Step-by-step instructions for constructing floors on the ground in a strip foundation

In order to guarantee stability and longevity, building floors on the ground using a strip foundation requires a methodical approach. This kind of foundation is frequently used in construction and offers a stable foundation for a variety of structures. Here, we’ll lay out a detailed guide to assist you in comprehending how to construct these kinds of floors.

First things first, the site needs to be ready. Remove any plants, debris, or other obstructions that might impede construction. To give the foundation a stable base, make sure the ground is level and compacted correctly.

Next, use stakes and string lines to outline the foundation’s perimeter. This aids in putting the floor’s layout and measurements into perspective. To prevent mistakes in later steps, accuracy at this point is vital.

Dig the strip foundation trench in accordance with the designated dimensions. For the concrete footing that will support the floor, the trench’s depth and width should be adequate. Clear the trench of any extra dirt and debris.

After the trench is ready, start building the concrete footing’s formwork. In order to shape and retain the concrete until it hardens, formwork functions as a mold. Build the formwork out of strong materials like metal or wood, making sure it is properly aligned with the intended dimensions and braced.

To strengthen the concrete footing, add steel bars or mesh reinforcement to the formwork. Over time, this reinforcement keeps the load distributed evenly and keeps things from cracking. Make sure the reinforcement is positioned and buried within the formwork at the proper depth.

To create a solid concrete footing, fill the formwork completely with concrete. For consistency, use a concrete mixer and adhere to the mixing ratios and pouring techniques recommended by the manufacturer. Before starting any additional construction, give the concrete time to cure properly in accordance with the suggested timelines.

The walls and floor structure can be constructed on top of the concrete footing once it has hardened. Typically, this entails installing beams and joists for the floor and laying bricks or blocks for the walls. To preserve structural integrity, make sure all structural components are correctly positioned and fastened.

Inspect the finished floor construction one last time to make sure everything is plumb, level, and structurally sound. To avoid more difficulties, take quick action to resolve any disparities or concerns. With the help of this comprehensive guide, you can ensure a strong start to your construction project by learning the fundamentals of building floors on the ground using a strip foundation.

Step 1: Site Preparation Clear the ground and level the surface where the foundation will be laid.
Step 2: Layout and Marking Mark the perimeter of the foundation using strings and stakes according to the building plans.
Step 3: Excavation Dig trenches along the marked lines to the depth specified in the construction plans.
Step 4: Foundation Footing Pour concrete into the trenches to create a solid base for the foundation walls.
Step 5: Installing Drainage Place drainage pipes alongside the footing to prevent water buildup under the foundation.
Step 6: Insulation Install insulation material around the perimeter of the foundation to regulate temperature and prevent moisture buildup.
Step 7: Setting Forms Set up forms along the edges of the footing to contain the concrete for the foundation walls.
Step 8: Pouring Concrete Pour concrete into the forms and en Curing Allow the concrete to cure and gain strength over several days before proceeding with further construction.

For your article on "Step-by-step instructions for constructing floors on the ground in a strip foundation," the following is your main thesis statement: We provide concise, detailed instructions on how to build floors on the ground with a strip foundation in this guide. From site preparation and foundation layout to insulation installation and floor finishing, we handle it all. Whether you’re building a new building or remodeling an old one, this article will assist you in comprehending the practical aspects of designing a sturdy floor that satisfies your building requirements.

What is it: concept, application, device

A monolithic concrete screed is installed on the ground using tape, which helps stop heat leaks and provides dependable long-term service.

Any kind of soil can use this solution. Since the produced concrete or dry screed is not attached to the foundation, it is not subjected to loads from roofs or walls that support weight.

Ground level floors are a great option for a contemporary energy-efficient home that has a "warm floor."

Slab-type insulation is used for the damper layer, which is installed to prevent the floor screed from coming into contact with the base tape, adding strength to the floor structure.

Advantages and disadvantages

This design offers several benefits. The following are set apart:

  • does not require large financial costs;
  • withstands significant mechanical loads;
  • does not increase the load on wall structures;
  • can be easily repaired and lasts a long time;
  • suitable as a base for any finished floor option;
  • allows you to install “warm floors”.

Many fundamental tasks that arise during building construction can be addressed by a reasonably straightforward solution to implement. But there are a few subtleties to consider:

  • requires high-quality insulation;
  • not suitable for large backfill layer thicknesses (it cannot exceed 60 cm);
  • the floor is dependent on the groundwater level – not recommended for use in areas where it is high.

Furthermore, the ground floor requires careful consideration and a serious approach. But current technologies are well-established, and issues seldom arise if they are adhered to rigorously.

An initial site survey is necessary because the quality of the finished floor may be impacted by the aquifer’s depth.

The right “pie”: layer-by-layer guidance

If all that’s needed for wooden subfloors is sand backfill covered in a layer of geotextile, then creating a more intricate "pie" will be necessary for a concrete screed.

Reinforcing the finishing layer after it has hardened is advised by experts as it helps prevent cracking. The "warm floor" system’s communications can be supported by the finishing layer.

Professionals advise using this method:

  1. The first layer is compacted sand.
  2. Next, a gravel cushion is poured.
  3. A reinforcing mesh is installed, which can be made of either fiberglass or metal.
  4. A ten-centimeter layer of concrete mortar is poured.
  5. A waterproofing layer is created.
  6. A layer of insulation is laid, for which expanded clay or penoplex, or other insulating materials can be used.
  7. Another layer of waterproofing is laid.
  8. A finishing concrete screed is poured.

Any utility lines, such as water supplies or sewers, can be hidden by the final layer of the "pie," but it is advised to include a backup system to prevent the concrete layer from being destroyed when repairs are necessary.

Preparation for work

As part of the preparation phase, the site’s soil is examined, the aquifer’s depth is determined, and potential annual variations are noted. A drainage system must be installed in the building so that any moisture from the ground can escape to a safe distance.

The thickness of the backfill is determined during the preparatory process. A good sand-gravel pillow should have different densities; the thicker the layer, the harder it is to tamp.

Experts advise using a black screed with geotextiles to preserve moisture in concrete solutions, which is necessary for proper hardening. Should the filling be applied over the preparatory layer, it will eventually absorb moisture and become less strong than the final screed.

Typically, the preparatory layer’s shrinkage value corresponds to the chosen thickness.

It is advised to introduce all communications that will be located below floor level prior to the start of work; this step will become much more challenging later on.

When pouring concrete layers, it is imperative to endure the entire hardening layer to avoid future deformation or total destruction. If not, there’s a chance that the pie as a whole will become weaker or that geometric flaws will show up.

How to make it yourself?

If the building was built on a strip foundation, there are three basic ways to create floors on the ground. Even though they all have good load-bearing capacities, they each have unique benefits and subtleties.

Wood flooring

The least expensive and most straightforward approach. You will need to build a support system for the wooden logs by placing columns on the ground to support the structure.

Expanded clay must be filled in between the posts; occasionally, empty space may be allowed, but ventilation holes will still need to be made.

The subfloor is laid after the logs have been aligned to ensure that the plane of the supports is perfectly level. It has a film applied to it that serves as a standard substrate and provides vapor and waterproofing.

As a last option, flooring materials such as laminate, linoleum, or materials chosen by the owner can be used.

Dry screed

In the shortest amount of time, this option yields satisfactory outcomes. Work needed:

  1. A sand and gravel cushion is poured, where the components are arranged in layers twenty centimeters thick, carefully compacted, after which a sheet of geotextile material is laid on them.
  2. A reinforcing mesh is installed onto which the concrete mixture for the rough screed is poured.
  3. The next layer is a waterproofing film – the canvases are placed ten to fifteen centimeters above each other, the joints are sealed with construction tape, the edges are brought out onto the wall to a height of twenty centimeters.
  4. Plaster profiles or other structures are installed that will act as beacons allowing the formation of a flat surface.
  5. Expanded clay is poured and leveled according to previously installed beacons.
  6. Subfloor being installed. Drywall or plywood sheets are used for it. Experts consider tongue and groove plasterboard to be the most suitable, as it is securely connected into a single sheet thanks to a special profile.

The last step is to install the floor covering, which can be laminate or tiles, depending on the owner’s preferences.

Concrete screed

This approach requires more work than the others. If the surface is not exposed to the sun, the air temperature does not fall below five degrees, and the area is ready for work, then using it is advised.

The following is the algorithm used to install the screed:

  1. About ten to twenty centimeters of sand is poured out to create a cushion. The layer can be larger, but not exceed 60 cm. Tamping is carried out for maximum density, for example, as on a well-trodden road.
  2. A layer of gravel or crushed stone is formed on the resulting cushion, the thickness of which is similar to sand. Tamping is carried out.
  3. The geotextile fabric is laid overlapping, with an overlap of fifteen centimeters. The same is made on the walls of the foundation.
  4. A damping layer is mounted around the perimeter.
  5. Reinforcement is carried out with a special mesh made of fiberglass or metal reinforcement, after which the concrete composition is poured. Now you will need to withstand time until the mixture is completely hardened.
  6. Waterproofing is laid. Suitable as roofing material in combination with mastic from bitumen, or modern impregnations.
  7. A layer of insulation is laid. Experts recommend a foam, as it is dense and copes with the loads perfectly.
  8. A steam-hydro-insulating film with a vehicle is placed on the walls. Overlap up to fifteen centimeters, on the walls – up to twenty. All joints are worked out by construction tape.
  9. A reinforcing mesh for finishing filling is installed. The concrete layer does not exceed ten centimeters.

Before pouring concrete, pipelines and other required communications are laid if the building owner intends to install a heated floor. Verifying that every connection can support the load and has the necessary safety margin is imperative.

Technology selection

It is essential to evaluate the features and actual conditions of each method before selecting one for floor arrangement on the ground. Usually, consideration is given to the building owner’s personal preferences.

It is thought that dry screed is more repairable and concrete screed is more resilient. In the past, wooden flooring was quite popular, but even though it was less expensive, it was less durable and had several drawbacks.

Tips from the experts

There are a few things you should keep in mind to prevent negative outcomes:

  • drainage protection protects against excess moisture, which cannot be avoided after melting snow or heavy rainfall;
  • a floating concrete screed not fixed to the foundation will help you forget about the negative aspects associated with soil shrinkage;
  • geotextile fabric does not allow the sand cushion to absorb moisture from the concrete, which ensures complete hardening of the layer.

Video on the topic of the article

Ground floor projects, with video instructions:

To guarantee stability and longevity when building floors on the ground with a strip foundation, there are a few essential procedures to follow. First things first, it’s important to prepare the site, which includes making sure the ground is level and clearing the area of any debris. After that, excavation is carried out to the necessary depth, which is normally 200–300 mm below the level of the completed floor.

After the excavation is finished, a layer of gravel or hardcore must be laid and thoroughly compacted to create a stable base. This layer keeps the floor from settling unevenly over time and aids in drainage. After that, a damp-proof membrane is installed to keep moisture from seeping into the floor structure and lengthening its lifespan.

The actual construction of the strip foundation entails laying out trenches to the necessary dimensions and filling them with concrete after the base has been prepared. In order to strengthen the concrete, reinforcement bars are frequently added, particularly in locations where ground movement is likely to occur. It is important to give the concrete enough time to cure before moving forward.

After installing the strip foundation, the floor can be built by first applying a concrete screed and, if necessary, insulating boards. To create a smooth and even surface ready for the final floor finish—tiles, laminate, or any other material of choice—this screed needs to be carefully leveled.

Last but not least, routine upkeep and inspections guarantee that the built-in floor lasts a long time in good condition. The integrity of the floor and the entire structure it supports can be preserved by keeping an eye out for cracks or other indications of movement, which enables early intervention.

Video on the topic

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