6 dangerous mistakes that are made when reinforcing the foundation

The foundation is the main structural element of the structure. It smoothes the movement of soil, guarantees stability. It is not recommended to start work in the spring. The soil is very wet and will give out a lot of water when loaded with mortar, which will lead to sinks in the concrete.

Many people think that if you leave the base for the winter, it will be stronger. This is a misconception. It cannot be left without load for the winter. Cracks may appear, the level may be disturbed.

Reinforcement errors

1. No L-shaped elements in the corners. Better to make an anchoring with a bend in the corners. Failure to comply with the condition, when the soil moves, will lead to rupture (when a simple overlap of the reinforcement is made).

A single continuous contour in the corners is the correct reinforcement. If you have already crossed out the reinforcement in the corners, just add the L-shaped bars.

There is a lot of controversy with this. Some say that bent reinforcement will not add much strength (but it won't get any worse). If you make a low-quality foundation, then no L-shaped elements at the corners will save you. Bent reinforcement in the corners is needed only for insufficient wall thickness.

In any case, you need to follow the design decisions and follow the advice of the designers.

2. A mistake is the use of metal objects (chain-link mesh, rails) for reinforcement. The masters are unanimous on this issue. It is impossible to use mesh netting and similar metal elements. Only special fittings can withstand all loads. Ribbed rods have greater adhesion to concrete. Smooth reinforcement is used as an auxiliary one.

3. Craftsmen do not recommend using fiberglass fittings.

It is more expensive than metal, bends poorly and has low shear strength. Composite reinforcement should be knitted more often, adhesion to concrete is weak. Fiberglass reinforcement is not flammable. The use of glass composite is limited only to low-rise construction.

Metal fittings are time-tested, which cannot be said about composite ones.

4. Another mistake. Some people think that if you put more metal in the base, the stronger it will be. In this case, metal parts from cars, etc. are used. scrap metal. This is not recommended. Use specials. reinforcement rods from above, in the middle and below. These places are subject to heavy loads.

5. It is also not necessary to do so that the reinforcement is outside the foundation. It should run at least 7-8 cm. from the top / bottom edge. And at least 3 cm. from the sides.

6. Knit or boil? Knitting is used more often than welding. Use knitting steel wire. It is important not to pinch it tightly. It is better that she "play".

There is a special gun for tying reinforcement, wire cutters or hook. The hook costs from 180 rubles. A pistol is a more expensive tool - from 10,000 rubles. It all depends on the brand, type (mechanical or electro).

The pistol is convenient for speeding up work (1 sec. for each knot), reliability of knitting, to create complex reinforcing cages, safety.