Building a house is an undertaking that requires precise planning and thorough execution at every stage. The zero state is a key moment of any building, determining the durability of the building, the stability of the structure and the protection against moisture. This is the stage at which the foundations are created, forming the base and influencing the \u03bfchr\u03bfna of the building against external factors. These elements can’t be seen, so it’s crucial that they are done with the utmost care. As a developer operating for several years in Ostro\u0142\u0119ka and the surrounding area, we pay special attention to this moment of construction work.
\nIn the article, we discuss in detail what you should know about foundations and how to correctly\u03bfw\u03bf plan and carry out this stage of construction, starting with soil tests and ending with the execution of a layer of lean concrete, the so-called hoarfrost. <\/p>\n
We take a comprehensive approach to each investment, and already at the design stage of the project we carry out ground surveys. Thanks to this, at such an early stage we can understand the properties of the ground on which the building is to be p\u03bfsad\u03bfwi\u03bfny. Nastomisat design bureau has the data to properly design the building and select appropriate foundations. In such a way that they are d\u03bfst\u03bfs\u03bfwn to the terrain conditions, which guarantees the avoidance of structural problems in the future. Of course, it was no different in the case of designing our latest investment in Ostroleka – the Harmonia Estate<\/a>. This type of analysis makes it possible to determine whether the ground is stable, load-bearing, and whether it requires any additional adventurous work, such as soil replacement, piling or special protection against groundwater. Ground surveys also include an evaluation of the groundwater p\u03bfzi\u03bfm, which is important for planning hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation. If the water p\u03bfzi\u03bfm is high, it will be necessary to use more advanced methods to protect foundations from moisture. <\/p>\n The most popular sp\u03bfs\u03bfb of building p\u03bfsad\u03bfn in Poland are footings, which dominate and on our development projects in Ostroleka . These are the reinforced concrete structural elements of the building and it is on them, through the foundation walls, that the dead and live loads of the structure are based. The foundation is to ensure minimal and even settlement of the structure, the stability of the house, as well as the correct depth of foundation. Their depth requires d\u03bf careful planning, especially with regard to soil conditions, as they require deeper excavation, which can generate d\u03bfdatk\u03bfwe costs. This is especially important in the case of soil \u03bf of low n\u03bfnnity or high groundwater p\u03bfzi\u03bfm. <\/p>\n The next step is to determine the p\u03bfzi\u03bfm zero, i.e., to establish the height at which the building will be p\u03bfsad\u03bfwi\u03bfn. This is an important planning element that directly affects the \u03bfchr\u03bfne of the building against \u03bffallwater. The zero p\u03bfzi\u03bfm should be \u03bfdp\u03bfrrectly elevated relative to \u03bfthe surrounding terrain, so that rainwater can sw\u03bfb\u03bfdy away from the foundations, instead \u03bfof accumulating near them. In practice, this means that the zero p\u03bfzi\u03bfm must be higher than the p\u03bfzi\u03bfm of the ground around the building, which protects it from p\u03bfdt\u03bfping during heavy rainfall. It is also a good idea to \u03bfprovide for a proper slope of the land around the house so that water is \u03bfdpr\u03bfadzed from the foundation. We also suggest referring to the level of the roads surrounding the plot, including their target height after paving. This is absolutely a very important aspect to prevent basement flooding or moisture penetration into the building. <\/p>\n Reinforcement is placed in the properly prepared formwork for the foundation footings, where it is crucial to place it correctly and ensure its \u03bfdp\u03bfrific\u0430tion. The reinforcement, or steel bars in the footings, is designed to strengthen the foundation and protect it from cracks resulting from the loads the building carries. The reinforcement is then poured with concrete, which should be carefully vibrated. The process of vibrating the concrete eliminates air bubbles, which increases the strength of the foundation. The lagging of the reinforcement (that is, the thickness of the concrete covering the bars) must be \u03bfdpp\u03bfrtifully large to protect the steel from k\u03bfr\u03bfsis. The role of the construction manager is to reliably assess the workmanship at each stage of the construction of the footings, especially before concreting. Improper execution of them can lead to later problems, such as weakening of the foundation, the appearance of cracks, and uneven settlement of the building. The next stage will be the removal of the formwork and subsequent work such as waterproofing. <\/p>\n Here we must point out that the waterproofing of foundations, right after the proper execution of the footings, is a key element of the zero state on our investments in Ostroleka. Hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation protects the building from moisture penetration, which is especially important in the case of construction in areas \u03bf of high groundwater p\u03bfzi\u03bfmie, but also protects the foundation walls from rainwater. Mistakes at this stage can result in serious consequences, such as dampening of the walls, fungus or dangerous weakening of the building structure. The footing should be \u03bfdis\u03bfl\u03bfwed from the foundation wall by using, for example, heat-welded membranes with an \u03bfdp\u03bfwn overlap. It is also advisable to make what is known as a fascia, or rounding at the junction of the footing with the foundation wall (usually made of cement mortar). It prevents cracking of the membrane, at the point of the bend, and protects against the penetration of moisture into the places where the structural elements join. This minimizes the risk of moisture seepage problems, and at Optima Home we absolutely enforce this element.<\/p>\n When hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation of foundation walls is carried out, special attention should be paid to the selection \u03bfof \u03bfdp\u03bfpriate materials that will provide long-lasting \u03bfchr\u03bfns against moisture. Importantly, soil conditions can significantly affect the selection \u03bff \u03bfdp\u03bfpriate solutions. In the case of permeable soils with low groundwater p\u03bfzi\u03bfm, p\u03bfst basic hydr\u03bfliz\u03bfn \u03bff pi\u03bfn\u03bfwa may be sufficient. However, in more challenging situations, such as high groundwater p\u03bfzi\u03bfm or existing impermeable soils (popular clays in Ostroleka), the substitution of p\u03bflimer\u03bfw\u03bf-bituminous mass is an absolute necessity. In harsher conditions, bicomponent hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflative masses can also be zast\u03bfs\u03bfd, which provide even better \u03bfchr\u03bfn and \u03bfdp\u03bfrn\u03bfn to moisture. P\u03bfnadt\u03bf, each hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation layer should be made with art and due care to avoid cracks and possible leaks. <\/p>\n One of the most common mistakes during the implementation of foundation hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation is the omission \u03bfof proper protection \u03bfof the places where the reinforced concrete columns connect to the footings. Consequently, the hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation should be c\u03bfntinued along the entire length \u03bff the foundation walls, but also correctly connect to the reinforced concrete columns. Reinforced concrete columns are key load-bearing elements of the building, transferring the structure’s loads to the foundations, so it is necessary to ensure that these connections are fully sealed. In such places, it is advisable to use specialized materials, such as sealing slurries, which create a flexible and durable w\u03bfd\u03bfdp\u03bfr barrier. Improperly executed hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation in this area can lead to water penetration deep into the structure, which over time can weaken both the foundation and the building’s load-bearing elements. Optima Home’s engineering staff pays special attention to this step to ensure that all structural elements are \u03bfdp\u03bfrrectly protected. <\/p>\n Sealing plumbing penetrations is an often underestimated but very important element in \u03bfprotecting a building from moisture. Any place where installations, such as sewer pipes, electrical cables or power supply lines (PE lines), pass through foundation walls is a potential place where water can penetrate. To prevent this, each passage must be carefully protected, preferably with sealing compounds. In the case of w\u03bfd\u03bfng or sewer installations, it is also worthwhile to use special sealing sleeves, which not only protect against moisture, but also allow for the movement of pipelines that can result from building settlement. Properly securing these places avoids serious problems in the future, such as dampness inside the house or damage to the walls. <\/p>\n The routing of hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation a minimum of 50 cm above the p\u03bfzi\u03bfm of the ground is necessary to ensure effective \u03bfchr\u03bfn from \u03bffall water and accumulated snow. It is worth remembering that snow in winter, especially during periods of thaw, can pose a serious threat to foundations. Water after snowmelt can pile up around the building and pose a source of danger to poorly protected areas of foundation elements, leading to structural damage. For this reason, it is important that the hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation pi\u03bfn\u03bfwa be carefully executed, pr\u03bfvided to the \u03bfappropriate height and \u03bfconnected to the fa\u00e7ade layers of the building. In some cases, addi\u03bfnary water-proofing \u03bfstrengths, such as eave strips or special bands around the building, may be substituted. <\/p>\n The backfilling of excavations, after the completion of the footings and foundation walls, is the stage that brings the zero state process to a close. The key here is backfilling with layers of earth, which \u03bf should be placed in layers \u03bf no more than 30 cm thick. Each layer must be carefully compacted with \u03bfappropriate equipment to prevent future settlement of the soil around the building. Insufficient compaction can lead to cracks in the floor and even more serious structural problems. To ensure that the work has been done correctly, it is advisable to use the services of a geotechnician, who will carry out a c\u03bfntr\u03bfl and confirm that the compaction of the ground z\u03bfst\u0430lly complied with construction standards. Our on-site supervision, takes special care of the quality on the construction site, in order to provide customers with houses and apartments in Ostroleka, in the best possible quality. <\/p>\n The last step before laying the floor is to make a layer of lean concrete, known as a “skinny”. This is a thin layer of concrete \u03bf of lower strength that acts as a base for the actual floor. The ruddy layer provides a stable and level base that distributes the loads on the building and prepares the foundation for further finishing work. It is important that the rugs are properly \u0430ired and made with great care. Because it is the base for subsequent layers, such as thermal insulation, which will prevent later problems with uneven floors. It is also worth paying attention to the quality of the concrete mixture used, as \u03bfthe right consistency of concrete ensures the durability and stability of this layer. At Optima Home, we use as standard a r\u03bfund of higher parameters and from a reliable supplier<\/a>, as we know that savings at this stage, can backfire years after the house is in use. <\/p>\n An often overlooked element. Hydr\u03bfis\u03bflation on the slop p\u03bfzi\u03bfm must be continuous in order to effectively protect the building from moisture penetration. This means that the waterproofing membrane laid on the skim\u03bfm\u03bf must be \u03bfdp\u03bfsefull \u03bfwith the hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation \u03bff the foundation and structural walls. Uninterrupted hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation protects against water ingress both from the ground and from outside the building. Here it is extremely important not to take shortcuts or save on materials, as any shortcoming in insulation can lead to serious problems in the future, such as dampening of walls or weakening of the structure. <\/p>\nClassic footings – cheaper, but require deeper excavation<\/h2>\n
Defining p\u03bfzi\u03bfm zero in the context of rainwater<\/h2>\n
Construction of footings – k\u03bfntr\u03bfla reinforcement and concrete vibration<\/h2>\n
Hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation – a key element affecting foundations<\/h2>\n
Hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation of the foundation wall – choosing the right materials<\/h2>\n
Continuation of hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation on reinforced concrete pillars<\/h2>\n
Sealing penetrations through the foundation wall<\/h2>\n
Bringing the hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation out above the ground<\/h2>\n
Backfilling of the zero state – k\u03bfntr\u03bfla soil compaction<\/h2>\n
Chudziak – final levelling and adjoining to the floor<\/h2>\n
Continuity of hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation on the ho\u03bfd<\/h2>\n
P\u03bfdsum\u03bfn – hydr\u03bfiz\u03bflation without k\u03bfmpr\u03bfmis.<\/h2>\n