How high should the building’s base be, what does it depend on?

One of the most important things to plan for in a new construction project is figuring out how high the building’s base should be. An essential component that sustains the entire structure and guarantees its stability and longevity over time is the base, or foundation.

The kind of soil the building will be built on is one of the many variables that determine the base height of the structure. Because different soils have varying capacities to support weight, some soils can support more weight than others. To determine the foundation height based on these characteristics, engineers frequently test the soil.

The base height is also significantly influenced by the state of the climate. A higher base might be required in areas that receive a lot of rainfall or are vulnerable to flooding in order to stop water from seeping into the structure. Similarly, the base must be deep enough to prevent damage from frost heave, which occurs when soil expands as a result of ice formation, in regions with freezing temperatures.

The base height may also vary depending on the kind of building and how it will be used. Requirements for residential buildings may differ from those for commercial or industrial buildings. In addition, there will be particular guidelines established by local building codes and regulations that need to be adhered to in order to guarantee compliance and safety.

You can choose the ideal height for the base of your building by carefully weighing these variables, guaranteeing a solid, steady, and long-lasting foundation for your undertaking. You can steer clear of possible problems and build a structure that endures over time with the aid of careful planning and professional advice.

Why is it needed?

The designated lower portion of the house’s facade, along with any additional architectural elements (columns, monument), is referred to as the plinth. Different methods are used for selection, which is frequently enhanced by decorative finishing.

The foundation is referred to as the basement portion, and its purpose is to create a barrier between the ground and the main (upper) portion of the façade. We can infer the following functions from this:

• Protection of the building from direct contact with the ground (from dampness).
• Protecting the façade from getting wet, mechanical damage, and contamination. Raindrops bounce off the ground and successfully moisten and stain walls that are not protected by a plinth.
• Improving the thermal insulation properties of the facade.
• Providing air circulation in the basement, which extends its service life.
• Possibility of equipping a basement or underground floor.
• Helps to evenly distribute the load from the house to the foundation (if the joint between the wall, the floor of the first floor and the basement is made correctly).
• It is a significant decorative detail that gives the building a finished look.

Varieties by technology

The foundation that is selected will determine the shape that the base will take. Strip-type foundations are preferred in private construction in Russia; pile and monolithic varieties are also common. In the event that the project calls for a strip foundation, one of the following options is used for the base design:

• Monolithic. Monolithic structures require formwork, and the reinforced concrete plinth is no exception. In fact, the base is the outer part of the strip base.
• Masonry. The level of protection from atmospheric moisture and temperature fluctuations is lower than that of a concrete monolith, since the foundation strip is brought to ground level, and then masonry (for example, brick) is erected. The structure must be supplemented with cladding and thoroughly waterproofed.

The dimensions of the ground portion of the pillars determine the height and thickness of the base part in a columnar (pile) foundation. There are two ways to make the base:

• In the form of a wall between pillars on a strip foundation. A resource- and labor-intensive option that is chosen if it is necessary to insulate the interior.

Strip foundation with a portion that protrudes

• In the form of a hanging structure, inexpensive and much easier to implement. The base is a lathing made of metal profile or wood. The frame is sheathed with suitable finishing material; popular siding, decorative thermal panels.

Varieties by appearance

Plaques are categorized based on how they look and how they relate to the facade’s plane. In addition, whether or not a basement (or semi-basement) exists in the home has an impact on the basement’s height. The options listed below are feasible:

• Speaker. A common solution if the house design includes an insulated basement. A protrusion is formed when the thickness of the walls is small, and the base serves as a continuation of the strip foundation. The additional thickness helps reduce heat loss on the ground floor; protection from moisture is provided by a canopy installed around the perimeter of the house.
• Smooth. All facade details are located in the same plane.

Recessed plinth with a clinker finish

• Sunken. It is located deeper than the plane of the facade, so the overhanging edge of the wall protects the lower part from precipitation. It is found in two-layer walls, where the overhang of the wall is formed by a layer of insulation. Overhanging a load-bearing wall is rare, as it is considered an unproductive engineering solution.

The falling base can drain moisture without the need for extra devices.

Stability, safety, and longevity of a building are contingent upon the height of its base, or foundation. It is contingent upon a number of variables, such as the kind of soil, temperature, water table, and the planned use of the building. For example, a higher base is required to prevent water damage in areas that are prone to flooding. The foundation needs to be deep enough to prevent frost heave in colder climates. Comprehending these variables facilitates the creation of a foundation that not only upholds the structure but also shields it from external hazards.

What influences the choice of height

The plinth’s elevation above the floor is determined by the following factors:

• Presence of a basement floor, its depth and height above the ground.
• House project parameters. If the house is small and has one floor, they try to increase the living space by using a semi-basement. In this case, you need to remember the proportions: a high base does not fit well into the architectural composition of a low building.
• Local climate. Winter temperatures and average annual precipitation affect the parameters of the basement. If window openings and vents are designed low, high snow will regularly block them.

A ventilation solution located at the plinth’s base

• Terrain. If the house is located in a lowland, flooding is possible during spring floods or prolonged rains.
• Ground water level. If it is high enough, the basement (if there is one) should be moved up to the maximum.

About choosing the height of the base

• The minimum parameter cannot be lower than 20 cm.
• The standard height of the plinth in a private house is considered to be 30-40 cm.
• Wooden buildings, due to the natural nature of the material, are more susceptible to moisture; for them it is recommended to increase the distance above ground level to 50-90 cm.
• If the project does not have a basement, the size ranges from 20-90 cm.
• As for projects with a zero floor, the basement base is increased to 1.5-2 m. The exact indicator is determined taking into account the climate and hydrological regime of the site.

South of that line is acceptable for a low base. If there is a lot of snow in the area where the residence is located, the base height is additionally increased; this rule specifically applies to wooden buildings.

As the foundation can account for up to 30% of construction costs, the desire to raise the walls as high above the ground will protect housing from moisture but also drive up construction costs. As such, it is frequently required to look for a middle ground when determining its height.

If a private home’s plinth is set lower than the recommended range of 20 to 40 cm, there is a greater chance that the walls will become damp and the unfinished construction will lose its ability to retain heat. Additionally, mold will eventually grow both inside and outside the walls. A house with a low foundation may have the following design modifications to reduce unfavorable effects:

• A sinking base with a wall protruding beyond its border by about 5 cm is preferable. Water flowing down the wall will fall directly onto the blind area. To facilitate water drainage, a drip line is attached along the lower (protruding) edge of the wall.

Waterproofing is a crucial component of any pedestal.

• A horizontal layer of rolled waterproofing is necessarily laid between the base and the wall.

The layout of the walls has an impact on the basement’s height as well. Compared to multi-layer walls, single-layer walls offer less protection against moisture. Consequently, the foundation of a home with single-layer exterior walls must be at least 50 centimeters above ground. They make up for any size reduction by adding more waterproofing.

When determining the base height of double-layer walls, the insulation technique is taken into consideration. It is okay to leave 30 cm if water-repellent insulation (polymer or mineral wool) is chosen, but vertical waterproofing should also be used to add more moisture protection.

Buildings made of wood need a high base.

One of the most important factors affecting a building’s stability and longevity is its base height. The type of soil, the climate in the area, and the intended use of the building are some of the factors that go into determining the proper height. Making sure the base is appropriately raised can help avoid common problems in many areas, such as flooding and moisture damage.

First and foremost, soil conditions. A higher base might be required in areas with soft or unstable soil in order to give sufficient support and keep the area from settling. On the other hand, structures on firm, stony terrain might need a lower base. Before choosing the base height, a thorough analysis of the soil must be done.

The climate is important as well. A higher base can prevent water intrusion into the building in locations that frequently experience flooding or heavy rains. In flood zones, where water levels can rise significantly, this is especially crucial. Similar to this, in colder climates, frost heave—which happens when the ground freezes and expands—can be avoided with a higher base.

The decision should also be guided by the purpose of the building. Comfort and accessibility are important in residential buildings, so the base should be raised enough to keep moisture out without necessitating a lot of steps to enter. The base height of commercial or industrial buildings may be higher to make room for loading docks or heavy machinery.

In the end, a building’s base height strikes a compromise between necessity and practicality. You can decide on the ideal height to guarantee longevity and safety by taking into account the soil type, climate, and intended use of the structure. A thorough planning process and professional consultation are necessary before making this significant choice.

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