How long should the foundation be defended and when can the walls be raised? Answering questions

There is a legend among self-builders that a monolithic foundation must be defended for one season. That is, it must be poured in the summer and kept until spring. As a result, concrete will acquire high strength characteristics. Is this really so - let's figure it out!

It's about the concrete, not the foundation

To understand how much the foundation should be defended, you need to know how long it takes for concrete to gain strength. The curing of concrete is a complex chemical process that depends mainly on the temperature and humidity of the environment. One rule applies here: the higher the temperature, the faster the chemical reaction proceeds.

For example, at an average temperature of 20 degrees, concrete gains 50% strength within three days after pouring. It follows from this that on the second day after pouring it is already possible to make markings, and on the third day - to lay the walls. It is recommended to remove the formwork from the foundation after seven days.

It is worth making a reservation here - we are talking about factory concrete; or about a concrete solution mixed directly at the facility, but in strict accordance with the technology for the production of vintage concrete.

In the early days, it is strictly forbidden to load the foundation / slab with pallets with building materials. It is better to spread the brick around the perimeter of the foundation and serve as needed. On the seventh day, the concrete strength will be 75% of the maximum. This is quite enough for any type of work and storage of building materials.

An important point!

For the first three days after pouring, concrete structures must be in a damp state. During this short period, an important requirement must be observed - the concrete must be as moisturized as possible. That is, it is necessary to regularly water the concrete with water and cover it with a film in order to minimize the evaporation of moisture.

If concrete hardens in the open air or, even worse, in a draft, then it will lose its main characteristics. Under conditions of dehydration in concrete, the hydration reaction will stop. The consequence of this will be the appearance in the structure of the stone of defects - cells and pores (decrease in density), which will lead to increased moisture absorption, as well as to a significant decrease in the strength and frost resistance of concrete constructions.

Did you sustain the foundation or did you build it right away? Write in the comments!

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