Ribbon foundation for the fence - how to build correctly

Fence on a strip foundation - what it looks like

Installing fences in the local area, suburban areas is not easy. There are a lot of types of fences. And if some people think that having buried the poles and attaching the fence sections to them or pulling the net, you can be satisfied, then for many it is an unacceptable option. To consider this construction reliable and externally presentable, it is necessary to build a foundation for it. Therefore, the question of how to arrange a ribbon foundation for the fence with your own hands, is today relevant.

What is a strip foundation

The name of this structure comes from its own form, which is a continuous tape. This foundation is located around the perimeter of the site. By the way, it may not necessarily be a concrete (or reinforced concrete) structure, as it is often imagined by the inhabitants. Such a foundation can be built of stone, brick, concrete blocks and even wood.

If we talk about the advantages of this form, I would like to note two main criteria - it is the solidity of the entire structure as a whole and the simplicity of the structure. As for the second position, it should be noted that it is not a problem to pour out the foundation by yourself. You just need to know the process steps and some small nuances that need special attention.

Fence of corrugated strip foundation - appearance

Stages of the construction of strip foundations

As mentioned above, for the construction of the fence between neighbors, you can use different materials. Here we will consider the option concrete structure as the easiest. Therefore, you immediately need to decide how the concrete will be prepared: independently or take the ready-made mortar.

The second option is in many ways better.

1. First, it is the quality of the concrete solution. To achieve this figure, making their own hands, you will not succeed. In the factory, all components will be extinct to a gram, where good mixing will occur.
2. Secondly, it is time spent on concrete preparation.
3. Thirdly, for self-mixing, you will definitely need a concrete mixer, which you will either have to buy or rent.

The only minus the finished solution - this is his high price.

Attention! If you decide to prepare concrete yourself, then consider for the future that for this you need cement of a grade not lower than M250 and clean water, so to speak, without dirt, debris and impurities.

Trenching

The first is the markup. The perimeter is known, so there should be no problems with the contour. But as for the section. The fence itself is not a heavy construction, so it makes no sense to build a foundation deep under it.

Belt foundation for metal fence - simple design

The same applies to the width, the best option, if these two sizes are the same. Now you can start digging trenches. Here you will need your hands and a shovel. This process is quite laborious, so you have to sweat.

Formwork installation и армирование

Arranging a ribbon foundation under the fence with your own hands, you should not listen to some well-wishers who claim that formwork is not necessary in clay soil. They say that clay is a strong and dense soil, and it will perfectly cope with the role of walls. Formwork can be installed only on the basement of the foundation. Do not listen to anyone, do everything as expected.

Now about the formwork itself. It can be made from any flat materials. It may be:

1. Boards:
2. Plywood;
3. Decking;
4. Sheet iron;
5. Flat slate;
6. And so on.

At this stage, it is very important to make this structure strong, because the concrete poured in will put pressure on the inner walls, pushing them apart. And this will affect not only the form, but also the quality and consumption of materials.

Formwork installation

Therefore advice! Installing the formwork, make sure that its design does not disperse. Attach all its elements with struts, ties, kerchiefs and other fasteners. The more, the better.

As for reinforcement. In principle, this is a necessary part of pouring the foundation. Armokarkas makes it safer and stronger, it’s not even worth talking about. But in the case of the fence, it is possible to abandon it, if it is good to compact the concrete solution so that it becomes as strong as a rock.

And the last thing in this section is the bedding or pillow. Make it a must. Put a small layer of sand or fine gravel on the bottom of the trenches, tamp it down.

Pouring concrete

What needs to be considered at this stage of foundation construction?

1. It is best to pour concrete continuously. The time between batches should not exceed one hour. If you do not have time and want to move part of the work to the next day, then immediately insert several metal pins into the end of the unfinished potting, you can use valves or pipes.
2. Concrete solution must be shtykovat. This is a common thing, because it is necessary to remove air from the concrete, which remains in it during the mixing process. If this is not done, then air shells and bubbles will remain inside the foundation, which will reduce the strength of the structure. Ideally, for this you will need a vibrator, but if there is no one, then use the tools and materials available (shovels, crowbars, pipes, fittings).
3. Note that the solution is distributed evenly throughout the volume. (photo below). Its upper part must be leveled with a spatula or a rule, and then covered with a film.

Pouring concrete

In seven days it will be possible to remove the formwork, and in a couple of days to install the fence. As you can see, the fill instruction is not complicated.

Conclusion on the topic

I would like to add that, in addition to this design, there is also a column-ribbon foundation for the fence, which differs only in the fact that for each rack you need to pour a separate foundation in the form of a column, after which these elements are interconnected by a ribbon form. To see the whole process with your own eyes, we suggest watching the video posted on this page.