DIY foundation for a barn. Foundation for a barn: types of structures and stages of their installation Do-it-yourself monolithic barn

The Persian pompous word “shed”, meaning both “palace” and the name of the capital of the Golden Horde, the Russian people habitually simplified and adapted to the name of the simplest outbuilding. When purchasing a property, sheds are usually the first to be built. They store tools and equipment for building a house and working in the garden. And then they can be used not only as a storage room, but also as an enclosure for animals, and as a workshop for the owner of the house. Building a shed is easy. You don't need any super skills to do this. And any construction project needs to start from the foundation.

Features of the base for a shed

Of course, a barn is a lightweight building compared to a house. But it also does not have the weight of a toy; it is susceptible to soil movements, rising groundwater, freezing, and rotting. Therefore, a foundation is necessary, at least the simplest one. It is a fundamental part of any building. And any foundation is bad and does not fulfill its functions if it is built inconsistently with the purpose and incorrectly.

A barn with the right strip foundation will last a long time

Foundation (from Latin fundamentum - base) is an underground or underwater part of a building (structure), which receives loads and transfers them to the base. There are strip foundations (including those made from cross strips), columnar, solid, and pile foundations. There are monolithic and prefabricated ones. Material - concrete, reinforced concrete, stone (rubble), wood.

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There are not many types of foundations, and they all have common features. These are penetration into the soil, a cushion of drainage material (crushed stone, sand, pebbles), the foundation itself and waterproofing. Only pile foundations do not have a cushion - and only if they do not have a buried grillage. And for lightweight structures, completely shallow foundations are used. There is a strict connection between them and the type of soil and the weight of the structure.

Classification of soil on the site

Before designing a house, it is better to order a professional survey of the site (and it is advisable not to use the results of your neighbor: sometimes even nearby sites have very different soil conditions). But by the time you get to the point of building a house, a lot of time will pass; building a shed does not require such precision, so before building a shed, you can do a soil study yourself: use a garden drill to drill a two-meter hole, removing and studying the soil from different depths.

There are several simple tests. Water is mixed into the soil, you try to roll it out like dough and roll it into a ring. If this is successful, then two-thirds of it consists of clay or loam. If soil is poured into water and it begins to dissolve before our eyes and the water becomes cloudy, then this indicates loam; sand and clay precipitate.

Scheme of sedimentation in a solution of soil in water

According to the reference book “Soils. Foundations. Choosing the optimal foundation” There are three types of soils:

The contact area of ​​the foundation with the soil must correspond to the load, taking into account the expected resistance of the soil. The maximum resistance (reactive pressure) of the soil is determined experimentally based on the principles of soil mechanics, and state building codes provide tables of permissible soil resistance for certain geographic zones.

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Groundwater

The groundwater level is also the most important indicator, on which not only the foundation “model” depends, but also the depth of its foundation.

The structure of groundwater in your area is very important information

Soil freezing

In addition to the composition of the soil, you need to know to what depth it freezes in winter. In our “latitudes” the freezing depth is usually from eighty to one hundred centimeters, but with certain rare types of soil it can be more or less.

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.

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Since the barn is light, very simple and extremely economical types of foundations are often used. But sometimes in difficult soils you need to strengthen them.

Types of foundations suitable for a barn

1. Based on depth, foundations are divided into buried, shallowly buried and non-buried. It is clear that the barn will be satisfied with a small and shallow foundation.
2. By design, they come in four main types. Let's consider all possible cases of their use depending on the type of soil, the height of groundwater, the depth of freezing and the weight of the structure. To do this, you need to know all these indicators and be aware of their importance.

Slab

Excellent for unstable or subsiding soil; in addition, it is often used if the barn is heavy. Pros: solidity, reliability. Disadvantages: labor intensive, lack of underground, high cost.

An example of a monolithic foundation - such a foundation for a barn is, of course, too solid

Tape

The best option is a shallowly buried strip foundation. It can be made from ready-mixed concrete, cement mortar, or concrete blocks with mortar. Pros: comparative simplicity and financial accessibility of its construction. Disadvantages: it cannot be placed on unreliable soils with close soil water, on clay and sand. But almost one hundred percent of the experts will recommend it to you, even if your site consists of unfavorable soils - but with amendments to the design: it will be necessary to make the “ribbon” of the foundation wider and deeper.

A strip concrete foundation in this design is also redundant for a light barn

Columnar

One of the easiest types to perform independently. Suitable for light wooden or frame structures. Such a foundation can also be shallow, but this is more suitable for gazebos and barbecues - for a house it is too ephemeral. It is placed in pits (on a bed of drainage material) made of factory-made concrete blocks. Pros: ease of implementation, low price, suitable for any soil. Cons: not suitable for heavy structures; It practically eliminates the presence of an underground floor, and the space under the shed will be poorly insulated.

Columnar foundation is very suitable for lightweight structures

Pile

It dampens movements well and is made from asbestos-cement pipes, which are concreted into pits with drainage filler, and sometimes from ordinary metal and screw piles. Pros: suitable for unstable soils and slopes, resistant to subsidence and landslides; asbestos cement is also cheap. Cons: pile-grillage with a metal grillage is very expensive due to the cost of metal for a heavy grillage and requires welding.

A pile-and-grillage foundation with screw piles is wonderful, but too expensive for a cheap shed

But there are also a lot of foundations that are combined in design and depth.

Photo gallery: examples of foundations suitable for a barn

Screw piles are camouflaged here A shed made of logs on a columnar foundation A shed on screw piles is an expensive solution A strip foundation for a shed is sometimes very heavy and too redundant A barrel shed on a slab foundation made of wood A shed with a woodshed on a slab foundation made of rubble stone A shed with a roof made from an old boat on a strip foundation in Wales Plank shed on a post foundation Designer shed can be installed on any foundation; made in Russia

Video: types of foundations for construction

What to build from and how: review of materials and methods

In order to have a good idea of ​​what we will encounter when building a foundation for a barn, we will briefly describe how the most common versions of such foundations are made.

From large section timber

From blocks and bricks

Such a foundation is quite difficult to implement.

Strip concrete foundation

Piles and grillage made of timber

Concrete piles

We'll talk about the columnar foundation made of concrete blocks in more detail later.

Preliminary preparation for choosing a shed and the foundation for it

It involves very few actions.

Selecting a location

It is very important to place the shed so that it is not exposed to strong gusts of wind or does not end up in a wind tunnel between two buildings (otherwise its parts will be subject to unnecessary stress). In addition, it should not be located under the slope of the roof of the house, so as not to be covered with additional snow; on a slope so that it does not flood; in the shade so that the snow does not remain on its roof for a long time; near large trees so that the roof is not pierced by branches and covered with leaves in the fall. And most importantly: the ground at the construction site must be suitable and level.

Choosing a location for a shed is a responsible matter; choosing the right location will make construction and further operation much easier for you.

The right place for your shed will greatly facilitate its construction and further operation.

Design selection

Here you have complete scope for creativity. It all depends on your needs, capabilities and skills.

A barn in the form of a trailer from the beginning of the 20th century - decoration of the site

The barn can be anything.

1. According to the type of walls - frame (sandwich with insulation), or plank, or log.
2. In terms of area and height - large or small, full or so-called “garden chest” for storing tools.
3. According to location - free-standing or attached to the house.
4. By purpose - a pantry, a workshop, a woodshed, an enclosure for dogs, a room for chickens and rabbits, a temporary residence or even a greenhouse. In the last two, it is necessary to provide for water supply (and sometimes sewerage) and heating, which cannot but affect the choice of foundation.

But we will focus on the simplest small lean-to frame shed, standing separately, for which you will need the simplest foundation of all possible.

Scheme of the future barn on a columnar foundation made of blocks

How to make a foundation for a barn with your own hands

If your goal is only to protect your structure from rotting and moisture, and not to create a full-fledged underground floor, then your path is a shallow columnar foundation made of foam or expanded clay blocks. Moreover, we will place the blocks not in a checkerboard pattern, 4 blocks per column, but one on top of the other - two per column. Our design is lightweight.

An example of blocks in the pillars of a shallow columnar foundation

Selection and calculation of material

1. It would be optimal to choose foam blocks. They are relatively light and inexpensive.

   Foam concrete blocks are the best choice among all blocks

2. For strapping (grillage), you can use both timber and board. Of course, you are more likely to have a medium-section board. But it’s still better to make the harness from timber.

   Beam 100x100x6000 mm - the most reliable thing for a grillage

3. And you need to make internal stiffeners from the board.

   A board 25 millimeters thick is a sufficient foundation for a shed

4. For the solution, it is better to choose Portland cement brand M400; it has much better adhesion.

   M400 cement has good adhesion and will reliably hold the blocks together

5. The sand in the solution should be river sand, fine, without clay.

   The sand must be river sand, fine, without clay

6. The crushed stone for the pillow should also be small, since only small stone will ensure evenness and good adhesion of the blocks to the ground.

   Only fine crushed stone will ensure evenness and good adhesion of the blocks to the ground

7. You will need very little roofing felt. But if there is none at all, you will have to buy a whole roll.

   You will need very little roofing material

But on any site (unless you have just arrived on a virgin piece of field) there are always leftovers: pieces of roofing felt, a pile of sand or crushed stone, several blocks or a hundred bricks. So, most likely, you won’t need to buy materials. But if necessary, you can display the following numbers.

Table: calculation of the required material and its approximate cost, based on average prices

If you replace the timber with a board, then the already low cost will be even lower.

It is done in the most primitive way.

Tools needed

• bayonet shovels
• shovel;
• wheelbarrow;
• tamping;
• construction mixer for mixing cement mortar (if this is not possible, then an ordinary trough or even a sheet of roofing iron);
• trowels;
• hammers;
• nail puller;
• pliers;
• circular saw, electric saw or hacksaw;
• drill and screwdriver;
• pegs and twine;
• tape measure and hydraulic level (or laser level).

Step by step process

1. We choose, as mentioned above, and clear the area. We uproot stumps, remove roots, mow down vegetation.
2. We level the cleared area; this must be done very carefully, preferably with the help of a level.
3. We mark the square, as well as the places of the posts, with pegs and twine. The square should be larger than the foundation area by at least half a meter in each direction.
4. We deepen the soil in the marked square (remove the fertile layer) by 30 centimeters. (you can be lazy and remove this layer only under the posts, then you will need less crushed stone).
5. We pour a crushed stone cushion there, spill it with water, and tamp it down.

   

The construction of the foundation is one of the most critical construction stages. The supporting platform largely determines the durability of both large-scale capital projects and small outbuildings. A barn cannot be classified as a demanding object in terms of foundation characteristics, however, there are many important nuances in the technique of its construction. Moreover, this operation in most cases is carried out with a modest set of materials and technical means, which in itself forces performers to look for ways to optimize work activities. To build a high-quality foundation for a shed, it would be a good idea to use proven technologies for solving such problems at minimal cost.

Preparation for work activities

Before starting construction of the foundation, it is necessary to carefully calculate the work plan. It is important to determine the location of the facility, the area and orientation of the technological points. An approximate layout of the barn will allow for the correct positioning of the supporting platform, regardless of what technology it will be used. In order to last longer and not be damaged during the first stages of operation due to defects in the ground surface, it is important to clear the soil. The layer of vegetation must be eliminated and, if possible, the rough coating must be made not only even, but also hard. This may also require removing loose soil or using a tamping tool. The method of achieving the desired characteristics of the base surface will depend on the quality of the soil itself.

Preparation of the solution

Almost all shed foundation methods require the use of concrete. To prepare the solution you will need a basic set of water, sand and cement, but with the addition of gravel. The fraction of its elements can be any, but it is advisable to correlate it with the volume of the planned mass - the larger the pouring area, the larger the fraction. For example, gravel for a columnar foundation will have a minimum size, but for a strip foundation it is advisable to select a large fraction. It is important to maintain the proportions for the solution from which the foundation will be made; sand and gravel should be mixed in a small container in a ratio of 3:5, then add 1 part of Portland cement. Water is added with the expectation of obtaining a thick but tenacious mass.

Construction of a monolithic foundation

This is a simple technique, but quite a voluminous method of making a foundation. Its use is justified when it comes to the construction of a brick outbuilding. The essence of the technology is the construction of a durable sand cushion with the inclusion of the same gravel. At approximately 10-15 cm, a base should be laid on which the cement screed will subsequently be organized. But before this, a continuous formwork is formed around the perimeter of the working area, on which it is planned to install the foundation for the barn. We make restrictive barriers with our own hands, within which the cement mortar will be poured. They can be made from plastic or wooden slats with panels - the main thing is that they can hold the poured mass. After this, you can proceed to the installation of reinforcing bars and the direct installation of the screed. It should be borne in mind that such a foundation may take about 2-3 weeks to fully gain strength, depending on the working area.

for a post-type barn?

A columnar foundation requires less materials in volume, but its implementation requires more careful calculations. Usually a load-bearing base is formed, fixed on racks fixed in the ground. If we are talking about a small barn, then four pillars with a diameter of about 15 cm will be enough. For each of them, a hole is initially dug into which a cushion of gravel and sand is poured. Next, the pillar rod is installed and filled with cement. If necessary, you can use special equipment to drive piles. After this, the columnar foundation for the barn is covered with logs. The basis for the flooring will be formed by fastening structures, including grillage strapping, channel and profile elements.

Technique for installing strip foundations

This type of foundation is one of the most common in the construction of residential private houses, but for outbuildings it is considered too troublesome and unreasonably expensive. To implement this technique, it is necessary to make excavation lines around the perimeter of the work site. You will get trenches that are filled with sand and crushed stone. For greater reliability, a reinforcing base is also placed in earthen niches. If you are planning a strip foundation for a large barn, then trenches should be made in the central part. Next, the prepared niches with fittings are filled with the same solution. After the concrete has hardened, you can begin work on laying out the flooring, which can also serve as the floor covering for the future barn.

How to make a foundation for a shed from foam blocks?

There are two common methods for constructing a platform for a foam block shed. In the first case, it is assumed that contour support lines will be created like a strip foundation. That is, a trench is made around the perimeter, which is filled with a combination of sand and gravel, after which blocks are laid on the cement mortar. Next, a connecting structure is formed for the flooring made of metal or durable joists. The second method is used when working with objects that are demanding in terms of resistance to high loads. In this scheme, the contractor lays the foundation in blocks all over the entire site. The foam block itself is characterized by low thermal conductivity, insulating qualities, ease of processing and low price. Therefore, from the point of view of obtaining high performance qualities of a barn as a storage facility for demanding materials, this foundation option may be the best.

How to choose the best foundation option?

Before analyzing possible options for a suitable foundation, you should decide on the tasks that the shed will perform and the conditions of its operation. For a small building in a warm region, a pile foundation with several load-bearing rods will be sufficient. It is advisable to construct large-area objects on a monolithic basis - for example, from a solid or in the form of a block platform. These techniques will allow you to build a durable and well-protected foundation for the shed in the lower part. A monolith can be made with your own hands using a standard set of tools, but requires more physical effort. For example, laying a block may require the help of at least one partner.

Is it possible to build a shed without a foundation?

Of course, you won’t be able to do without a load-bearing base completely, but optimizing this structural part of the barn in some cases justifies itself. So, if there are no strict requirements for thermal insulation, then it is quite possible to confine ourselves to installing the frame on four concrete blocks distributed in the corners of the future building. You can make a barn without a foundation and on cleared soil. Such projects are typically constructed using prefabricated structures that provide a rigid wood or metal platform to replace the foundation. But it is important not to forget that the classic foundation also guarantees a horizontal surface. Therefore, it is important to initially adjust the rough coating so that it does not have serious deviations in heights over the entire area.

Conclusion

It would be incorrect to consider the foundation as a part separate from the main frame of the barn. Even high-quality implementation of the base without taking into account the nuances of further construction can cause many problems during operation. The main thing you should pay attention to when matching the foundation for a shed and its structural base is the technique of forming an airtight bond. The transition is usually made from concrete or wooden joists to a metal profile. Next, the main skin is produced, which can have several layers. The joining areas can be additionally treated with sealants, mineral wool and polyurethane foam.

The barn is an indispensable building on the site. You can store firewood, garden equipment, and tools in it. You can set up a workplace in the barn by equipping it with a workbench or a small machine. To please its owners and serve for a long time, the structure must be constructed with high quality.

Like any other building, a barn must be built on a foundation. On a good foundation, such a building can stand safely for decades. The first step is to level the area where you plan to build the foundation. If this is not done, the base and shed will be crooked.

A shed is a lightweight building (compared to a residential building), therefore the requirements for laying the foundation in this case will be lower. Despite this, there are some subtleties that you should know. The type of foundation must be selected based on the factors of the existing soil. Such factors include compressibility, the presence of quicksand, groundwater level and freezing depth (in most cases, the foundation is deepened based on the freezing depth of the ground).

These factors depend on the area and soil type. Quicksand is a 6-10 m thick section of soil saturated with water, which liquefies when exposed to it.

It always starts with choosing a location and making markings. The construction site must be near the house. It is recommended to ensure that when working near or in a shed, for example, when cutting firewood, you can see the entrance to the site and the entrance to the house.

It should be remembered that in the barn whose construction is planned, you will need to run for firewood even in rainy weather.

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Marking the place for the foundation, which you plan to do yourself

Marking must be done accurately and accurately. It is imperative to control the distances and monitor the height according to the level. It is necessary to check the angles formed by the foundation - they should all be 90°.

In order to make accurate markings, you need to purchase a 10-meter tape measure, steel rods or sharpened pegs, a hammer or an ax to be able to hammer in these pegs. You will need to check the diagonals of the markings with a tape measure so that the right angles are right and everything is level.

The future of the barn that will be located on it depends on how accurately and correctly the foundation is built. Therefore, you should not neglect this stage. This will avoid problems in the future.

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Existing soil properties and types

1. Rocky soil. This is the best possible soil option. It is easiest to lay the foundation on it. It will not freeze, form quicksand, shrink or sag. The only drawback is that digging anything in this soil is quite difficult. The foundation on this soil should not be too deep.
2. Gravel soil. Eliminates erosion, does not shrink, freezes to approximately 0.5 m.
3. . It allows water to pass through well, freezes shallowly (0.5-0.7 m), and does not shrink. Wet areas may contain quicksand.
4. Soils that consist of loams and sandy loams are not of good quality. They have a large freezing depth (about 2 m), so the foundation must be laid deep, because quicksand may occur. Clay soil has a high coefficient of swelling and contraction. In addition, a large amount of moisture accumulates in it, so in winter there will be strong pressure on the base. On clay soil, the foundation should be laid below the freezing depth of the ground so that it does not collapse or deform.

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How to make a strip foundation for a shed yourself?

Strip foundation is the most common type of foundation. Its device involves digging a trench of a certain width and depth along the perimeter of the building. The foundation is suitable for all existing types of soil, even for easily swelling and clayey, deeply frozen soils. The base is used for the construction of sheds, garages and residential buildings. This type of foundation has a large margin of safety; not only light buildings are erected on it, but also brick or concrete houses with heavy floors. An additional advantage of the building is the ability to arrange a basement.

Tools and materials needed to make this type of foundation:

• shovel;
• welding machine;
• boards;
• wire for ;
• hammer;
• nails;
• sand;
• fittings;
• concrete;
• waterproofing agent;
• crushed stone

First of all, you will need to dig a trench along the entire perimeter of the barn to a depth that is equal to the freezing depth plus 15 cm. This point is the most important for heaving and clayey soils, because when freezing, the deformation of the earth can severely damage the foundation. The width of the trench can be made 60 cm with a base width of 30 cm. Next, a cushion should be laid at the bottom of the trench, which should consist of two layers. The first layer consists of crushed stone, its thickness is 10 cm. The next layer is sand, its thickness should be 5 cm. Then, which rises 25-30 cm above ground level. So it is built in order to raise it above the ground, thereby protecting it from moisture.

The base will need to be strengthened with reinforcement with a diameter of 1.2 cm. A mesh with cells 30 cm in length and width is knitted from it. Next, you can pour the concrete solution. After the solution has hardened, it is necessary to remove the wooden box. The space between the soil and the foundation can be filled with earth. Between the base of the shed and the foundation you will need to lay waterproofing material.

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How to pour a columnar concrete or brick foundation on a site?

A columnar foundation is quite simple and inexpensive. The construction process involves installing brick or concrete pillars at the intersections and corners of the walls, which dig into the ground. A metal rod is placed in the center of such pillars in order to give additional strength to the structure. This option, unlike the tape option, is used under the obligatory condition of soil immobility. It will not be possible to do this if the earth is strongly compressed and swells.

Tools and materials needed to make a columnar brick or concrete foundation:

• Master OK;
• shovel;
• crushed stone or gravel;
• mastic;
• asbestos pipes, brick or concrete;
• sand;
• waterproofing agent;
• metal rods.

First of all, you need to make holes in which you will later need to install pillars 15 cm lower than the freezing depth.

For different areas and regions, the depth of laying the foundation may be different.

In some cases, 0.5 m will be enough, but in others, 1.5 m will not be enough. 15 cm of a mixture of sand and gravel should be poured into the bottom of all holes, and then compacted tightly. Next you will need to make and install the pillars. In their manufacture, you can use either asbestos pipes or concrete blocks, or brickwork. Metal pins must be placed in the center of the posts.

When laying bricks, it is necessary to treat the surface of the finished pillars with a waterproofing agent, for example, mastic. This will make it possible to increase their service life in the ground. If the building is made of wood, the base of the shed will need to be pre-coated with waterproofing material in order to protect the wood from moisture.

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How to make a high-quality monolithic foundation on your site with your own hands?

Installing a slab (monolithic) foundation will cost slightly more than installing previous structures. This foundation is most often built in case of heavy loads on the floor of the building. The foundation is a prepared, leveled and compacted base with a reinforced concrete slab poured on top.

Tools and materials that will be needed to construct the base for the shed:

• hammer;
• shovel;
• gravel;
• crushed stone;
• concrete;
• sand;
• nails;
• boards;
• fittings Ø1.2 cm.

First of all, you need to make a hole under the pillow, the depth of which is 1-1.5 m. Next, you need to prepare the pillow. The dug hole should be filled with a mixture of sand and gravel so that the mixture forms an embankment 0.35 m high above ground level. Then the cushion is compacted, covered with 10-20 cm of crushed stone and leveled. After this, the cushion is ready for laying the slabs. It must be 15-20 cm above ground level. In most cases, the height of the slab is no more than 10-20 cm. You will need to make formwork around the perimeter of the barn from boards.

To strengthen the concrete base, you can lay a mesh of reinforcement on the cushion, but in this case you need to use metal rods. The cells should be 20x20 cm. Then you will need to prepare a solution and then place it in the mold. The solution should be prepared in the following proportion: 6 parts gravel or crushed stone, 1 part water, 1 part cement and 3 parts sand. All ingredients must be mixed until smooth, then pour the mixture onto the pillow.

Building your own home is unthinkable without a place to store your tools. A barn, garage or similar outbuilding precedes the “development” of a plot of land. Well, the construction itself begins with the foundation. Preparing a foundation for a shed with your own hands is not a difficult task, but it requires preparation. In addition, the invaluable experience gained will be useful in the future. The topic of theoretical and practical skills will seem extremely useful when working on larger objects.

An outbuilding on a site, at first glance, may seem like a very simple structure in terms of construction. This simplicity is deceptive. But do not forget that a thorough approach to construction will ensure long-term operation without repairs. The appearance without cracks and dampness will be attractive with proper construction, which begins, regardless of the fact that it will be a foundation.

The soil as it is

Before starting work, you need to answer the question of how to ensure that the construction stood for a long time without defects and without unnecessary costs. The answer involves many conditions that you should pay close attention to. First of all, you need to choose a type of foundation that will absorb, distribute and transfer the load from the building to the ground without damage, and will not deform itself.

We are talking about the relatively inexpensive construction of a garage or shed, costs must be economically justified. Why invest a lot of money in the form of a deep slab foundation where you can get by with a cheap pile foundation?

The choice of the type of foundation for a future building is primarily influenced by the soil located on the site. In our latitudes there are rocky, sandy, and gravel soils. At the construction site there may be sandy loam and loam unfavorable for construction.

Rock option The most favorable soil for construction is an almost natural version of the foundation that nature itself prepared. It is stable, does not change its structure in frost, and is not affected by moisture. There is only one drawback - digging it is a very labor-intensive task, which is compensated only by its small volumes. On such soil the depth of the foundation may not be very deep.

How good is the type described above, how bad is the view from sandy loam and loam. It has a high freezing depth, like sandy soil, it forms quicksand, which, if the depth of the foundation is insufficient, can move the wall of the structure to the side. With these types of soil, the foundation must exceed the frost depth.

Outbuildings are not too heavy, so it is suitable for them shallow foundation, the dependence on the impact of low temperatures on the soil has not gone away; on average, it is believed that the depth of the foundation for a shed is sufficient, with a size of sixty centimeters.

Tape

Historically, the most commonly used foundation is strip foundation. For a shed 6 by 3 meters, this option is not bad, since the intricacies of the production of this foundation are known to almost everyone. A strip foundation for a shed is a fairly justified choice; it is a time-tested solution, if built correctly, will last for many years.

Let us remind you how to do it.

Along the perimeter of the building, whatever it is, digging a trench, about seventy centimeters wide, the depth should be fifteen centimeters greater than the freezing level. Bottom compacted in several passes, then a pillow is prepared at the bottom. It completely levels the bottom of the ditch, and takes on some of the functions of the foundation itself, plus provides protection from moisture.

Making a foundation without a cushion is a common mistake made by builders. The pillow will cope better with its “responsibilities” if you make two layers: a compacted ten-centimeter layer of crushed stone and half that of sand. Then formwork is being prepared, its height should be twenty-five centimeters above ground level.

Reinforcement will strengthen the concrete and the foundation of the house. A mesh with a cell width of about thirty centimeters is knitted from reinforcement with a diameter of 1.2 centimeters. Concrete is gradually poured into the prepared pit, after hardening the wooden frame is removed, and the remaining voids are filled with earth. After installing the waterproofing, construction can continue. Knowledge of the technology of how to pour a foundation for a shed and practical experience will be useful in the further development of the site.

Columnar

A columnar foundation for a barn will be cheaper. The only thing that hinders the widespread dissemination of this option is that it cannot be laid on moving soils, since the connection between the supports is not rigid enough. However, favorable soils make a columnar foundation for a shed the best choice. It is quite possible to make this foundation, just like the strip foundation, yourself.

Work is carried out in the corners, and depending on the design, at the intersection of walls, installation of poles. A columnar foundation for a barn involves the use of brick, concrete, and asbestos pipes filled with cement mortar. The work requires exercise with a shovel, but to a much lesser extent than with a strip base.

Below the freezing depth, holes are dug, their bottom is compacted, and a fifteen-centimeter cushion of crushed stone-sand mixture is filled in. It is also compacted. The next stage is the installation of the supports themselves. Either, after preparing the formwork, the mortar is poured, or the bricks are laid, the meaning is the same. A metal rod is installed inside the support, increasing the load-bearing capacity. A columnar foundation for a barn will reduce material consumption, the amount of excavation work and construction time.

Foam blocks

Foam blocks are a fairly common building material, which excellent for foundation construction. When choosing such a solution, it is even permissible to continue construction using foam blocks; walls made of this material will not create an additional load on the base. But do not forget, in this case, about waterproofing.

The prevalence of construction from foam blocks is due to adequate price for this material, its lightness without compromising strength. Strength, in turn, allows it to be used to form a foundation. Perhaps this is the best base option for a shed.

Construction of this type is similar to creating a strip foundation. The soil around the perimeter is developed in the same way; the bottom requires compaction. Similar to the first considered option, a pillow is created from two layers. A wooden blind area will create boundaries for concrete, the height of which is within twenty centimeters. After it is poured and hardened, it is time to install the blocks.

A barn is a multifunctional outbuilding, found on summer cottages and in private households. The barn is used for storing garden tools and construction tools; many people use the building to store coal, firewood and much more that can be useful in the household.

A properly created base (foundation) is the key to the durability of the building, a guarantee that it will not collapse after several years under the influence of high soil moisture and harsh climatic conditions. There is a columnar foundation, made of foam blocks or a strip type, so the question of which foundation will be suitable for a barn should be thoroughly studied.

Types of sheds and soil characteristics

There are several types of foundations for a barn, which are advisable to fill, taking into account the nature and structure of the soil. It is customary to distinguish the following types of buildings:

• A “stall” type structure. It is a light and low structure where it is convenient to store garden tools. The area of ​​the “chest” is small, so pouring the foundation does not require serious organization of labor.
• A barn with a gable roof. One of the preferred types of outbuildings in the country. The floor of the building is made of tongue-and-groove floorboards; the door structure is secured with three hinges. Construction involves pouring a foundation of any kind. A pile one is also suitable here.
• Shed with pitched roof. The roof of such a building has a holistic, flat appearance with a slight slope on one side. The area when constructing a barn building with a pitched roof is somewhat limited. The building may have windows and several doors. To build a shed, it is preferable to pour a strip foundation.
• Greenhouse combined structure. It is used when space in the designated area is in short supply. The shed is ideal for growing indoor potted plants and germinating seeds during the planting season in the country. The foundation for a combined greenhouse is suitable either strip or columnar.
• Temporary type. It is a full-fledged living space without amenities. The structure is used in holiday villages for seasonal use: in summer - a living space, in winter - a place to store tools and equipment for cultivating the land. To create amenities, electricity and other utilities are supplied to the temporary hut. It is better to use a strip foundation as a base, or make a columnar one or from foam blocks.

The quality of the foundation depends proportionally on the type of soil where it is intended to be poured. It is known that soil can deform under the influence of moisture, drought, and freezing.

• soil compressibility indicator;
• groundwater rise level;
• the presence of quicksand in the ground;
• deep freezing of the soil in winter;
• geographical features of the area (swampy, arid);
• the type of soil itself (for example, sandy, clayey).

For example, on loamy or sandy soil, which freezes to a depth of more than 2 meters and can “float”, it is recommended to build only a strip base. Sandy soil, which reacts to increased humidity, freezes strongly, but does not shrink, requires pouring a screw, monolithic or strip foundation.

Types of foundation for building a barn

Strip foundation

Strip-type foundation masonry is most common for the construction of sheds in the country. The belt type is suitable for almost any soil and can withstand heavy loads, ranging from light outbuildings to high-rise brick buildings. With this basis, you can begin construction of the basement.

Pouring the base begins with a trench. The depth is calculated from the level of the freezing layer plus 20 cm. The width of the ditch should reach 70 cm, and the final width of the foundation will vary about 40 cm. A layer of crushed stone (up to 10 cm) and a layer of sand (about 5 cm) is laid at the bottom of the trench, which will amount to a certain double layer pillow. Afterwards, formwork is made up to 30 cm high above the ground surface. It turns out that the base of the building will rise a little, which will prevent it from getting wet and subsiding. A mesh with cells of 25-30 cm is made from reinforcement, which will significantly strengthen the base.

It is better to choose reinforcement with a diameter of up to 1.2 cm. The final step is to fill the base with a concrete mixture and wait for it to completely harden. After which the frame of wooden blocks is removed and the gaps between the ground and the foundation are sealed. The peculiarity of the strip foundation is the mandatory separation of the waterproofing layer from the foundation.

Columnar foundation

It is an economical and simple solution for seasonal buildings. The columnar type is made by installing brick or concrete pillars at the corners, at the joints of walls. It is enough to dig them into the ground according to the freezing level of the soil plus 20 cm. The only disadvantage of a columnar base is the inappropriateness of pouring the base on “walking” soil. It is necessary to dig holes for future concrete or brick pillars of a columnar foundation, and fill the bottom with a mixture of gravel and sand. Next, compact the mixture until a layer of 15 cm is obtained.

A strong iron rod is installed in the central part of each pillar to increase their load-bearing capacity and evenly distribute the load upon completion of construction. For greater stability and durability of a columnar foundation, it is recommended to treat the masonry with waterproofing mastic (if the pillars are made of brick or foam blocks) and lay a waterproofing sheet between the foundation and the wooden base of the barn.

Foam block foundation type

This option is suitable for improving the performance characteristics of a future building and is quite economical. It is recommended to use it due to its lightness, so that the base does not bear a serious load. First, you will need to mark the future trench using pegs (marks) and a cord stretched between them. The depth of the pit should reach 60 cm, and the width is calculated using the formula: width of the foam block plus 20 cm.

The bottom of the pit is laid out with a cushion of sand and gravel, compacted well and foam blocks placed on top. Also, foam blocks need to be well treated with a waterproofing layer, otherwise they will not last more than one season.

Block foundation type

The use of a block-type foundation implies a number of undeniable advantages when compared with other types:

• high resistance to sudden temperature drops;
• the ability to install in soil with high acidity;
• high performance characteristics of the blocks, special strength;
• versatility in construction, diversity in technical parameters;
• a significant reduction in the time required to lay the foundation of a structure;
• ease of installation.

The block foundation begins to be erected from the corner parts onto the prepared cushion, where the blocks are first installed. The blocks themselves are installed on concrete mortar. To give the structure strength (especially in loose soil), it is important to make a reinforced mesh. Using a level, possible curvature is eliminated. After the foundation hardens, the frame is removed, the external seams are widened and filled with moisture-proof materials. A water-resistant sheet is laid along the outer contour of the base and buried well.

Preparation of concrete solution

The composition of a classic concrete mixture includes a uniform ratio of dry cement, sand, sand and clean water. To make the solution the desired consistency and tenacious, you need to follow a number of rules:

• the shelf life of cement must be observed;
• crushed stone must be clean, free of foreign impurities;
• It is better if the water is drinking, softened;
• the sand must be dry, without clay impurities.

The mixture will be much better if the gravel is of different sizes. This will not only increase the strength of the foundation, but also save a little on cement.

Sand and crushed stone should be in a ratio of 3:5, respectively. The finished mixture is combined with dry cement (about 1 part) and mixed thoroughly. The correct mixture should have a mushy consistency, without lumps or other foreign objects. Watch the video on how to properly prepare cement mortar.

The type of foundation for a barn is decided based on many factors. It is impossible not to take into account the type of soil and the purpose of the building. Compliance with the concrete preparation technology, as well as the rules for digging trenches and installing blocks, allows you to maintain the durability of the building and make it as functional as possible.