Fixed formwork do it yourself

Evolutionary changes in building technology have recently been passing with high intensity. Introduced innovations contribute not only to simplify the construction of buildings, but also began to allow to build a solid foundation for any structure. As a confirmation of this fact, fixed formwork for the foundation, the arrangement of which provides many advantages compared with the classical methods of construction of supports. In most cases, the support structure is made of polystyrene foam blocks, which allows minimizing human intervention in the installation process.

In this article, we will explain how to make a fixed formwork for the foundation with your own hands, consider the various options, as well as demonstrate visual photos and video instructions.

Distinctive features of erected structures

The construction of structures with permanent formwork is an option used for over 10 years. It is worth noting the fact that after such a significant period, the principles of arranging the foundation for buildings did not undergo major changes, but the time of work and the stages of construction were halved. If earlier the process of erection included the acquisition, assembly of the frame, its fixation in the prepared trench and subsequent dismantling, then the method of permanent formwork provides exclusively for the assembly of prepared components and pouring concrete.

In any construction event before using innovative methods of work should understand the advantages and disadvantages of its use. So, the defining advantages in the studied variant are:

• water resistance of elements;
• high ability to resist seismic effects;
• fire resistance;
• easy installation and quick erection;
• resistance to the development of mold and fungal formations;
• small proportion;
• high thermal insulation properties;
• tightness.

Like every building element, fixed formwork has some drawbacks:

• transportation difficulties;
• single use.

Types of construction

To begin the study of the question of how to make a permanently made formwork with one's own hands, it is worth understanding the peculiarities of using this or that material. The use of various formwork options is determined by the complexity of the projects being built and the purpose of the future construction. As a rule, during the construction of products are used, made from the following raw materials:

1. Expanded polystyrene (gas-filled foam) - has long become a standard, but not the only means to try out new technologies in action. The blocks made of this material have high strength, high thermal insulation properties and optimum ventilation characteristics, which provide the foundation with reliable ventilation.
2. Chipocement - slightly losing in the breadth of its application, this material provides high-quality sound insulation. A distinctive feature is the presence of air bubbles or pockets in the structure, which increase the practicality indicators by several points. At the same time, treatment with special chemical compositions of wood helps prevent premature rotting and gives the material a high resistance to high temperatures.
3. Fiberboard is a material consisting of wood chips (fibers) and an inorganic binder. This raw material is famous for its resistance to temperature extremes and high throughput.

In the question under study, it is impossible not to mention such a procedure as “rolling concrete”, the use of which allows the manufacture of universal block structures of any desired shape. The essence of the method lies in the application of templates and rollers, due to which the pores are extracted and the concrete is being tamped.

However, to optimally mitigate the sharp contrast of temperature flows and reduce pressure on solid structures in the case of walls and supporting foundations, the technology of manufacturing permanent polystyrene foam formwork is widely used.

The popularity of this method is due to a number of features:

• similar structure with cork;
• resistance to destruction;
• excellent thermal insulation properties;
• material is easy to process;
• affordable price indicators.

In any case, it is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the use of a material. Each method has a number of advantages and disadvantages. Before using any of them, you should evaluate each characteristic and make the best choice. It will not be superfluous to seek advice from specialists.

Foundation Technology

The process of erection of wall structures and foundations in the way of permanent formwork of gas-filled foam is intuitively simple and does not require special knowledge.

Before performing all the work, it is necessary to remember that the formwork for the foundation is installed on a solid base (substrate), the surface of which is covered with a reliable waterproofing layer.

Fixing of each subsequent block is realized by putting them on prepared reinforcing bars. When finished with the first layer, additional reinforcing bars are laid over the grooves of the row horizontally and securely fixed with wire twists.

It is necessary to treat the construction of the first row with a heightened sense of responsibility, since the duration of the entire structure’s operation and the even outlines of all faces depend on the accuracy of the calculations made and the correct installation. In addition, it is in the course of performing the above procedure, according to the outlined plan, the door slopes and the surfaces of the internal connecting beams are installed.

Fixing forms of formwork blocks is carried out in the process of installing the second row, the installation of which ensures a secure vertical attachment of subsequent joints.

When installing the third and subsequent layers do not forget about the vertical seams. Having finished with installation of all block elements, we start filling of an internal turned out cavity with concrete solution. Next, you should carry out the compaction of the filled mass to eliminate air spaces. To do this, it is necessary to use special equipment - a deep vibrator or an improvised means - a piece of reinforcement, evenly distributing concrete through the erected formwork.

During the installation of the blocks, it is important to track the most accurate coincidence of the side faces. The installation process is somewhat similar to the process of laying bricks, in which each successive row is shifted to half its size. Performing work with this method subsequently imparts the required rigidity.

The nuances of the work

The manufacture of permanent formwork, like any construction operation, has its own important features. Most people are tormented by the question of how the required strength and durability of the erected supports is achieved. Based on a rich construction experience, many craftsmen advise you to fill the upper row of formwork by half, so that the resulting concrete joint is located inside the factory blank. At the same time, we should not forget about the quality, class of concrete and reinforcing bars.

Before work on assembling the formwork, it is necessary to prepare the holes necessary for the functioning of ventilation, electricity, sewage and heating systems. For this purpose, slots of appropriate sizes are installed in the planned places in advance.

In the end, it turns out some kind of puff cake, "stuffing" which consists of reinforced concrete. At the same time, wall structures become warm and do not require additional insulation.

In conclusion, I would like to note that when erecting fixed formwork made from expanded polystyrene there is no rigid reference to the dimensions of the future foundation. The use of this material provides for easy processing and fitting of elements with minimal effort and time costs. The only thing is that one should not independently change the thickness of the factory unit, since this circumstance can lead to a violation of strength and loss of thermal insulation properties. In addition, upon completion of all installation work, do not forget about the processing of the outer layer of foam.

Video

The provided video footage describes in more detail the technology of making permanent formwork: