Prefabricated structures help to significantly reduce the construction time of any structure. Foundation blocks are usually intended for the construction of buildings with basements. They form the walls of the underground part of the building, at the same time being the basis of the future house. Foundation blocks can be solid or hollow. And they are made from heavy, porous or silicate concrete.

Standards

Foundation blocks are produced taking into account the standards prescribed in GOST 13579-78. Here are the following:

• structural types of concrete products;
• specifications;
• dimensional parameters;
• requirements for materials;
• permissible deviations;
• rules relating to acceptance and control;
• methods of storage and transportation.

Hollow blocks are produced under the FBP brand. In their body, along a length equal to 2380 mm, there are blind recesses that do not reach the closed edge of 30 mm. The height of the products is 580mm, and the width is 400, 500 and 600mm. The voids at the entrance have a rectangular cross-section, narrowing as they deepen. Their sizes:

• along the length at the entrance - 430mm, at the bottom - 350mm;
• width at the entrance - 160, 220 and 320 mm, depending on the width of the foundation blocks;
• depth – 550mm.

Each FBP contains four holes, moving from a rectangular shape in the open part to a rounded shape in the closed part.

Foundation blocks have symbols indicating the type of product (in our case - FBP), three sizes in decimeters, rounded up, type of concrete and GOST number. For example: FBS 24.5.6-S GOST 13579-78. Such marking is considered standard, although industry regulations have the right to slightly change it.

The type of concrete means:

• T – heavy;
• C – has medium density (silicate);
• P – made using porous aggregates (expanded clay concrete).

All of the listed types of material are used for the production of foundation blocks with voids. The relationship between the type of concrete and its compressive strength class for FBP:

• for heavy and expanded clay concrete – B12.5;
• for silicate – B15.

The reference mass of products, in this case, is:

• from heavy concrete – 1.05…1.4t;
• from silicate – 0.88…1.17t;
• from expanded clay concrete - 0.79...1.05 t.

Frost resistance, as well as water resistance of concrete, is accepted according to building codes, depending on the climatic conditions of the region and the type of operation of the foundation. These explanations are given in the design documentation. Particular attention is paid to the geological conditions of the construction site. In particular, an important parameter is the aggressiveness of the environment. After research, adjustments are made to the requirements for the composition of the concrete mixture from which the products will be made.

All foundation blocks with voids are equipped with two P2 mounting loops. They are a reinforcing bar bent in a certain way with a diameter of 10 mm. GOST presents drawings and dimensions of loops. They are installed in special recesses at a distance of 80mm from the end of the block. There should be no concrete sagging on the surface of the protruding part of the rods.

Permissible deviations

Standards define tolerances for linear dimensions in both directions:

• length – within 13mm;
• width – within 8mm;
• height – within 8mm.

The straightness of the surfaces should not deviate by more than 3mm along the entire length or width of the foundation blocks. In addition, their body is not allowed to have cracks other than minor surface defects.

Peculiarities

The use of hollow blocks, despite the apparent fragility of the products, increases the reliability of the foundation. The fact is that its safety factor increases due to the reinforcement of the structure with vertical reinforcing bars and as a result of filling the voids with concrete mortar. The blocks, in this case, perform the function of permanent formwork, entering into a fairly rigid monolithic bond with concrete poured inside the structural holes. The foundation is strong and weakly reacts to lateral loads.

Professionals argue that FBPs do not justify themselves in low-rise construction.

Their arguments are as follows. It is impossible to lift the foundation blocks manually, so a construction crane must be ordered to install them. Its work is estimated in machine hours, taking into account downtime, which is not cheap for a private developer. In addition, a truck is needed to transport the products to the installation site, and for the process of installing the blocks itself, a portioned mixture of the solution is required. All these factors influence the rise in cost of construction of a foundation made of hollow blocks.

Prefabricated products have their undoubted advantages. But their full benefit is manifested in the construction of underground parts of high-rise buildings. In this case, the blocks provide:

• speed of masonry - no need to build formwork and wait for the concrete to set completely;
• clear geometry of basement walls due to standard sizes of industrial products;
• declared density and strength.

FBP voids are filled not only with concrete, but also with insulation. This makes it possible to use blocks when constructing foundation walls of unheated basements and even above-ground structures of industrial workshops or utility rooms that are not provided with central heating. In certain cases, hollow blocks are used as protective casings for pipelines of heating systems or water supply. In this case, the space between the pipes and the inner walls of the concrete blocks is filled with heat-insulating foam.

The assortment includes various types of products - solid ones for foundation masonry and hollow concrete blocks used for masonry walls. This material is a modern alternative to brick walls and foundations, while the characteristics of the blocks make it possible to simplify and speed up the construction of any object.

What determines the cost of concrete blocks?

If you compare the cost of the concrete blocks we present with the price of other materials with similar characteristics, it becomes clear that using blocks is much more profitable. The relatively low cost of this material allows us to maintain an affordable price for finished products.

Partnerships with leading factories allow us to keep selling prices for materials at a level accessible to most clients.

How much do building blocks cost?

The answer to this question depends on various factors. For example, hollow products are cheaper because their production requires less cement than the production of monolithic solid foundation materials. The following are built from hollow blocks:

• walls;
• bearing structures;
• interior partitions;
• fencing.

Solid products are used for foundations, basements, and basements. They are much stronger and more reliable, but are more expensive. Also, the price of concrete blocks is influenced by the dimensions of the products, wall thickness, strength parameters, frost resistance, etc. All products we offer have a high strength class corresponding to heavy concrete and frost resistance of 50 cycles, which makes them reliable building materials.

Concrete wall blocks are one of the most popular materials used for the construction of basements and basement construction. This economical and durable material is suitable not only for the foundation (concrete blocks 20x20x40 cm), but also for the construction of house walls. Only in this case is it necessary to use additional thermal insulation, since concrete blocks have insufficient insulation.

Available transport:

Type of vehicle	Load capacity (t)	Body dimensions (m)	Transported volume (cub.m.)
manipulator	6 tons	2,2*5	10.08 cubic meters (7 pallets)
manipulator with trailer	20 tons	2*(2,45*6,2)	28.8 cubic meters (20 pallets)
manipulator	7 tons	2,4*5,8	11.52 cubic meters (8 pallets)
manipulator	10 tons	2,3*9,5	14.4 cubic meters (10 pallets)
manipulator	10 tons	2,45*6,1	17.28 cubic meters (12 pallets)
manipulator	10 tons	2,45*7,4	20.16 cubic meters (14 pallets)
KAMAZ (on-board)	10 tons	2,4*6,1	14.4 cubic meters (10 pallets)
Semi-trailer 11m (flatbed)	21 tons	2,38*11	25.92 cubic meters (18 pallets)
Semi-trailer 13.6m (flatbed)	21 tons	2,45*13,6	31.68 cubic meters (22 pallets)

The company "PENOBLOK.RU" offers blocks made using various recipes. From us you can buy concrete blocks for walls produced in accordance with GOST, according to technical specifications and according to the so-called Armenian recipe. If you do not go into detail and do not consider the features of the granulometric composition, then the main difference is the amount of cement. The cost of wall hollow blocks also depends on the amount of cement. It is impossible to say unequivocally what is better and what is worse, because each type of work has its own requirements. In general, for the construction of low-rise housing (up to four floors), the characteristics of concrete blocks for walls made according to our specifications are sufficient. Blocks in accordance with GOST may be needed when organizing foundations in particularly moist soils. But in our opinion, in such places it is better to use monolithic concrete.

But for the construction of the basement floor of a large multi-story building, it is recommended to use material in accordance with GOST.

Types

The company "PENOBLOK.RU" produces hollow and solid blocks, which you can buy with delivery.

Hollow. Through voids are used for laying utilities and reinforcing nodes. Products can have a corrugated or smooth surface.

The hollow concrete block is lightweight and has a high degree of thermal insulation due to the presence of holes in the structure. It has voids inside - through holes, or voids with partitions.

Popular sizes

A hollow block of 20x20x40 cm is manufactured in accordance with GOST 6133-99 and is in great demand in the construction of low-rise buildings. The frost resistance of F200 allows the building material to be used in harsh climates, since it can maintain its strength even with sudden changes in temperature for many decades.

Scope of application

Hollow concrete blocks have many advantages: they are durable and strong, made from environmentally friendly material, significantly reduce construction time, and have good adhesion to plasters and putties.

Thanks to the precision of masonry and easy installation, hollow concrete blocks have a wide range of applications.

1. Construction of low-rise residential buildings.
2. Construction of utility and utility premises.
3. Creation of partition structures during the construction of multi-storey buildings.
4. Construction of industrial buildings.

Installation Features

Laying hollow concrete blocks is done using cement-sand mortar. When laying blocks for walls, the mixture should be applied to the longitudinal ribs and end faces. The structure, if necessary, can be reinforced in vertical and horizontal directions.

1. Full-bodied. Solid concrete block is a rectangular building material without voids. Can be made from different grades of cement. The main advantages of this building material:

   • high strength indicators;
   • low moisture absorption;
   • frost resistance.

By contacting the company PENOBLOC.RU, you can buy the most popular size of the product - 20x20x40 cm. The price for foundation blocks of this type depends on the technical parameters and brand of cement.

Scope of application

1. Creating a reliable and durable foundation for load-bearing walls of a construction site.
2. Construction of columns for fences and fences.
3. Construction of the foundation.
4. Arrangement of ground floors and basements.
5. Construction of underground parking lots.

Before placing an order, keep in mind that the price for solid foundation blocks 20x20x40 cm is higher than the cost of hollow products.

Specifications

Name of product	Specifications	Type of stone
Hollow concrete wall stone	Stone strength grade M200, frost resistance F200 GOST 6133-99 Thermal conductivity 0.46 W/m 0C (for hollow)
Solid concrete wall stone
Hollow expanded clay concrete wall stone	Stone strength grade M100, frost resistance F100 GOST 6133-99 Thermal conductivity 0.31 W/m 0C (for hollow)
Solid expanded clay concrete wall stone

How to choose concrete blocks for walls

1. When choosing hollow blocks, you need to pay attention to the thickness of the outer walls and internal partitions, because the strength of the products depends on it. The outer walls of the block should be thicker than the inner ones, since they bear the main load and it is on them that you will subsequently hang your shelves and TVs. They can have a strength of 50 to 100 kg/cm².
2. An extremely important indicator for choosing concrete blocks for basement walls in the Russian climate is frost resistance. Poor quality material may not withstand alternating freezing and thawing. The frost resistance of the blocks offered by PENOBLOC.RU ranges from F50 to F200. For each individual case, it is necessary to make an individual decision about the possibility of using blocks with one or another frost resistance.
3. When choosing concrete blocks for walls, you need to pay attention to the accuracy of their dimensions. All blocks must be the same in length and width. There shouldn't be any difference at all. And in height they should not differ by more than 10 mm from each other. If the difference is greater, they are not recommended, since the difficulties in fitting and selection will not justify the savings.
4. Concrete blocks for walls are available in various sizes; for each individual construction, you can choose the most suitable one. The larger their size, the higher the construction speed, but it is worth considering that special equipment must be used to lay large blocks. If this is not so practical, it is worth choosing smaller building materials.

Concrete blocks for basement walls

It is during the construction of the basement that the most widely used materials are concrete blocks for the foundation 20x20x40 cm. There are several reasons for this:

• Concrete blocks are very strong and reliable, as well as fire resistant.
• The speed of building construction increases significantly compared to brick.
• They show excellent results at high groundwater levels.
• Concrete blocks are a good soundproofing material.
• Resistant to fungi, mold and other microorganisms.
• Combines perfectly with other building materials.

To properly arrange basement walls made of concrete blocks, you should follow the technology and operating features:

1. At the bottom of the finished pit, it is necessary to prepare a “cushion” using sand and crushed stone. This layer must be wetted and compacted thoroughly to minimize the possibility of shrinkage.
2. Then a cement layer up to 10 mm thick is applied.
3. Next, waterproofing is installed. You need to select materials for waterproofing in accordance with the groundwater level.
4. Then the entire basement area is covered with a frame made of reinforcement.
5. It is better to install the formwork with an overlap.
6. Only now are the foundation solid concrete blocks being laid. The slabs need to be installed staggered, tying the external and internal walls.
7. Afterwards, the walls are erected and covered with waterproofing.

This method will allow you to build a reliable, dry basement and a solid foundation of 20x20x40 concrete blocks for a house even with several floors. There will be no problems with shrinkage in the future.

Concrete blocks at PENOBLOC.RU

• Our company offers products that fully comply with the declared quality.
• We are ready to accommodate regular and wholesale customers and offer discounts on hollow-core wall blocks and other materials.
• We can take care of the delivery of ordered materials to the construction site. Depending on the volume of products purchased and the distance to which the building materials need to be delivered, we will select the most convenient and economical delivery option.

When buying concrete blocks for a foundation of 20x20x40 cm and other sizes from the company "PENOBLOK.RU" in Moscow, you can count on a free consultation from experienced specialists who will advise which blocks to use correctly in each specific case.

Why is it cheaper to build with our blocks?
The price per square meter of a house wall consists of: the cost of the blocks, the cost of masonry mortar, the cost of plaster and putty. Experience shows that when buying cheaper blocks, people are faced with such a problem as a large number of blocks falling apart during delivery on the way to the construction site.

Comparison of various technologies for producing foam concrete.
There are several technologies for producing foam concrete. By and large, they can be divided into two groups.

How to determine the quality of a block by external signs?
The new material, made of porous concrete, has proven itself from the best side. Houses built from foam blocks are warm and durable. In summer they are cool, and in winter owners save up to 30% on heating costs due to the fact that foam concrete retains heat well. A few tips when purchasing foam concrete blocks...

The relationship between foam block production technology and ecology.
We are interesting creatures - PEOPLE. We try not to eat low-quality food, do not buy rotten, falling apart cars, and are interested in the environmental conditions in the area of ​​the acquired plot of land on which we are going to build a house.

The technology for constructing a foundation using blocks is distinguished by its versatility (suitable for both multi-storey buildings and small buildings in private construction) and the speed of installation work. Instructions for constructing a rubble foundation.

Features of foundation blocks

The blocks are produced in various sizes: from the largest 238:30:50 cm (the weight of such a block is 0.97 tons) to the small 88:60:58 cm (the weight of such a block is 30 kg).

Large blocks are used for foundations for buildings with heavy structures; laying such blocks requires the use of special equipment.

Small blocks are used for private construction; the weight of such blocks allows them to be laid manually.

Design and calculation

The required volume of blocks for installing the foundation is calculated based on the area of ​​the base (the area of ​​contact between the foundation and the ground) and the depth of the trench. The depth of the trench under the foundation depends on: the depth of soil freezing; volume of loads depending on the size and weight of the building under construction. The area of ​​the trench base depends again on the volume of loads, depending on the size and weight of the building under construction; humidity and bearing capacity of the soil.

The worse the bearing capacity of the soil, the larger the area of ​​the foundation base should be. The worst bearing capacity is for clay soil, the best bearing capacity is for gravel and coarse sand.

Kinds

Manufacturers of building materials today offer a wide range of blocks for the construction of foundations, differing from each other in dimensions, structure and material of manufacture:

1. Concrete blocks are produced in three versions:
   • hollow blocks marked FBP;
   • solid blocks marked FBS;
   • blocks with special cutouts for laying utilities marked FBV.
2. Reinforced concrete blocks, thanks to reinforcement, have increased strength characteristics and are used for foundations for the construction of heavy buildings.

Hollow blocks are recommended for vertical reinforcement of internal foundation walls when installing a basement. Hollow blocks are laid dry, reinforcement is placed in the voids, and the voids with reinforcement are filled with concrete.

3. Cement blocks for the foundation are made from cement and sand by vibrocompression. The price of such blocks is much lower than the price of concrete blocks. The standard sizes of such blocks are 188-190-390 mm.
4. A columnar foundation made of concrete blocks is a more budget-friendly foundation option due to savings in building materials. This type of foundation is used for the construction of light, small buildings. Along the perimeter of the building, at a distance of two meters, in the corners and at the intersections of walls, holes are dug in which pillars of concrete blocks are laid. The height of such pillars should be 40 cm above ground level.
5. A prefabricated foundation made of blocks differs from a monolithic structure in the presence of gaps (cement mortar may not fill all the gaps between the blocks). This type of foundation involves installing waterproofing (polyethylene or roofing felt) to prevent moisture from penetrating into the foundation.
6. Expanded clay concrete blocks are lighter in weight due to the presence of expanded clay in their composition. The price for such blocks is lower. Due to their light weight, expanded clay concrete blocks are easier to transport and stack, and their strength characteristics are in no way inferior to pure concrete blocks.

1. Foam concrete blocks are recommended for use as foundations for small buildings. The advantages of using such blocks are: budget price and light weight.
2. Concrete blocks 20x20x40 are the best option for building a foundation in private construction.
3. Blocks measuring 500x600x2400 are additionally reinforced with iron and equipped with side hinges. Such blocks are used to construct the foundations of multi-story buildings. Read how to do it correctly and what it consists of.

How to build?

Foundation construction process:

1. A trench is dug for the foundation;
2. A layer of gravel is poured onto the bottom of the trench, then a layer of sand and everything is thoroughly compacted, thus creating a kind of gravel-sand cushion for the foundation;
3. The blocks are laid out in rows and fastened with cement mortar;
4. The rows are laid out relative to each other in a checkerboard pattern;
5. Laying blocks begins from the corners of the building;
6. After all the rows have been laid, the formwork is installed and the reinforcing belt is poured;
7. As soon as the solution hardens, the formwork is removed;
8. Sand is backfilled to fill the remaining voids and the space between the walls of the laid foundation and the trench. Read how a strip monolithic foundation is constructed.

Cost of concrete blocks for the foundation

A house, a bathhouse, a gazebo, a veranda, a summer kitchen - it all starts with the foundation. The foundation is the complete foundation of any building. Its cost reaches up to a third of the total construction cost. Therefore, it is so important to choose the right type and material of the foundation. It is quite possible to build the base yourself, which will save you a lot of money.

Why do you need a foundation?

The term "foundation" comes from Latin. "Fundamentum" means "foundation".

A foundation is an underground or underwater part of a structure that transfers to its soil foundation a static load created by the weight of the structure, and additional dynamic loads created by the wind or the movement of water, people, equipment or vehicles. A properly designed foundation transfers all loads to the ground in such a way that the possibility of unacceptable settlement and destruction of the structure is eliminated.

Collier's Encyclopediahttp://dic.academic.ru

Foundations save the house from manifestations of the “bad character” of complex soils and not only from groundwater, but also from ordinary, “regular” precipitation. The foundation must support the weight of the building. You can build a luxurious and very expensive house, but if the design, depth and material of the foundation were chosen incorrectly, even on the most favorable soil the building will settle and crack. Before building a foundation from blocks, you need to make sure that it is suitable for the given structure.

Dependence of the choice of block foundation on the characteristics of the site

Before designing a house, it is necessary to order a geodetic report on the features of the site.

You can, of course, check with your neighbors - but this will not be entirely reliable. Sometimes even neighboring areas differ greatly in soil, water, and other characteristics.

Priming

Textbook “Soils. Foundations. Choosing the optimal foundation" classifies soils as follows:

1. Rocky soils are, rather, crystalline rock, rock rather than earth, and sedimentary rock (dolomite, compressed sandstone, shale, shell rock, limestone). Any foundation is acceptable except a pile foundation (it is difficult to drill into rock).
2. Conglomerates - fragments of varieties of rocky soils; do not erode or change in volume when freezing; Any foundation is acceptable.
3. Non-rocky soils:
   • bound - clayey and loamy; freeze deeply; capable of “floating” and moving, only heavy types of foundations are suitable;
   • unbound - sandy and sandy loam soils; when wet they tend to move and freeze shallowly; Any type of foundation is suitable.

Soil type may vary even in adjacent areas

If your site is a mass of rock, untouched sandstone or sedimentary rocks, then you can easily install a block foundation. It is also good if the soil of the site consists of sand or dense loamy soils.

Table: minimum foundation depth in sand and clay

To get an approximate understanding of what soils are available on your site, there is an old-fashioned method: drill a hole with a garden drill and examine soil samples from different depths. The sample is moistened with water, and if it can be kneaded like dough, then it is loam. If the earth dissolves in water, it contains a large percentage of loamy component. If sediment falls, there is clay at the bottom and sand above it.

To test the soil, you need to place a sample in a glass of water.

Groundwater

The groundwater level is the most important characteristic of soils. If the level is small, then a shallow strip foundation made of blocks is perfect for us. If it is quite high, then the tape should be buried to a greater depth.

The structure of groundwater in your area has a huge impact on the choice of foundation type

The freezing depth in our area is on average up to one meter, but deviations are possible. If you are making a deep foundation from blocks, then its lowest point should be below the freezing point of the soil.

The base of the foundation should be below the maximum freezing depth of the soil to prevent swelling of the soil when freezing. The safe depth depends on annual temperature variations, the type and range of local soil variations, and the normal groundwater level. In addition, seasonal changes in the volume of clay soils are sometimes observed, which should not be allowed under a foundation laid on a natural foundation.

Collier's Encyclopediahttp://dic.academic.ru

Freezing depth is a factor influencing the foundation depth

The most dangerous factor is directly related to the level of soil water and soil classification.

Water "lenses"

Where permeable sand or sandy loam lies on a layer of clay, precipitation penetrates through the upper soil and remains under it in the form of so-called “lenses” that lie on an impermeable base and can severely damage the foundation. You need to be sure that there will be no “lenses” on the way to laying the block foundation.

If there are “lenses” in the soil, only a pile-strip foundation is used

Choosing a foundation

The choice of the shape of the foundation made of blocks depends on all of the above factors - soil, water balance, the presence of lenses, freezing depth, combined into one geodetic conclusion. But it depends on your preferences, and on the blocks that you may already have, and even on the time of year. Therefore, you need to understand the main advantages, milestones and dangers of constructing each block foundation.

As we already know, there are two types of block foundations: columnar and strip.

1. Strip foundations made of blocks can be shallow, non- and deeply buried. It is built from expanded clay, foam and cinder blocks, concrete blocks, concrete panels laid on a bed of drainage mixture. Not very suitable for unreliable soils, but the problem is usually solved by deepening and widening the “ribbon”, laying a widened concrete or block base from cushion blocks and creating a permanent reinforced concrete grillage.

   The strip foundation, depending on the soil, can be shallow, deep or shallow

2. A columnar block foundation is perhaps the simplest and most inexpensive to construct. It can also be shallow, non- and deeply buried and is also made from expanded clay, foam and cinder blocks, concrete blocks, concrete panels (non-monolithic pillars), laid in pits (if the pillar is buried) or simply on the ground (if not buried) on a bed of drainage mixtures. Suitable for light buildings such as frame houses, gazebos and greenhouses and any soil except swampy ones.

   When constructing a shallow columnar foundation from blocks, a wooden grillage is used

Blocks

Block - a structural prefabricated element or product, usually factory-made, used in modern industrial construction (for example, a volumetric block, wall block, window block).

Wikipedia

https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%91%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BA_(%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B8% D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D1%8C%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%BE)

Let's look at this wonderful material: why it is good and why it is difficult for building a foundation.

• standardization of blocks: as a rule, if a block is produced in official production, its exact dimensions are strictly regulated (for concrete blocks this is GOST 13579–78);
• speed of construction (for a concrete strip, construction time is dictated by the month the concrete hardens);
• relative cheapness;
• in difficult soils, a reinforced block structure better resists deformation;
• ease of assembly, which does not require special skills (moreover, if something goes wrong, you can disassemble the foundation and put it back together);
• a huge size range and variety of blocks allow you to lay a foundation of any complexity, size and design;
• the blocks are structurally provided with voids, grooves, reinforcement liners and even recesses for the thickness of the mortar, which incredibly simplifies assembly.

• for some types of blocks, as well as for concrete panels, you will need equipment - a crane or winch;
• interblock seams do not provide tightness - thus, the foundation needs vertical waterproofing;
• Block foundations are still not recommended for buildings with high mass.

Types of blocks for foundation construction

Blocks are parallelepipeds made of solid or foamed concrete with or without various fillers. The type of block dictates the size and weight, thermal insulation and foundation design.

Concrete blocks can have different fillers

Concrete blocks

Concrete blocks are monolithic and devoid of air bubbles. They are classified according to several criteria:

• For their production by casting or pressing, different concrete is used - heavy, lightweight, lightweight;
• according to their purpose they are divided into wall, basement, and foundation;
• to increase the thermal insulation properties they are made slotted, hollow or with holes, but there are also solid blocks;
• blocks can be reinforced or without reinforcement.

Wall concrete blocks are also used for foundations that do not carry a large load.

Wall concrete blocks come in all colors and sizes

But if the foundation must be solid, then solid concrete foundation blocks (FBS) are used. They can be reinforced (heavy large variety) or not.

Concrete foundation blocks with reinforcement are used for heavy buildings

There are also foundation blocks, which are called “FL blocks” - from the words “strip foundation”, made of heavy concrete. In everyday life they are humorously called “pillows”. They are always reinforced.

The purpose of the foundation pads of a strip foundation is to increase the base area

They are laid down first. Due to the larger area, they distribute the weight of the overlying foundation blocks and the building.

Due to their larger area, FL blocks distribute the weight of the overlying foundation blocks and the building

The standardized sizes of FBS and FL blocks are quite large. Their weight can reach up to two tons, and their density can reach 2500 kg/m 3. It is these blocks that require the use of a truck crane and for this purpose they have reinforcement loops on the top edge.

The standardized sizes of FBS and FL blocks are quite large

Foam concrete blocks

Foam concrete was invented to increase thermal insulation and reduce the weight of the blocks, which they did brilliantly. This is cellular concrete with pores created by adding special foam and processing in a mixer, without hardening in an autoclave. Foam blocks have an interesting quality: at first the blocks are quite soft (there is a term - “fresh foam blocks”), and then they can be cut with a regular saw and special devices; but they gain greater strength over time. Foam blocks are also used for foundations - but for very light varieties.

Foam concrete blocks - a step forward in construction

Gas silicate blocks

The pores in these blocks are not created by foam, but, as in yeast dough, by a chemical reaction of lime and aluminum powder, releasing a gas that creates bubbles. From lime, these blocks are white and elegant. But the same lime causes greater hygroscopicity, so gas silicate blocks require serious waterproofing. They are autoclaved, so they have a high degree of unification. In terms of strength and hardness, gas silicate is much better than foam concrete; accordingly, it is suitable for more solid foundations.

Gas silicate blocks - white and elegant

Cinder blocks

They were once very common. Slag is simply mixed into a regular solution and dried in a mold, so they are “prickly” and quite fragile. They are very inexpensive, but do not require complex equipment for production, so they are often made by small handicraft producers, and the cinder blocks turn out to be uneven in size and shape. They are quite heavy, although the size is smaller than that of foam concrete: 40x20x20 cm (and semi-blocks - 40x12x20 cm). They are rarely used for walls, as they emit harmful gases, but are widely used for any foundations due to their low cost.

Full-size cinder block - once a very common material

Expanded clay concrete blocks

When making them, not slag is added to the solution, but expanded clay (burnt foamed clay). These blocks are the least hygroscopic of all (except concrete), and one of the lightest. They are also often made hollow. Expanded clay blocks are the same size as cinder blocks, and they are almost as cheap. They are also often made in a handicraft way, so the range of sizes is large.

Full-size expanded clay blocks are better in quality than cinder blocks

They are otherwise called “wood concrete”. The filler is sawdust of large fractions. Such blocks are even close to wood in some properties: they are light, elastic and have good thermal insulation qualities, but are more hygroscopic; therefore they also require careful waterproofing. Arbolite is very popular as a building material, but is rarely used for foundations. Their sizes are: 50x25x30 cm and 50x25x20 cm.

Arbolite blocks are closer in properties to wood

Porous ceramic blocks

These beautiful, warm, waterproof and durable blocks measuring 51x25x21.9 cm and 38x25x21.9 cm, of course, can also be used on the foundation. But they are very expensive, so they are rarely used even in the construction of walls. Although theoretically everything is possible. What if there is some left over from building a house, and you don’t know what to use it for?

Porous ceramic blocks of different sizes are an expensive pleasure for the foundation

Material selection

Let's summarize all the information:

• expanded clay and cinder blocks are dense, with better thermal insulation, but have a wide range in size due to handicraft production, are not very durable, suitable for medium strip and column foundations;
• foam concrete and gas silicate blocks are inexpensive, they are all the same, smooth and light, but due to their hygroscopicity, great efforts will be required to waterproof the foundation; nevertheless they are widely used for these purposes;
• arbolite blocks are subject to deformation and are very hygroscopic;
• ceramic blocks are very expensive;
• concrete blocks are the strongest, suitable for heavy foundations, but also poorly insulating and the heaviest; nevertheless, their use in a strip foundation is the maximum guarantee of the quality of your foundation in any condition of your soil.

Columnar recessed and non-recessed block foundation

The simplest columnar foundation, regardless of depth, is easiest to build from blocks.

This foundation is made of blocks (concrete wall, expanded clay, foam concrete) or brick. We will look at a shallow foundation that is installed directly on the ground; shallow and deep ones differ only in that a different number of blocks are placed on the mortar in a conical-section pit on a sand-crushed stone cushion, and the deep pit is then filled with previously dug earth.

Columnar foundation (drawing in two positions, shallow and deep) shows the principles of its construction

Required Tools

To build the foundation you will need:

• construction mixer for mixing concrete (or a trough for mixing by hand);
• bayonet shovel;
• shovel;
• hand wheelbarrow;
• tamper (manual or vibration);
• rubber hammer;
• hydraulic level (or laser level);
• roulette.

Step-by-step creation of a columnar foundation

1. We choose a place for construction.
2. We prepare the site: mow the grass, uproot the trees, level the horizontal.

   First of all, the soil surface is cleared of debris, trees, shrubs and their root systems are removed.

3. Using string and stakes, we mark the area (half a meter on each side more than the foundation) and the places where the “pillars” will stand. You will need so many pillars that they are located a maximum of one and a half meters from each other. Then the building will be strong.

   The construction of the foundation begins with markings

4. We deepen the ground within the boundaries of the site by 0.3 meters (this can only be done at the locations of the pillars, then less crushed stone will be needed).
5. We fill it with crushed stone, fill it with water, and compact it.
6. We place two or four blocks on the crushed stone (in the first case - one above the other, in the second - layers in a perpendicular orientation) blocks on a self-prepared (M400 cement, sand and crushed stone in a ratio of 1, 2 and 5 parts, respectively) solution. Let the solution harden. The same principle applies to bricks, only it will take more of them. It is not worth buying ready-made concrete, since the consumption is small.

   We place four blocks (in a perpendicular orientation) in a pit on crushed stone.

7. For waterproofing, coat the top of the pillars with molten bitumen and place pieces of roofing felt.
8. We construct a grillage from wooden beams.
9. We connect it with plank stiffening ribs.

   The grillage should be at a distance of more than 10 cm from the ground level

Video: construction of a columnar foundation from blocks

Strip foundation made of blocks

If you have started building a foundation, then you have a geodetic report on the soil, groundwater level, freezing depth on the site and a house design. For example, you are planning to build a one-story house from logs.

To calculate the foundation, you will need a design for the entire house.

Let's assume that our geodetic conclusion is favorable, so the foundation should not be particularly deep.

We must remember: even with the permitted minimum depth of a strip foundation made of blocks, there must be at least two blocks in height.

There are two ways, and their choice depends on the weight of the future house: install a foundation of large (for example, 2380x500x580 mm) FBS and FL blocks (for example, 2400x800x300 mm) according to all the rules. The “tape” will have much fewer seams, it will be stronger and its qualities will be close to a monolith. But this will require the use of a truck crane and an excavator to dig a huge trench. And for a future house, such a foundation is redundant and incredibly expensive, even though we can put a solid foundation only around the perimeter of the house, and at the intersections of the internal walls, pillars made of wall blocks will be sufficient.

Online calculator of FBS blocks for a foundation 44 meters long

An online calculator and a simple calculation based on approximate prices for central Russia show that FBS blocks alone will cost in our case more than 250 thousand rubles.

You will also need FL blocks (which are even more expensive), mortar and a sand-crushed stone mixture.

An example of using large FBS and FL blocks

The main difference between this type of work is the width of the trench.

A foundation made from FBS and FL blocks is incredibly solid, incredibly durable and very rarely needed

For less heavy structures, the so-called intermittent foundation is suitable - when FL blocks are not placed close to each other, the permissible distance between them is no more than 0.7 meters; this allows you to save at least a little.

“Discontinuous foundation” - FL blocks are not close together

Video: building a massive foundation from FBS and FL blocks

But it is better to use small wall blocks (for example, 200x200x400 mm), the so-called “manual” ones - which a person can lift with his hands, and without “pillows”. In addition, such a foundation will be quite sufficient for a lightweight timber house.

Strip foundation made of small concrete blocks

First, you need to draw the layout of the blocks on the foundation in order to understand how many and which ones will be needed. If a whole number of blocks do not fit between the corners of the foundation, you can order “additional” blocks of the required size for laying the corners. In the same way, blocks with openings for communications (water supply, sewerage) and vents will be needed. They can also be ordered. Or you can lay standard blocks with openings, which are then partially filled with mortar.

There are many online foundation calculators available. But all of them are designed for large FBS blocks. You can use the wall calculator by entering the data of our blocks and foundation dimensions into it.

1. We obtain results for the required amount of reinforcement and the cross-section of reinforcing bars.

   Reinforcement in the reinforcing belt: section, location, quantity

2. We enter the necessary numbers - the thickness of the tape is 0.3 meters, the length, width and height of the tape, the grade of concrete and click on the “calculate” button.
3. But there are many online calculators for concrete strip foundations, and they will help you calculate the consumption of concrete for the reinforcing strip. Calculations are usually made in accordance with SNiP 52–01–2003 “Concrete and reinforced concrete structures”, SNiP 3.03.01–87 and GOST R 52086–2003.

   The amount of mortar we need for masonry

4. We get the results: the length of the tape, the total area of ​​the masonry, the thickness of the wall, the required number of blocks, their volume and cost, the approximate weight of the mortar and other data.

   Filling out the forms with data for our foundation

5. We fill in the data for our foundation: the dimensions of the block, the total length of the walls (perimeter), the height of the tape in the corners, its thickness, the thickness of the mortar in the masonry, the use of masonry mesh (and how often we will use it), the average price of such a block in central Russia , block weight. Click on the “calculate” button.

   We get the calculated result

6. In addition, the required amount of solution becomes clear.

   Enter the parameters of the reinforcing belt for the block foundation

7. You will need about 5 m3 of concrete per strip, and taking into account the solution that will be used for laying the blocks and the top reinforcing layer, you need to take it with a reserve of 6 or 7 m3.

The final result of calculating the quantity and cross-section of reinforcement

The calculations also show a drawing for the best location of reinforcement in the reinforcing belt.

The location of the reinforcement in the reinforcing belt is shown in the calculations

Table: solution proportions for Portland cement grade M400

We must not forget about the proportions of preparing the solution depending on the brand of cement. We were counting on M400 Portland cement, but there can be many options.

Table: solution proportions for Portland cement grade M500

Required Tools

To build such a foundation you will need:

1. Construction mixer for mixing concrete (or a trough for mixing by hand).
2. Bayonet shovel.
3. Shovel
4. Hand wheelbarrow.
5. Tamping (manual or vibrating).
6. Welding machine (if you need to weld reinforcement).
7. Hammers of different weights.
8. Pliers.
9. Grinder for cutting reinforcing bars.
10. Nail puller, crowbar.
11. Hydro level (or laser level).
12. Roulette.
13. Circular saw (or hand saw, for cutting lumber for formwork construction).
14. Electric drill (for installation of formwork).
15. Screwdriver (for installation of formwork).
16. Goats (for installation of formwork).

Step by step implementation

1. We prepare the site, as in the previous case.
2. We make markings for digging trenches for the “tape”. The pegs are driven not into the supposed corners of the foundation, but so that these corners are formed by the intersection of the cord. The pegs are driven in to the height of the future plinth.

   The pegs are driven in to the height of the plinth

3. We dig trenches according to the plan, the intended width and depth.

   Digging trenches - don’t forget about trenches for water supply and sewerage

4. Sand and crushed stone are poured into the bottom of the trenches for a drainage cushion to a height of approximately 0.3 meters.
5. The pillow is lightly filled with water and tamped down - manually or using a mechanism called “vibrotamper”.

   The drainage mixture is processed with a vibrating plate or vibrating rammer

6. For formwork, use a circular saw to cut the board into the required pieces according to preliminary calculations.
7. We knock together or fix low formwork for the reinforcing concrete belt using stops in the trench.
8. We lay reinforcement on the sand in the formwork in the calculated number of layers and with the calculated frequency of installation of vertical columns.
9. We mix the concrete solution from cement, sand and crushed stone. If you have a construction mixer, then the process is very easy.

   The cement mortar can be mixed by hand or using a construction mixer

10. Pour the solution into the trench to a height of 30 centimeters. Such a support base will help to evenly distribute the mass of the foundation blocks and walls of the house. To ensure that there are no voids or bubbles in the hardened concrete, you need to stir it with a stick. The pouring must be done in one day, otherwise the foundation will be divided into segments that are poorly connected to each other due to the difference in the “setting” time.
11. Using a trowel, smooth out the filling flush with the formwork; it is very important that it is perfectly level for laying the blocks. Cover the filling with film and leave it to gain strength for two weeks.

    To create waterproofness, roofing felt is most often wetted with petroleum bitumen

12. Now you can do general waterproofing of the foundation.

Waterproofing

For high-quality waterproofing of a building, it is necessary to have a proper drainage system around the foundation.

Waterproofing the foundation itself is needed for two purposes: preventing moisture from penetrating into the structure of the house from the foundation (done on the horizontal surface of the foundation) and preventing moisture from penetrating into the foundation from the soil and the environment, so that the concrete does not collapse when this moisture freezes. Let's talk about the second one.

It is done in many ways:

• coating - bitumen, polymer and epoxy mastics are used for this;

  

  The foundation is covered with waterproofing in an overlapping manner

Pasting, as a rule, is combined with coating with mastic before and after pasting. If the pasting is multilayer, a mesh is laid between its layers, which is used for conventional plastering.

The placement of layers when pasting should only be vertical; The vertical overlap should not be less than 10 centimeters, the horizontal overlap should not be less than 30, and the pasting must be done from below.

Thermal insulation

If there is a subfloor, it is important to have a thermally insulated foundation. Spray waterproofing also has thermal insulation properties. But sheets of expanded polystyrene are often used, gluing them to the outside of the blocks even before filling the foundation strip with earth. This is not done from the inside: double thermal insulation will cause condensation.

They insulate not only the foundation, but also the blind area

Video: building a foundation from blocks

From concrete blocks you can build a strong, reliable and almost eternal foundation. For a large house, heavy FBS concrete blocks are suitable; for a small building, it is worth choosing small, lightweight blocks made of foam or aerated concrete. During the construction of the foundation, you need to carefully consider its waterproofing, then the structure will be used for a long time and will maintain its integrity, regardless of external influences.