When discussing estimates for the improvement of a burial site, the article "foundation work" often raises questions: why spend money on something that will be hidden underground? The answer is simple: it is the foundation that determines how long all aboveground structures will last. By saving on the foundation, you risk losing significantly more in a few years.
How does the ground behave without a foundation
The ground is not a static environment. Under the influence of precipitation, temperature fluctuations and loads, it constantly changes its volume and bearing capacity. In spring, thawed water-saturated soil becomes plastic and cannot hold heavy structures in a stable position. In autumn, the soil is compacted and shrunk. The fence, simply dug into the ground, will inevitably begin to deviate after the first 2-3 seasons.
The role of the foundation: three key functions
A properly filled foundation performs several interrelated tasks:
- Load distribution. The mass of the monument, plinth and fence is distributed over a larger area, reducing the pressure on the ground at each point.
- Anti-heaving. The foundation, buried below the freezing level, rests on stable, frost-free soil and is not pushed out by the forces of frost heaving.
- Rigid binding of structures. The monument and the fence posts, anchored in concrete, cannot shift under wind or mechanical stress.
Foundation requirements
For reliable operation, the foundation must meet a number of parameters. The depth of the deposit is below the estimated depth of freezing of the soil for the region. The grade of concrete is not lower than M200. Mandatory reinforcement with metal rods 8-10 mm in diameter. The exposure time of the concrete before loading is at least 7 days. You can find out how foundation work is carried out in practice with complex landscaping at danila-master.ru .
The difference between a point foundation and a ribbon foundation
For individual fence supports, point foundations are more often used — columnar boring piles. A monolithic ribbon or slab is placed under the base and monument. In complex landscaping, these elements are combined into a single system, which ensures maximum stability of the entire ensemble of structures.
What happens when there is no or insufficient foundation
A tilted monument, fence supports squeezed out of the ground, and a cracked basement are almost always the result of poor—quality or missing foundations. The restoration of structures in this case requires complete dismantling and re—installation with the correct foundation - that is, double the cost.