For many construction projects, creating a basement out of concrete blocks is a workable and sensible solution. When used in basement construction, concrete blocks, also referred to as concrete masonry units (CMUs), provide a number of benefits. They give below-ground walls good structural integrity and are affordable and long-lasting.
Excavation is usually the first step in the concrete block basement construction process. This entails excavating the space designated for the basement. The intended use of the basement and local building codes determine how deep the excavation should be. A sturdy foundation is built to support the weight of the block walls after the excavation is finished and the ground is leveled.
The concrete blocks need to be laid next. In order to create a solid bond between the layers, mortar is usually applied in between each layer when stacking these blocks. Selecting the right mortar is essential because it offers stability and keeps things from shifting over time. To guarantee that the walls are level and straight, great care is taken when leveling each course of blocks.
Windows and door openings are framed out to allow for future access points and natural light sources as the walls are built upward. Depending on the structure’s height and load-bearing requirements, reinforcement may also be taken into account. This can entail putting in more structural supports within the block walls or rebar.
Waterproofing techniques are then used to stop moisture intrusion once the walls are finished. This frequently entails coating or applying a waterproof membrane to the basement walls’ external surfaces. Around the perimeter, appropriate drainage systems, like French drains, are also installed to control groundwater and safeguard the structure’s structural integrity over time.
To sum up, constructing a basement out of concrete blocks is a sensible option that provides longevity, structural stability, and design flexibility. Any building or renovation project can benefit greatly from having a concrete block basement, as long as the right procedures are followed and appropriate building methods are used.
- Is the material suitable for a cellar??
- When not to use concrete blocks?
- What type of concrete stones to choose?
- Requirements for partitions in the room under the house
- Materials, consumables and tools
- How to build a cellar with your own hands?
- What difficulties may arise?
- Pros and cons of the material
- Useful video
- Video on the topic
- Budget cellar with your own hands
- How to make a cellar with your own hands for 100 thousand rubles?
- How to make a MONOLITHIC ARMO BELT foundation fbs@builder-ideas_STROITEL
- Installation of a basement from concrete blocks (FBS)
Is the material suitable for a cellar??
On summer cottages, cellars are frequently constructed to create an additional space for storing tools or winter supplies. Private homes also feature basements, giving the owners the space to store supplies for the home.
In addition to using monolithic concrete, concrete and reinforced concrete blocks can also be used to build basements. This kind of material can be used to construct a cellar that is excellent for supporting residential buildings.
It is possible to construct cellar walls from concrete blocks in accordance with construction norms and regulations, but there are a few things to consider. A specific grade of Portland cement, determined by its strength, is required for the blocks.
The material needs to be a specific weight and size. Concrete shouldn’t let moisture in. If the groundwater level is too near, mold and mildew could grow on the walls, so a water barrier should also be applied to the structure.
When not to use concrete blocks?
Though the temperature inside should stay cool, cellars shouldn’t freeze. A concrete cellar’s service life is equivalent to that of the concrete itself: the longer the basement lasts, the more dependable the material.
Building a room beneath a concrete block home is not always a good idea.
- when the goal is to save construction costs;
- when a newbie does the work;
- when the groundwater level is too close.
In the construction industry, concrete blocks are not known for their affordability; however, this drawback can be mitigated by masonry material production occurring independently. Although it will take longer, you’ll save a ton of money.
Since there are many small details to consider when laying basement walls, it is best to use monolithic view concrete or another material if the work is being done by a novice. One more thing to consider: if groundwater is flowing in the area, you shouldn’t use this stone with masonry. Since there are no gaps in the masonry joints, monolithic concrete will be preferable in this situation.
What type of concrete stones to choose?
You won’t need to worry about the premises’ continued operation if the building and material selection are done in compliance with GOST. GOST 13579-2018 was developed to control the specifications for concrete blocks used in the construction of basements.
It includes details about the material’s weight, density, and construction-related measurements.
The following sizes of solid concrete blocks are used to construct partitions:
- 2380×300 (400,500,600) x580 mm;
- 1180×400 (500,600) x 280 (580) mm;
- 880×300 (400,500,600) x 580 mm.
For the purpose of building walls, 400x200x200 mm (40x220x20 CM) concrete blocks are also permitted.
The compressive strength of concrete blocks is determined by GOST and is contingent upon the type of cement used during pouring. It is stated that for blocks made of both heavy and light concrete, it is advised to use blocks of class no higher than B15 and no lower than B3.5. If a block is heavy, it needs to have mounting loops.
There might be variations in the stone’s size:
- length +-13 mm;
- width +-8 mm;
- height +-8 mm.
Since the cellar will partially function as the house’s foundation, light-colored materials shouldn’t be used to construct the walls of the basement.
Requirements for partitions in the room under the house
A concrete block basement should not be more than 1.9 or 2.2 meters high. There are specifications for partition thickness in non-heaving soils. When building with concrete, for instance, walls should have a maximum thickness of 50 cm and a minimum thickness threshold of 30 cm.
Such a structure should be between one and one and a half meters deep. The walls should be at least 25 cm thick if reinforced concrete masonry is used. This recommendation is based on the fact that the blocks contain reinforced fiber, which further strengthens the material.
Materials, consumables and tools
Before building walls for a cellar or basement, the following equipment and supplies must be ready:
- concrete blocks of the required size and density in the amount calculated in advance;
- materials for preparing the masonry mortar: cement, sand, water, additives;
- concrete mixer;
- building level;
- plumb line and cord;
- tape measure;
- marker for marking;
- shovel;
- plastic buckets or metal troughs;
- trowel;
- spatula;
- sledgehammer.
Because digging a pit is a prerequisite for beginning any excavation project, you also need to prepare supplies and consumables for the job. Contractors can handle this task; they can dig pits or dig trenches in a single day. Investing in waterproofing materials is also worthwhile since they prevent moisture from penetrating walls and floors.
How to build a cellar with your own hands?
First, a pit must be dug, and at its bottom, a cushion made of crushed stone and sand must be created. The pillow is made across the whole base of the bottom if a second basement floor is constructed. The bottom of the pit is then filled with concrete blocks, which are placed in accordance with the style of brickwork.
Numerous attributes:
- the blocks are placed on a concrete solution prepared according to the instructions;
- first they put the height in 4-5 rows, then they make reinforcement;
- the internal and external walls of the cellar must be tied with reinforcement: this will strengthen the structure;
- an armored belt is made around the perimeter of the basement and ceilings are installed;
- at the stage of installing the ceiling, it is important to make waterproofing;
- at the final stage the floor is poured.
Concrete blocks can also be used in another method for creating a cellar. In this instance, a vibrating press is used to compact the material after a cushion of crushed stone and sand has been installed. The floor slab is then installed on the bottom after waterproofing is completed. Every concrete block wall has roll waterproofing applied to it.
What difficulties may arise?
Difficulties and mistakes can occur when building a concrete block cellar or basement; the likelihood of issues is higher if you are unfamiliar with the construction technology beforehand and do not research the properties of the concrete block.
One of the most frequent errors is not waterproofing the basement walls. Craftsmen insist on installing roll material for waterproofing even in cases where groundwater is not located in close proximity.
An additional point: the cement mortar only serves to shakily hold the blocks together. The masonry mixture must be prepared precisely as directed by the manufacturer; water should never be added to the bucket of hardened solution to increase its liquidity. Another flagrant disregard for technology is the lack of dividers beneath the floor slab, which has unfavorable effects.
Pros and cons of the material
Concrete blocks’ geometry makes it simple to build any kind of wall because they frequently come in standard sizes. This is one of the best materials available for building cellars and basements.
Here are a few additional benefits:
- environmental friendliness of the material from which the stone is produced;
- resistance to mold and mildew;
- resistance to insects;
- duration of the operational period;
- strength and reliability of walls;
- frost resistance;
- large selection of sizes.
There are certain disadvantages with concrete blocks, such as:
- high cost;
- serious weight.
You will require special equipment to hire if you plan to use large stones. Another drawback of basement arrangement is the challenge of achieving perfect tightness at the joints.
Useful video
The video gives step-by-step directions on how to construct a basement for their FBS blocks:
Question | Answer |
Can you build a basement from concrete blocks? | Yes, you can build a basement from concrete blocks. They are durable, provide good structural support, and can be insulated easily. |
What are the steps to build a basement from concrete blocks? | First, excavate the area for your basement. Then, pour a concrete footing to support the walls. Next, lay the concrete blocks, ensuring they are level and properly aligned. Use mortar to bond the blocks together, and reinforce with rebar if necessary. Finally, waterproof the walls and backfill around the basement. |
For many homeowners, building a basement out of concrete blocks is not only feasible but also an economical solution. Concrete blocks are renowned for their strength, resilience to environmental changes, and longevity. When properly sealed and insulated, they offer excellent insulation properties as well as a strong foundation that can support the structure above.
The foundation of any concrete block basement construction project is a well-prepared site. This entails making sure the ground is level and stable as well as excavating the area to the necessary depth. Water accumulation around the basement must be prevented in order to avoid compromising the structural integrity of the building over time. Water management can be aided by installing a sump pump and a gravel base.
After the site is prepared, careful and precise placement of the concrete blocks is needed. Make sure the corner blocks are level and aligned before proceeding. After that, construct the walls by arranging the blocks in a staggered manner and securing them together with mortar. The basement is more resistant to outside pressures when the walls are strengthened and stabilized with steel rods and concrete filled in the cores.
The last but equally important step is waterproofing and sealing the basement. Consider utilizing a vapor barrier on the interior surfaces and apply a waterproof coating to the external walls. This keeps moisture from penetrating the walls and causing mold and dampness in the basement. A well-insulated basement is a valuable addition to your house since it will remain comfortable all year long.
In conclusion, using concrete blocks to build a basement is a practical and effective solution that has many advantages. You can build a sturdy and useful basement that raises the value and usability of your house with careful planning, site preparation, and close attention to detail during construction. A concrete block basement is a wise investment for the future, regardless of whether you need it for additional storage, living quarters, or utility purposes.
Concrete block basement construction is a practical solution that provides homeowners wishing to improve or add more living space with affordable costs and structural integrity. Anyone with a basic understanding of construction can successfully construct a long-lasting and useful basement by following a methodical process that includes site preparation, foundation laying, block installation, and appropriate waterproofing. The practical aspects of building a concrete block basement are examined in this article, which provides comprehensive instructions on the materials required, important construction phases, and crucial advice to guarantee a successful project.