Concrete for pouring the foundation: the preparation of a

Foundation concrete pouring is one of the most important procedures in the construction of buildings and structures, on which the continued success of the whole event depends. Therefore, we consider this topic important and want to tell you how to pour the foundation with concrete and how to prepare it yourself.

What concrete is needed for the foundation

Composition and class

As it is known, concrete is called an artificial building material, which when hardening gives a strong stone-like substance. Most often concreting is used in the construction of foundations, both in private and in large-scale construction.

Concrete comes in various forms:

• cement,
• asphalt or polymer,
• heavy and light
• cellular and dense,
• ordinary and special, etc.

For our purposes we need material based on Portland cement.

It is Portland cement that gives the most acceptable adhesion and strong adhesion of all components of the solution, since it contains 78–80% calcium silicates.

The brand of cement that should be used to prepare the mixture should not be lower than M400. The most commonly used cement brands M500-D0 - M500-D20, where the letter "D" denotes the percentage of impurities (from 0 to 20%).

Note! Cement should be purchased dry, with a solid package with no traces of moisture and clear marking. Prefer famous brands and manufacturers.

The second most important component of the mixture is coarse aggregate - crushed stone.

For the preparation of concrete using three main types of this material:

1. Limestone origin. The most cheap and fragile material that is suitable for lightweight lightly loaded structures, operated in temperate or warm climates;
2. Gravel rubble. Obtained from sedimentary rocks, as well as rocks of volcanic origin. Differs in rather high durability and the lowered radiation background, is suitable for the majority of the bases and other designs;
3. Granite rubble. The most durable and frost-resistant aggregate, obtained by crushing rock rocks. The increased price of the material is a payment for higher strength and stability of your foundation.

Note! As a rule, for foundation works, gravel or granite is used, since limestone is considered to be too weak. The addition of granite increases the strength and brand of concrete.

Also for the preparation of the mixture we need sand. It is best to use raw materials of river or quarry origin, medium or small fraction.

The sand should be washed from impurities and clay, in addition, it is desirable to dry it. The most suitable is the river washed sand of medium fractional composition.

Modern technology for the preparation of concrete solution involves the use of various additives.

• These may be plasticizers, which increase the mobility of the mixture and its workability.
• Antifreeze additives are also used when filling the foundation at sub-zero temperatures is required.
• Various air-entraining, sealing and water-repellent additives.

Note! If we talk about ready-mixed concrete, then for the construction of the foundation in our climate we should use the material of the brand M250 - M350. The most commonly used solution is M300, class B 22.5.

Commodity or homemade

Often the question arises about what kind of concrete is better to use - commercial or own production. Without any doubt, it is possible to answer that ready-mixed concrete demonstrates higher quality and durability, moreover, only with the use of such a material can we count with an acceptable share of probability on certain technical characteristics of the resulting structure.

However, often the circumstances are such that, no matter how much the foundation is poured, delivery of the finished solution is impossible due to the peculiarities of local roads or due to the lack of a concrete plant in the area. In this case, the only way out is to fill the foundation with your own hands with a concrete mixer.

Note! Since it is difficult to accurately calculate the composition of the components and dispense their quantity under conditions of independent preparation, the brands of the components are taken with a margin. Cement M 500 and granite crushed stone of middle fraction - from 20 to 40 mm are used for surely high quality of the mortar.

Cooking

For the preparation and pouring of concrete with your own hands, you should use a concrete mixer in order to have time to finish the work in one shift.

Our instruction will help you in the work:

1. The concrete mixer should be cleaned from dirt and placed near the object. Sand and gravel should preferably be placed next to the unit;

1. First of all, pour two buckets of water into the drum, then pour a bag of cement (if the working volume allows);

1. Then we add sand and crushed stone to the drum, and then we wait for complete mixing;

1. When the solution has become homogeneous and sufficiently fluid, it can be used for its intended purpose. Often, for convenience, use a chute made of wood or metal, through which the solution is delivered to the place of installation.

Note! The proportions for the mixture are different depending on the type of cement and the required strength of concrete. The most commonly used such a recipe (cement / sand / gravel): 1: 3: 5. The amount of water is usually from half to a whole proportion of cement by weight.

If you want to make a high-strength structure, lay the formwork for technological holes and openings in advance, otherwise you will need to cut the reinforced concrete with diamond circles or diamond drill holes in the concrete.

Conclusion

The composition and quality of concrete plays a decisive role in the construction of the foundation of the building. Today you can order the delivery of the finished solution, and you can prepare it yourself with the help of our instructions and video in this article.