Do-it-yourself piles from asbestos-cement pipes. Do-it-yourself foundation from asbestos-cement pipes. Methods for strengthening this type of foundation
Initially, asbestos-cement pipes were used to a limited extent in private housing construction. Firstly, asbestos pipes scared people away with myths about the carcinogenicity of the material, and secondly, there was little experience in using this type of material in arranging a foundation. Today, a columnar foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes can be called a good compromise between low cost and high resistance to moisture and stress. Another indisputable advantage is that a do-it-yourself columnar foundation is made from asbestos pipes much easier and faster than any other type of columnar foundation.
Foundation of asbestos-cement pipes
The general design and manufacturing principle of such a foundation is not much different from other options for the manufacture of pile supports with pouring concrete into a prepared form. In our case, the frame and concrete mortar are poured into the asbestos-cement pipe body, immersed in a drilled well in the ground. The pile foundation on asbestos-cement supports is valued, first of all, for such moments:
- The speed of manufacturing such a foundation is much higher, and the labor intensity is much lower than any other bored supports, including TISE piles, frame poured piles, yielding in this indicator only to expensive screw and reinforced concrete options;
- High resistance of the asbestos-cement base of pipes to any moisture, while there is no loss of strength of the pile support, material degradation, corrosion;
- On piles of asbestos-cement pipes, it is possible to raise the basement of a building to a height of 30-40 and even 100 cm with the correct distribution of the load, which is not always possible in some cases for other types of pile structures.
For your information! The cost of building a foundation on asbestos-cement pipes will cost you less than a monolith and even a tape version by about 30-40%.
Do-it-yourself foundation on asbestos-cement pipes
The foundation design with asbestos-cement pipe supports cannot be called ideal. It can be easily and quickly assembled and built within two days, with a concrete mixer, a hand drill for drilling holes, a grinder, a welding machine, concrete mortar and prepared steel reinforcement 8 mm thick. Before proceeding with the manufacture of such a foundation, it is necessary to pay attention to its shortcomings:
- The strength of asbestos-cement foundation supports is relatively low. The rigidity and bearing capacity of pile elements is sufficient for the construction of a frame, log or aerated concrete building, provided that the construction is carried out on dense and heavy soils;
- Drilling work must be carried out to a depth of at least 150-180 cm, due to the low strength of the piles, a large number of wells have to be drilled, and almost all work is done with a hand drill;
- Unlike their competitors - TISE flood piles, asbestos-cement piles do not have an "anchor" property, therefore, in case of violations of the foundation manufacturing technology, cases of extrusion of supports by heaving soils are possible.
For your information! As a rule, a building on a foundation with asbestos-cement supports is made with a “deaf” basement, without arranging basements.
We make piles from asbestos-cement pipes
Before starting work on preparing the site and marking places for drilling wells, it is necessary to determine the exact number of required asbestos-cement supports and their diameter. Most often, asbestos-cement pipes with a diameter of 100 or 150 mm are used for the manufacture of supports. A pipe of 200 mm is used much less often. It is mainly used in cases where it is necessary to repair the asbestos pipe of the columnar foundation. Accordingly, under the size of the asbestos-cement pipe, it is necessary to select the reach of the cutting edges of the hand drill. The hole diameter must be at least 10 mm larger than the outer diameter of the asbestos-cement support.
For example, for a "hundred" - an asbestos-cement pipe of 100 mm, the outer diameter for the "BNT" brand will be 118 mm, and for the more common "VT" - 122 mm. Accordingly, the diameter of the well should be 128 and 132 mm. For the 150th pipe, the diameter of the well should be 170 and 180 mm. This gap is indicated for a depth of 150 cm, if drilling is carried out for two or more meters, the gap must be increased by another 30%.
After a well of the required diameter and depth has been punched, a mixture of sand and screenings must be poured to the bottom to form a pillow with a thickness of at least 10 cm. This will compensate for the shrinkage of the concrete mixture inside the asbestos-cement pipe.
Before installing an asbestos-cement pipe, it is recommended to treat the outer surface with bituminous mastic, regardless of the level of groundwater. Next, we install the pipe into the well cavity and pour a small amount of solution inside, no more than 2-3 liters. After pouring, slightly lift the pipe and settle it several times in order to level the filled layer of mortar on the surface of the pillow, as in the video:
At the next stage, we align all asbestos-cement supports along a vertical plumb line so as to achieve the most even position horizontally and vertically, after which we fix the pipes with wooden slats. Inside each asbestos-cement pipe we lay a package of three ten-millimeter reinforcement bars. Each rod must be equidistant from the walls of the pipe and other rods.
Pouring of asbestos-cement supports with concrete
The most important stage in the construction of the foundation is the pouring of concrete into the inner space of the pipe. Concrete mortar is prepared from grade 300 cement, sand and fine gravel or screenings, previously washed with water. The consistency of the solution should be such that the mixture, poured into a funnel with a neck size of 50 mm, flows freely without the formation of plugs.
Depending on the diameter of the support and the depth, at least 40 liters of concrete mix will be required for each pile. After pouring the first part, the concrete inside the support is carefully sifted with a thin rod for 10-15 minutes, after which the rest of the solution is poured.
The sinuses between the pipe and the walls of the well must be sealed with the remnants of the solution to prevent rainwater from leaking inside. This will significantly increase the service life of the supporting elements. The upper end of the support can change its position as the concrete hardens and shrinks. The final alignment of the ends of asbestos-cement columns can be performed no earlier than two weeks after pouring the piles. If the work is carried out in hot summertime, it is better to cover the piles with polyethylene film bags in order to reduce moisture loss through evaporation and avoid concrete cracking.
Grillage or frame, what to use
At the final stage, after leveling the height of the pile heads, it is necessary to install the supporting frame of the foundation or pour the grillage. The latter option is most often used for aerated concrete walls, wood concrete masonry, any cement-based building materials. If you are building your panel house or room from profiled timber, the frame can be made from oak timber with a section of 200 mm or channels, which makes it relatively easy to replace the pile or repair it if necessary. In any of the above options, it is necessary to provide methods for tying the reinforcement of asbestos-cement piles with the load-bearing elements of the frame.
Conclusion
Asbestos-cement piles are practically not susceptible to corrosion, even with prolonged exposure to water. But the material has an alkaline reaction, so when installed in acidic soils, the smooth outer surface of the pipe can turn into caverns, especially if the waterproofing is damaged. To avoid problems of this kind, in the area of the transition of the outer part of the pile into the ground, sand is necessarily filled. Any other mixtures for these purposes are not recommended. Under such conditions, the pile foundation can freely stand for 30-40 years.
The process of building a foundation is one of the main stages in the construction of a house and other objects. There are many effective and simple ways to arrange the foundation for a future structure.
One of them is the columnar method using asbestos-cement pipes as a supporting structure.
Scope and features of the foundation of asbestos-cement pipes
The technology for erecting a columnar foundation is quite simple to implement and does not require large financial costs when purchasing building materials and performing work.
However, before starting construction, you need to familiarize yourself with a number of recommendations, the implementation of which will help to avoid fatal mistakes:
- This type of foundation is used for the foundations of light buildings, the construction of which uses panel modules and lightweight material. For example, wood, plastic, aerated concrete blocks for asbestos-cement poles are not a problem. The foundation, made using columnar technology, is perfect for building frame country cottages, summer cottages, light outbuildings, gazebos, verandas and wooden baths.
- In most cases, the possibility of building the foundation of buildings by this method is excluded, on light and floating soils, as well as on wetlands. This is due to the high probability of deformation of the base as a result of soil movement.
- It is advisable to use this method in regions with cold climatic conditions, characterized by deep freezing of the soil. The main reason is the cost-effectiveness of this technique, in contrast to a strip or block foundation.
- When calculating the number, overall dimensions and depth of digging in piles, it is important to take into account the factors of the soil freezing depth and the weight parameters of the structure being erected. In the case of incorrect calculations, the columns may not withstand the excess load, which will lead to the destruction of the building.
- The specificity of this method involves the construction of structures at a certain height from the surface of the earth, which makes it reasonable, and in some cases, is the only possibility of building in areas subject to seasonal flooding.
Positive pillar technology of foundation construction
Summarizing the above, it is possible to clearly define the advantages of the method of using asbestos-cement pipes as a material for the basis of the structure:
- High efficiency and ease of implementation of a project based on this technique. At the same time, the need to attract heavy and specialized construction equipment is limited.
- Saving time on the direct execution of work and waiting for the foundation to harden.
- The possibility of self-calculation of design characteristics in strict accordance with building codes.
- Relatively low prices for the necessary materials and low labor costs.
- Practicality in the application of this technique in regions prone to flooding.
- The resistance of piles to aggressive environments and their frost resistance.
What are the limitations in using the technology?
However, the method has a number of disadvantages, which limits its practical application:
- The technology is not recommended for use in the construction of buildings that create heavy loads on the foundation.
- The location of the piles limits the possibility of constructing basements in buildings of this type.
- The impossibility of arranging the foundation of pipes in places with weak soils, characterized by a high level of groundwater.
- The interior and exterior decoration of the building is limited by the design parameters of the foundation and limits the use of heavy building materials.
How to calculate base?
When calculating the number of pipes, their diameter and depth, a number of simple but mandatory rules are applied:
- Using the reference book, we determine the depth of soil freezing in your region, add 30-50 cm to this value. We get the value of the underground part of our foundation.
- We use the number of columns at the rate of approximately 0.8 tons of weight for each support pipe. In this case, the piles are located at the corners of the structure, at the intersections of the bearing walls, and along the perimeter at a distance of up to 1 m. We take the specific gravity of the material from the building directory, you can use sources from the Internet. When calculating, we take into account the weight of the floor, walls, roof, finishing materials.
- The diameter of the pipe is also selected in accordance with the weight of the structure. So for light verandas, a support with a diameter of 100 mm is quite suitable, for block houses or log jobs, a base with a diameter of 300 mm will be the best option.
- The height of the above-ground part of the column should be approximately 300 mm, but if necessary, it can be changed in accordance with the terrain.
Short instructions for building a pillar foundation
The technology for making a pile foundation from asbestos-cement pipes involves the following operations:
- We mark out the site for future construction with the help of twine and pegs, the location of which will indicate the center of the well.
- We make wells with a drill or dig in another way, while the diameter of the well is best done as much as possible corresponding to the diameter of the column. The depth of the well corresponds to the previously calculated indicators.
- We make a broadening at the bottom of the pit with a shovel or a drill.
- At the bottom of the pit we pour a sand cushion 15-20 cm thick, we tamp it well.
- We cut the pipes to the required, previously calculated length, and lower the pile into the well. Previously, to increase the durability of the column and its waterproofing, it is recommended to treat the pipe with bitumen or a special primer liquid to the height of its underground part. For horizontal alignment of the pillars, we use a laser or liquid level. Having exposed the horizontal, we beat it off with twine.
- We prepare the reinforcement cage. To do this, we use 4 reinforcing bars with a diameter of 8-12 mm, interconnected by steel wire, so that the diagonal of the structure corresponds to the diameter of the pipe.
- We fill the well with concrete or cement-sand mortar, it is unforgettable to bayonet the solution. We raise the pipe, thereby giving the opportunity to spread the solution throughout the entire volume of the broadening. Carefully press the pile into the concrete, while maintaining the horizontal level of all pillars.
- We place the reinforcement inside the column 2-3 cm below the edge of the formwork, and fill the pipe with concrete to the top edge. At the same time, we monitor the thorough filling of all voids with a solution. Until the solution has hardened, we insert into the center of the pile, a previously prepared anchor stud, which will subsequently serve to fasten the strapping from a wooden beam. The verticality of the columns is checked at all stages of pouring using the usual building level.
- We cover the end of the pipe with a film and let the solution harden. The waiting process takes up to three weeks, after which you can proceed to the next stage of construction.
The foundation is considered to be the longest and most costly stage of construction. This process is especially difficult and expensive on difficult ground, where any structure needs a particularly reliable support. To simplify and reduce the cost of this stage, the equipment of supports made of asbestos pipes allows. When used correctly, this inexpensive material is able, saving the time and effort of the builder, to withstand groundwater, precipitation and soil movement, while maintaining the geometry of the house or outbuilding.
Asbestos or asbestos-cement pipes are building materials with a long history. They are made from Portland cement and asbestos fibers. Roofing material familiar to everyone - slate - is made from the same materials. Asbestos fibers form the frame of the product, giving it strength, which pure cement lacks.
The combination of these materials makes asbestos-cement products durable, water, heat and fire resistant, chemically inert and resistant to corrosion.
Asbestos-cement pipes are produced in two versions:
- pressure pumps designed for installation of water disposal systems, industrial water supply, equipment for wells, protection of wells from soil shedding;
- non-pressure, used for the installation of smoke exhaust systems.
Note! For the construction of a columnar foundation, only pressure pipes are used, since non-pressure pipes will not withstand the internal pressure from the cement mortar poured into them and the external pressure of the soil.
What is the peculiarity of the foundation of asbestos pipes
From asbestos-cement pipes, a foundation of a columnar, or pile, type is erected, making peculiar legs for the future structure - pillars, or piles that go deep into the soil.
A feature of such a foundation is the installation of piles under the key points of the structure: corners, areas of intersection of walls.
A distinctive feature of the piled asbestos-cement foundation is the filling of hollow asbestos pipes with cement mortar with additional reinforcement. As a result, the pillars are strong and resistant to ground pressure and able to withstand the weight of the erected structure.
Such a structure of the supporting structure is relevant in cases where it is impossible or impractical to install a foundation of a slab or tape type:
- When erecting outbuildings, country houses and frame houses that do not have a cellar, baths. Lightweight buildings for various purposes do not need to equip a support tape around the perimeter, moreover, it is not advisable to pour a monolithic slab under them.
- On difficult terrain or in cold regions where excavation is costly. On unstable soil prone to shedding, digging a trench and installing a foundation is impossible without formwork equipment. In cold regions, where the ground does not thaw even in summer, as well as on rocky ground, the risk of shedding is lower, but the work itself is much more difficult.
- With a high level of groundwater or when the building is located near water bodies prone to spills. In wet soil, a strip and monolithic foundation will constantly be in contact with water, gradually collapsing and sinking into cavities washed out by underground flows.
You can build it yourself, but before starting work, you need to consider all the features of this type of base, as well as learn in detail about the process technology. This type of foundation acts as a good alternative to a tape, monolithic or slab foundation. Such a foundation, as a rule, is used in the construction of structures that are insignificant in mass. In addition, the work will not be accompanied by too high costs. It should be noted that this type of foundation is almost indispensable when it comes to frame houses or outbuildings. But one cannot ignore the fact that it has certain disadvantages, one of which is expressed in the fact that the building cannot have a basement or basement.
Construction features
The foundation of asbestos-cement pipes does not involve the use of heavy equipment. The foundation, which is based on supports, can be made in one of two ways. The first involves the use of finished piles. But in private housing construction, this method is of little use, due to the need to rent specialized equipment. The second method involves the manufacture of pillars directly in the soil. In this case, it is necessary to pour the solution into the formwork, which is formed in a previously dug hole in the ground. In the role of formwork, various structures are used, among which there may be wooden panels.
The foundation of asbestos-cement pipes is quite easy to equip also for the reason that the pipes that are used as formwork are very light in weight. Using such products, you get a guarantee that the concrete will not be exposed to water. In addition, the supports are not afraid of external damage, because asbestos-cement pipes have a fairly impressive margin of safety. All these qualities make them ideal for arranging fixed formwork. You can choose pipes of the desired diameter for construction.
The foundation of asbestos-cement pipes can be erected on a territory that is characterized by uneven terrain. Moreover, a high percentage of soil moisture is allowed. It is important to take into account the weight of the future structure before starting construction, since with an impressive mass, the number of supports should be increased.
Foundation technology
Initially, all calculations have to be made, the implementation of which is preferable to entrust professionals. When determining the number of pillars, it must be taken into account that the largest step between the supports should not be more than 2.5 m. The next step is to proceed to the preparation of the territory on which construction will be carried out. The soil must be free from debris and foreign objects. We have to get rid of the fertile soil layer. After that, the land, as a rule, is transferred to another part of the site so that it does not act as an obstacle during the work.
Before asbestos-cement pipes, it is necessary to mark the base. At the same time, it is important to check how correctly the corners are set, for which you have to pull a fishing line or a special marking cord. This must be done not only along the sides of the base, but also along the diagonals, while it is important to ensure that a perfect rectangle is obtained. Only after that it is possible to start work on which the supports will be installed.
In order to equip a columnar foundation of asbestos-cement pipes, it is necessary to prepare wells that are drilled through, however, the TISE tool can also be used. If it is planned to carry out work in areas with difficult soil, then it is worth using a drilling rig, which will have to be rented. It must be remembered that this approach will increase the cost of the work. It is necessary to deepen the supports below the soil freezing line.
Pillow arrangement
Before installing asbestos-cement pipes under the foundation, it is necessary to prepare the bottom of the well, for which a sand cushion is poured there. It is necessary to pour so much that after tamping a layer is obtained, the thickness of which is approximately 20 cm. In order to make the pillow easier to tamp, it is necessary to spill it with water. If the work is carried out on excessively weak soils, then a concrete support can be created at the bottom of the well, however, its diameter should be somewhat wider than that characteristic of an asbestos-cement pipe. In order to provide insulation, it is recommended to lay a layer of dense polyethylene at the bottom of the well, this will eliminate the possibility of moisture escaping into the soil from the concrete solution.
Pipe installation
When you mount the foundation on asbestos-cement pipes with your own hands, the next step is to proceed with the installation of asbestos-cement pipes. It is necessary to install the element strictly in a vertical position, for this you have to use spacers. It is imperative to analyze the evenness of the installation of pipes, using the building level for this.
Reinforcement
The support must be strengthened; for this, a reinforcing frame made of bars must first be prepared. Horizontal and vertical belts are required. After the fittings can be lowered into the pipe. If it is planned to build a horizontal strapping, then the reinforcing bars must be brought out to connect with the grillage reinforcement.
Pouring concrete
After that, you can start pouring, it must be done in layers so that it is possible to eliminate air. The space obtained between the pipe and the well must be covered with sand and carefully compacted. The upper part of the pipe must be cut to the level, after which you can proceed with the installation of the head and laying the waterproofing. If it is assumed that there is a grillage, then the next step is to deal with it.
Choosing the type of foundation is a responsible task that designers and builders have to solve when developing a project and performing construction work. In search of a compromise, experts are pondering how to make a reliable foundation for the building and invest at the same time in the amount provided for by the estimate. In this case, professionals recommend building a foundation from asbestos pipes with their own hands.
Developers are attracted by the simplicity of the foundation design, as well as the availability of technology, which have proven themselves in the construction of light frame-type buildings. In addition, an important factor is the ability to save money. The foundation of asbestos-cement pipes is characterized by a high margin of safety, as well as increased resistance to moisture. Due to these advantages, it is used on wet soils and areas subject to seasonal floods.
By constructing the base of the building on asbestos-cement pipes, you can significantly reduce costs. Not everyone has information on how to make a foundation on tubular asbestos cement columns on their own. We will deal with the technology, consider the positive aspects and disadvantages of the columnar base.
Pipe foundation - design features
Among the varieties of pile-type foundations, a foundation made on concreted asbestos-cement pipes stands out. Such a foundation ensures the stability of buildings for a long time.
One of the most popular designs of a columnar foundation is the foundation of asbestos-cement pipes.It is characterized by certain nuances:
- the use of solid pipes that perform the function of a stationary formwork filled with concrete;
- using as a support material a cement-asbestos mixture in a ratio of 18:15 mixed with water;
- installation of supporting elements with a length of 400 to 500 cm and a diameter of the outer part of 12–53 cm;
- formation of the base with columns immersed in the ground in the corner sections of the structure and in the areas of docking of the main and internal walls;
- erection of the base on soils subject to flooding and characterized by the presence of a solid layer at a level of no more than 3 m from the zero mark;
- an insignificant level of load to which piles are exposed, perceiving the weight of buildings made of wood and frame structures;
- a significant reduction in the cost of constructing a tubular base compared to the construction of a concrete tape or a monolithic slab;
- accelerated construction rates, as well as reduced labor intensity of work.
The foundation of asbestos-cement pipes is used in regions prone to flooding - the foundation material has the necessary strength for this
The main element of the supporting structure is asbestos-cement pipes. They differ from other types of supports in the following points:
- ability to withstand significant compressive loads. This is ensured by the increased safety margin of the piles;
- reduced thermal expansion. The dimensions of the supports remain constant with temperature fluctuations;
- reduced weight. Lightweight supports are easy to transport, do not require special equipment for installation;
- resistance to corrosion damage. Asbestos-cement piles are not subject to electrochemical processes that reduce the durability of steel supports;
- easy cutting with standard tools. Supports on the construction site are easy to cut into blanks of the required dimensions;
- cheapness. The reduced price of tubular columns reduces the overall cost of creating a pile foundation.
Builders quite often prefer asbestos piles, which have increased performance.
Advantages and disadvantages of the base on asbestos-cement pipes
A light pile foundation made of concreted pipes has serious advantages:
- high strength characteristics of piles, guaranteeing the reliability of lightweight structures on problematic soils;
Pillar foundations made of asbestos-cement pipes are used as a basis for the construction of light buildings: summer cottages, small baths and saunas
- resistance to temperature fluctuations and deep freezing, due to which the structure remains stable for a long time;
- maintaining the integrity of asbestos cement in aggressive conditions, since the material of the piles is not subject to destruction in an unfavorable environment;
- increased rigidity of the hollow formwork, which retains its shape when pouring concrete;
- a monolithic formwork structure made of asbestos cement, which, after filling, is combined with concrete into a single array;
- accelerated pace of installation associated with the possibility of installing supports on their own;
- a small amount of costs, due to the use of fairly cheap and common building materials;
- long service life of the foundation, which, in conditions of heavy soils and sloping terrain, can exceed 30–35 years.
Along with the advantages, the foundation of the pipes has certain disadvantages:
- under a building erected on tubular supports, it is impossible to equip a basement;
- the lower part of the building, built on concrete piles, is easily cooled by cold air due to low thermal insulation.
The foundation of pipes filled with concrete mortar is in demand in a number of situations, despite the weaknesses. It is sometimes the only solution in areas with freezing soil, as well as in flooded areas.
To calculate, you need to know the depth of soil freezing in your area, as well as the planned load on the foundation
Performing calculations - important points
According to the results of the survey are determined:
- soil characteristics;
- ground water level;
- freezing depth.
Having determined the weight of the building, and having the results of geodetic surveys of the working site, you can calculate:
- dimensions of tubular piles;
- the number of asbestos supports;
- the total cross-sectional area of the columns.
The load on the foundation depends on the design of the building, as well as on the material from which it is made.
When calculating piles from asbestos cement, consider the following information:
- the depth of immersion of the supports must exceed the freezing level of the soil by at least 50 cm;
- the size of the protruding part of the piles is selected individually for different buildings and is 50–150 cm;
- the cross-sectional area of the support depends on the weight of the structure and is selected taking into account the maximum force on the pile, which is 800 kg;
- uniform transmission of forces from the building to the ground is ensured by immersing the supports with an interval of at least 100 cm between them;
- the amount of poured concrete is calculated by summing the free space of the supporting piles.
Thanks to the calculations, it is possible to determine the parameters of the columnar base without involving specialized design organizations.
Main stages of work
Using asbestos-cement pipes for the foundation, perform construction work according to the following algorithm:
- Make the necessary calculations, develop a working draft.
- Prepare the construction site, mark the coordinates of the location of the piles.
- Drill channels in the soil for the installation of support columns.
- Form a pillow at the bottom of the channel, install the piles.
- Assemble the reinforcement cage, lower the support and concrete.
Let us dwell on the features of the initial stage, as well as the intricacies of preparing the pile foundation.
Piles are located at the corners of the building, at the intersection of load-bearing walls, as well as along the perimeter at a distance of no more than 1 meter
Preparatory activities
The implementation of preparatory measures precedes the installation of asbestos-cement supports. It is necessary to accurately markup, adhering to the following algorithm:
- Clear the construction site, remove vegetation, debris and stones.
- Mark the outline of the future base using a construction cord stretched between the pegs.
- Mark from the boundary 1.5-2 m in each direction to remove the soil to prevent the growth of plants under the structure.
- Remove the sod, remove the fertile soil layer to a depth of 20-30 cm and move it outside the working area.
- Level the site, pour a uniform layer of gravel-sand mixture on the surface, compact it.
- Drive in pegs at the locations of the columns, observing the coordinates indicated in the working drawing.
- Check the correctness of the markup, compare the difference between the diagonals, which should be no more than 10 mm.
After completing the preparatory work, begin the construction of the foundation.
How to make a pile foundation
Install asbestos-cement pipes following the specified sequence of operations:
- Using special equipment or a household drill, drill channels in the soil that are 10–20 cm larger than the dimensions of the supports.
Preparation must begin with markup. Remove debris and foreign objects from the construction site, level it if possible and remove the sod
- Form a cone-shaped expansion at the bottom of the well using a manual or mechanized device.
- Pour sand into the cavity with a layer of 20–30 cm, fill it with a small amount of water, forming a pillow.
- Waterproof the upper part of the cavity in the soil with sheet roofing material or plastic wrap.
- Immerse asbestos-cement pipes into the well, ensure their immobility with wooden bars or fittings.
- Sprinkle the top of the column with fine sand to prevent it from moving.
- Connect four reinforcing bars with a cross section of 10–12 mm using transverse jumpers into a spatial frame.
- Lower the reinforcing structure into the cavity of the column, secure it with spacers from movement during concreting.
- Fasten, if required, threaded studs together with the reinforcing cage to fasten the strapping of the lower part of the base.
- Prepare the concrete mix using a standard mix based on Portland cement, crushed stone and sand.
- Pour the concrete mixture into the inner cavity of the columns and do not subject the supports to load deformations for a month.
- Check the construction level for the location of the upper part of the supporting piles at a common mark.
- Wrap the part of the pile located above the zero mark with roofing material, sprinkle with sand and compact it.
Strap the protruding parts of the columns with reinforced concrete or wooden beams, adhering to the requirements of the project documentation.
In the process of carrying out construction activities, pay attention to important nuances:
- use the building level to check the verticality of the channels at the initial stage of drilling;
- prevent shedding into the soil channel with the help of a roofing material twisted in the upper part of the well;
- do not form a pillow on soils that contain small stony inclusions in an increased concentration;
- coat the surface of the support immersed in the channel with a special mastic to ensure waterproofing;
- use steel reinforcement or a building vibrator to remove air from the concrete mass.
After the construction of the pile foundation, you can begin to erect the walls of the building.
Summing up
It is not difficult to build a reliable foundation from asbestos pipes with your own hands. It differs from other types of foundations by its low cost and simplicity of design. The information contained in the article will help developers in making the right decision. You should seriously approach the implementation of geodetic surveys, correctly make calculations, follow the technology of work. The result is a solid foundation for erecting a light building on problematic soils.