A Guide to How Construction Workers Prepare Building Foundations

A good building foundation is more than a slab of concrete installed in the ground. The base must be constructed in a way that prevents excessive moisture and extreme temperatures from dismantling the entire building. There are a series of steps that construction workers must take when preparing a long-lasting foundation.

Evaluate the Soil Conditions

The type of foundation materials that workers use depends on the soil conditions. Construction workers must evaluate the entire site where the foundation will be laid. The soil and its moisture levels are considered because it cannot be too dry or too soggy. Next, they have to choose the correct type of excavation in which to place the foundation. If it’s too deep, the base of the building may sink into the ground, but if it’s too shallow, it may develop an uneven ground surface that results in a slope or damaged walls.

Create a Formwork

Formwork is a structural mold into which concrete or another type of liquid material is poured. This structure is often built on-site and constructed quickly using pins or screws. A wooden formwork may need to be replaced after several uses, compared to a metal one that lasts longer. If this mold is not made properly, the foundation will be uneven or misshapen.

Check for Voids

Construction workers should remove any voids, or air-filled spaces, from concrete. These voids will reduce the weight and strength of the foundation, causing it to weaken and sink further into the ground. Dewatering pumps may remove the air or water bubbles from the concrete’s surface. Another solution is to increase the concrete mixing times to prevent bubbles from forming.

Wait For the Curing

Instead of drying, concrete has to cure in order to reach its full strength and stability. The curing process varies from several days to weeks. If it’s not cured properly, the concrete develops cracks and loses its strength and durability.

Ensure a Proper Backfill

It’s important to select the right materials for the backfill and compact the base properly. There are certain materials that absorb too much moisture and are insufficient for compacting. Not compacting your base properly will cause the foundation to crack or settle.

A building’s foundation has to last forever and resist anything from extreme weather conditions to unpredictable movements of the earth. Inspecting the soil, mixing the right materials together, and installing drainage are several of many techniques needed to build a solid base. The foundation is the strongest structure, with a lifespan that should last longer than the building itself.