess under each pile.
• We make wells in which the piles will be located.
• To make a frame, weld reinforcement rods together. The frame should be 0.2-0.3 m above the ground.

IMPORTANT: when the piles extend above the ground, the formwork can be constructed from metal pipes.

• We fill the bottom with sand and gravel. We place a frame made of reinforcement and concrete it. Don't forget to get everything sorted out. Concrete can be purchased or made independently directly at the construction site.
• We make a frame for the grillage and connect it to the piles. We install the formwork.

IMPORTANT: the formwork for the grillage can be made prefabricated. It is easy to install, and the grillage will be more durable.

• Pour the concrete solution. Don't forget to get everything sorted out.
• We leave everything to dry and waterproof it.

Everything is ready and you can build the walls of your future home.

Slab foundation

The simplest option. This is located throughout the entire area. This foundation perfectly distributes loads and is well suited for heaving, subsidence soils.

Consider the installation of a shallow tiled base. You will need reinforced concrete beams, reinforcement, and slabs that will need to be connected. Let's get started:

1. We clear the area. Remove the top layer of soil. We make markings.
2. We go deeper a little lower than the thickness of the foundation.
3. Level and sprinkle with sand and gravel. We go through the vibrating plate. Pour a thin layer of concrete mortar.
4. We lay vinyl film, roofing felt or geotextile over the entire surface.
5. We make formwork around the perimeter.
6. Place a mesh of reinforcement inside the formwork.
7. Pour the concrete solution one time. This will help avoid cold bridges. Work it out with a vibrator.
8. The pillow takes 2-3 weeks to dry.

How to strengthen the foundation of a brick house

Sometimes, when the foundation is ready, you have to change the material for building walls. If the foundation is not strengthened, cracks and distortions may occur. The easiest way is to increase the base, but there are other possibilities.

• — Injection – we dig up soil around the perimeter of the base and spray concrete mortar onto the walls. This can be done with a special gun.
• — Reinforcement with piles. They are installed immediately at the foundation.
• — We make formwork around the circumference, lower the finished reinforcing frame and pour concrete.
• — Another concrete wall.
• — Expansion of the pillow by increasing the walls by 0.5 - 1 m.

You have decided to build a brick house, think about what the foundation will be like. From the article you understood that a brick house is very massive, so to avoid problems, choose the right option.

The performance qualities of the strip foundation have been tested long periods services.

Vast experience in constructing such support structures has been gained; all options and construction methods have been tested many times in practice.

The technology has been brought to an optimal state, which is not observed with other types of foundations that have been used relatively recently and have not yet accumulated sufficient statistics.

Strip bases have a lot of design options, from monolithic casting to prefabricated support elements from individual elements.

Let's consider one of these types - a strip-brick foundation.

Such structures are a prefabricated strip built of brick. All other elements remain the same - there is immersion in the ground to a certain (small) depth, the shape and configuration do not change.

In practice, a strip-brick foundation is a thickened part of load-bearing walls, immersed in the ground. The main feature of this base is that the tape is assembled from a large number of individual small-format fragments.

There are a large number of mortar and brick bonds, the strength of which is much less than that of monolithic concrete. A strip-brick foundation is inferior in strength to a prefabricated FBS strip of the same section by 4 times, and a monolithic reinforced concrete strip - by 7 times.

There are serious restrictions on the type of soil - you can only build on dry and non-heaving soils that do not have a slope.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of a strip-brick base include:

• High base rigidity.
• There are no restrictions on the speed of construction, like with concrete strips. You can take breaks without deteriorating the quality of the base.
• Self-construction is possible.

There are many more disadvantages:

• High construction costs.
• There is a need for enhanced .
• The dependence on hydrogeological conditions is very high.
• Relatively low service life - about 25 years.

There are other disadvantages of such a foundation that make its use extremely rare.

What is better – strip or strip-brick foundation?

A strip-brick foundation is inferior to a monolithic concrete strip in all respects - costs, labor costs, load-bearing capacity and other parameters. The very use of brick tape is most often the result of the presence of unnecessary bricks that need to be used somehow.

Therefore, we can say with confidence: a conventional monolithic strip foundation is better than a brick foundation, which requires a favorable combination of many conditions, is labor-intensive and questionable in all respects.

Device

The base is an almost complete copy of a traditional reinforced concrete strip made of brick. It is located in a trench with a shallow immersion depth (recommended).

The problem with a brick strip is that it is unstable to moisture, so it is advisable to use this type of foundation only on soils that do not require deep immersion - sandy, sandy loam, ideally a rocky platform.

At the bottom of the trench, a sand and gravel cushion is installed, which performs leveling and drainage functions. The backfill layer is carefully compacted, after which a double layer of roofing material is laid to cut off capillary moisture from the lower soil layers.

After this, the tape is laid and other measures necessary for high-quality insulation of the base from moisture are carried out.

PLEASE NOTE!

A leveling concrete layer about 10 cm thick can be poured on top of the sand and gravel cushion, strengthening the base for the masonry and reducing the risk of the tape being squeezed out when heaving loads appear.

How to choose a brick

Choosing a brick is a rather difficult task. The most moisture-resistant brands - clinker bricks - do not bond well with cement mortar, which makes the tape unstable to point loads.

In addition, the cost of high-temperature fired bricks is too high, which makes its use for foundations irrational. Usually the “golden mean” is used - red solid ordinary brick of grades from M-150 to M-300.

You should choose a material with a water absorption rate in the range of 6-16%. The recommended frost resistance index F is in the range of 35-100.

CAREFULLY!

Under no circumstances should sand-lime brick be used. It is hygroscopic and, when immersed in the ground, will quickly collapse despite the enhanced waterproofing.

Dimensions of bricks for laying strip foundations:

• NF (250: 120:65 mm).
• 1.5 NF (250:120:88 mm).
• Modular (288:138:65 mm).
• Modular thickened (288:138:88 mm).

Calculation of the number of bricks

To determine required quantity bricks, the volume of the tape should be calculated. It is necessary to multiply the perimeter of the external contours and internal sections (in meters) by the cross-sectional area (in sq. m). The resulting volume must be divided by the specific number of bricks of a certain size in 1 m3 of masonry (tabular value).

The resulting number is the desired value. It must be taken into account that the tables give values ​​without taking into account mortar joints, so there is no need to make a supply of material.

Insulation

A procedure necessary to ensure the integrity of the foundation. The point is to eliminate the possibility of condensation forming, which will sooner or later freeze and tear the brick from the inside.

Considering the location of the tape, moisture-proof materials are used:

• Penoplex.
• Liquid polyurethane foam.
• Liquid rubber, etc.

Installation of insulation must be carried out both from the outside and from the inside of the tape, otherwise there will be no point in installing an insulator - in addition to external ground moisture, the tape is affected by water vapor located in internal air. It is absorbed into the brick, which gradually becomes wet and begins to collapse.

Many owners of buildings on strip-brick foundations neglect insulation, not seeing the point in extra labor and expenses. If the foundation is located under a non-residential accessory building, this point of view is quite reasonable. But for residential buildings, insulation is a recommended procedure.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing is an important procedure to reduce the risk of destruction of brickwork.

There are two types:

• Horizontal waterproofing. Cutting off the lower and upper horizontal surfaces. It is produced using sheet materials (roofing felt) laid in a double layer coated with hot bitumen or ready-made mastic. The lower cutoff eliminates the possibility of capillary absorption of moisture from the soil, and the upper cutoff prevents water from entering from the wall material.
• Vertical waterproofing. Apply to the side walls of the tape. Protects from groundwater, rain and melt water, as well as from moisture flowing down the walls. Various materials are used - impregnation, coating, roll, liquid application.

The choice of material for vertical waterproofing is determined by operating conditions, climatic conditions and financial capabilities of the owner. Usually they prefer inexpensive materials, which is rationally justified, but reduces the efficiency of the insulation.

Reinforcement

Unlike monolithic concrete strips, it is impossible to install a full-fledged frame on a brick base. For brickwork using standard means - metal mesh(lattice), but horizontal rods laid between the bricks of the lower and upper rows also work quite successfully.

They perform a task similar to the functions of an armored belt in a monolithic concrete strip. There is no point in tying the rods together, since they cannot change their position; the main task is to properly immerse the rods and meshes in the solution for maximum strong adhesion.

Preparation of cement mortar

For a brick foundation buried in the ground, it is necessary to use a sand-cement mortar that has increased strength. You need cement grades M300, M400 or M500. The sand must be clean, without the slightest admixture of clay.

Sand and cement are mixed in a 3:1 ratio, thoroughly mixed together, after which water is added in the required amount. Currently, there are many special additives that improve resistance to moisture, which can also be used in the preparation of the solution.

Detailed construction technology step by step

Procedure:

1. Preparing the site, removing the top layer of soil, leveling the surface.
2. Marking the trench using pegs.
3. Digging a trench for a given time.
4. Sand and gravel backfill, careful compaction.
5. leveling layer of concrete (this point is not always fulfilled due to increased costs and work time).
6. Laying a double layer of roofing felt.
7. Laying brick strip. Traditional working methods are used, horizontal and position are constantly monitored.
8. Wait about a week for the solution to gain strength.
9. Application of vertical and horizontal waterproofing.
10. Filling the sinuses, continued.

One of the simplest technological sequences is given. There are a lot of more complex methods, but their use is irrational due to the high cost, which exceeds the cost of constructing more durable foundation options.

Backfill

The filling of the sinuses plays the role of a drainage layer, facilitating the absorption of moisture and removing it from the foundation walls. For this, a moisture-permeable material is used, ideally river sand.. There should be no clay inclusions in it.

It is allowed to use crushed stone, gravel or ordinary construction waste; the main requirement is the ability to easily pass water through without retaining it. Backfilling is carried out after the final hardening of the mortar and waterproofing layers, usually 2-3 weeks after the completion of the masonry.

Useful video

In this video you will learn how a strip-brick foundation is constructed:

Conclusion

A strip-brick foundation is not a common or preferred option for foundation construction. The reasons for this choice may be the optimal geological conditions of the site, the presence of excess material, or other considerations.

Given the short service life and low resistance to external loads, such a foundation is not recommended for residential buildings and is used only for light auxiliary buildings.

Just as a theater begins with a coat rack, so a house begins with a foundation. Modern technologies construction offer various ways its buildings. One of them is a brick foundation: the technology is old, somewhat forgotten, but quite relevant. How to make such a foundation reliable and durable?

​​​​​Advantages and disadvantages of a brick foundation

Like all other types of foundations, brick has its pros and cons.

Advantages of a brick foundation

Disadvantages of a brick foundation

In what cases can a brick foundation be used?

Only small one-story buildings can be built on a brick foundation: cottages, bathhouses, summer kitchens. At the same time, it is important to be confident in the reliability of the soil. It is necessary to choose dry, stable (low-height) soils. On unstable soils, the foundation is strengthened with reinforcement.

Choosing a brick for the foundation

For a brick foundation the following is used:

White silicate, fire-resistant and red slotted bricks cannot be used. Silicate and fireproof are not resistant to moisture, and slotted ones are not strong enough.

The material consumption is affected by the size, type, volume of the foundation and its depth. To calculate the number of bricks, it is necessary to multiply the volume of the base by the number of bricks in one m 3 of masonry. This is an average of 460 pcs.

Types of brick foundations

There are two main types of brick foundations: strip and columnar.

Strip foundation

Strip foundations are more often used for permanent country houses.

The strength of the strip foundation allows you to build a reliable foundation for a country house

This type of foundation is a strip (tape). It covers the entire perimeter of the building and serves as support for all the walls of the building. Load-bearing walls require a larger tape width. The strip base is used in the construction of houses with walls made of brick or stone and heavy ceilings, as well as in the arrangement of basements. With high-quality reinforcement, such a foundation can be erected on soils with a heterogeneous composition, consisting of sand and heaving loams.

Video: overview of types of strip foundations

Columnar foundation

Columnar foundations are used for light frame, panel or wooden houses no basements.

Columnar foundation requires less brick than strip brick, but also withstands significantly less weight

Brick pillars are installed in the corners of the building and at the intersection of walls and serve as support for heavy and internal load-bearing partitions. The pillars are connected by strapping beams that unite their heads. Walls are built on these beams.

Video: columnar brick foundation

Which foundation is better

In construction practice, both types of foundations are used, but strip foundations have higher strength characteristics. In addition, it is fundamentally important that moisture does not get into the soil that comes into contact with the brick. And it’s easier to do this by using a strip foundation with drainage and a good blind area.

Laying a brick foundation (step by step instructions)

In construction practice, strip brick foundation technology is most often used. Therefore, we will dwell in detail on this method:

1. First of all, it is necessary to mark the place where the foundation will be built and carry out excavation work. The trench should be approximately 20 cm deeper than the soil freezing level, but not lower than 50–70 cm from the ground surface. As soil moisture increases, the width of the tape increases.

   Properly prepared trenches look like straight lines and follow the contours of the future building

2. A sand cushion 20 cm thick is made at the bottom of the trench, moistened and compacted well. The pillow is poured from sand of large fractions.

   The sand layer at the bottom of the trench must be compacted well

3. A concrete base is being constructed. For this purpose, formwork is made. Height concrete base approximately 10 cm. The formwork is made accordingly. The width of the base should be 50% greater than the thickness of the tape. Between the sand cushion and the concrete, waterproofing is made from roofing felt.

   The trench is filled with concrete, which serves as the basis for the masonry

4. Laying is done in 3–4 days. Masonry mortar is made from cement and sand mixed in a ratio of 1:3 with the addition of waterproofing additives. The foundation is usually laid out two bricks thick.
   

   The laying of a brick foundation is carried out according to a strictly defined pattern, in which the arrangement of bricks is repeated through a row

5. The foundation is strengthened by reinforcement. It is done between the first and second rows, as well as before the last. It is recommended to use reinforcement made of steel or composite with a diameter of 6–8 mm or reinforcing mesh with a diameter of 4–6 mm.

   It is best to reinforce a brick foundation with reinforcement mesh

6. Next, after approximately two weeks, waterproofing is performed. For brick foundations it is mandatory and is done both outside and inside. The simplest and affordable way waterproofing - brick foundation walls are coated with bitumen mastic and covered with roofing felt:
   
7. The brick foundation is insulated from the outside with foam plastic, penoplex or polystyrene slabs. After this, the trench is filled with sand and gravel, which helps protect the foundation from moisture.

   The brick foundation is insulated with polymer slab materials

8. In very wet areas it is necessary to provide drainage. Geotextiles are used for this. It must be laid in a trench at a distance of 0.5–1 meter from the outer wall of the foundation. Next comes a layer of crushed stone. Perforated pipes are also used to improve drainage. They are laid with a slight slope, covered with crushed stone and wrapped with the remaining ends of the geotextile. Then everything is covered layer by layer with sand, compacting each layer. Moisture is removed through pipes into wells or drainage channels.

   The drainage system uses perforated pipes, wrapped in geotextiles and protected from silting by a layer of gravel.

The technology of constructing a brick foundation is quite relevant today in country and homestead construction. Its correct use allows you to build a reliable foundation for many types of light structures on your own.