Do-it-yourself brick foundation: tape and columnar. Brick pillar foundation How to make a brick pillar foundation

A brick pillar foundation is a very comfortable and economical option for building such a part of a house structure. In order for your project to justify itself, it is necessary to comply with all process standards, as well as choose the right type of brick. We will talk about both in our article.

Advantages and disadvantages of the foundation

This type of foundation, made of bricks, has a number of advantages and disadvantages in its functioning of the structure. So, let's first get acquainted with the advantages of the foundation:

  • Low cost of installation work;
  • No need for waterproofing;
  • Lack of need for installation of blind areas;
  • Less exposure to heaving soils.

But, it is worth noting that, despite such advantages, such a foundation has a number of non-merits, namely such disadvantages:

  • Inability to build a basement;
  • The impossibility of mounting such a base for a heavy building;
  • Such a foundation is not suitable for erection on heaving soil.

A brick column foundation also has a number of recommendations regarding the place where it is undesirable to build this type of foundation:

  • If the site has elevations of more than two meters above the foundation;
  • In the presence of weak soil that can move horizontally, which in most cases causes surface slopes;
  • In case of high humidity in the area, which is usually found on peat and clay soils;
  • When designing a large room with sufficient weight of the structure;
  • A plinth is provided for the construction of walls.

Choosing the Right Brick

To date, the most popular materials are silicate and ceramic bricks. The first type is characterized by a low level of resistance to moisture, which leads to dampness and cracking during frost. It is for this reason that you should not choose this type for a wet area, as deformation or damage to the material may occur. This problem, of course, can be corrected by one's own efforts, but these actions will be expensive and difficult to perform.

For construction tasks for the construction of the foundation, red ceramic bricks are best suited. But, I would immediately like to note that this does not apply to all types of such material. Some manufacturers of such bricks save money on the firing process. It is worth noting that it is almost impossible to notice such a drawback with the eye - this will become possible only during operation.

Attention! If a low-quality brick is invested in the structure, then cracks will appear on it after 5 years.

You can also look for a clinker type of brick that can be fired at a high temperature level of about 1200 degrees. It is for this reason that the material is very high quality and durable. Its main advantage is the ability to tolerate moisture and frost. This type is also called paving brick, because it is used for laying sidewalks and bridges.

Installation work

It is worth remembering that the pillars must be placed in all corners, and at the intersection points of the walls between themselves and other places of load distribution. The distance between such elements should be no more than two meters over the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe building. The scheme of the foundation of the building is based on the plan and data of the project documentation. The top of the pillars is tied with beams to create a uniform distribution of the volume of the load.

When determining the size of the section of the supporting parts, they are repelled from the values ​​​​of the sole, which is necessary according to the design requirements. In practice, the most common square or rectangular shape of the placement of pillars at the construction site. It is worth noting that for houses that have one floor, the size of the rib is 38 cm, and for two floors - 51 cm.

There are two types of columnar base, made of bricks based on the criterion of bookmark depth:

  • Shallow type, which is installed on sandy, rocky and coarsely broken soil. The depth of such installation reaches 0.7 meters.
  • buried foundation mounted in areas with low surface water. Such work is carried out in the ground up to two meters. It is worth noting that the structure should be half a meter below the freezing level of the soil.

Stages of laying a shallow foundation

Do-it-yourself columnar foundation made of bricks is laid according to the following sequential actions:

  • Earthworks. The first thing we do at this stage is to prepare wells for poles. The amount of excavated land depends on the dimensions of the pillars and the depth of the brickwork. You can prepare a pit, both with your own hands, and with the involvement of specialized equipment. The only rule concerns compliance with the designed distance between the posts.
  • Preparatory stage for the foundation. The bottom of all wells must be covered with gravel and sand, and then well tamped. Next, you need to perform waterproofing, which can be provided with roofing material. In order to increase the stability of the building, you need to create a concrete base for brickwork.
  • Laying process. In most cases, three bricks create one row. It is worth noting that for the optimal material, you need to choose a brand above 400. When performing this type of work, the formation of constriction should be avoided. You can increase the strength level of the pillars with a reinforcing mesh, laying it horizontally. In order for the base to have an even coating, it is necessary to monitor the layout of each row of bricks so that the deviation does not exceed 2 degrees. During the process, do not forget that it is the exact location of the structural elements that forms its strength.

Attention! Bricklaying must be continued until the moment when the pillars rise above the ground by 0.2 meters. If the half-brick technique is performed, then the square pillar must be made with an empty center.

  • Waterproofing. When we complete the masonry, it is necessary to protect the reference points of the structure from water. This action can be performed using bituminous mastic, and if you need to perform the action horizontally, then you can use a membrane.
  • The process of filling empty space. In order for the pillars to dry and form the required strength, you need to wait five days for the base to dry. After this period, it is necessary to fill up all the free space in the wells. This task is performed with the help of crushed stone, sand or earth. If you maintain this norm, then you can avoid future seasonal soil movements.
  • Waterproofing of the upper supports. Each brick pillar on top of the structure must be covered with roofing material, on which the walls will be mounted.
  • Zabirka. In order to prevent cold street air from entering the underground space, it is necessary to carry out a pick-up throughout the entire territory of the building.

Do-it-yourself rules for the construction process

Today, there are certain rules for construction work on their own, which must be observed. So let's take a look at them:

  • The most important rule is the correct selection of bricks for the installation task. To do this, it is better to give preference to red clay bricks, namely the burnt model, since it is most resistant to moisture. Such a choice may save the building from destruction in the future.
  • A columnar foundation made of bricks is laid out on the basis of a mortar, which is created by mixing 1 part of cement and 3 parts of sand. For a more durable effect, you can add waterproofing elements.
  • A mandatory requirement is waterproofing for foundations in areas with high surface water levels.
  • The construction of the sole is carried out with mortar and special backfill, which increases performance and makes the building more durable.
  • When calculating the depth for such a foundation, you need to focus on generally accepted standards for such actions.

Creating the foundation of a brick house requires a responsible approach to implementation, as well as compliance with all norms and rules. Only under such conditions can one achieve the construction of a solid foundation with one's own hands, which will be in operation for many decades. In our article, we discussed all the existing nuances of the work, so you can safely begin to translate your construction project into reality.

When planning the construction of a structure on a backyard territory, each owner acquires raw materials based on his capabilities, the functional purpose of the structure. But the main criterion is the long service life and reliability of the future building.

A brick foundation is an affordable option that you can build yourself. Although its installation will require a lot of effort, time and patience, the result will be impressive.

Let us consider in more detail the aspects of creating such a foundation.

Thematic material:

All the pros and cons of a brick base

Among the main advantages of such a foundation, it is worth highlighting:

  1. Formwork installation is not required.
  2. Possibility of laying by hand.
  3. Choice of tape shapes.
  4. Reducing the consumption of concrete, which means saving money.
  5. Compatibility with other types of materials.
  6. Easily repairable.
  7. No need to involve special equipment, a team of workers.
  8. Good level of thermal insulation.
  9. If you perform high-quality waterproofing, then in terms of service life it will not be inferior to a concrete tape or monolith.


But it is worth considering the cons:

  1. Great labor intensity of work. Hand laying bricks takes a lot of time and effort.
  2. Mandatory reinforcement required. Otherwise, its service life is reduced significantly.
  3. Brick has a high level of hygroscopicity. Due to this, its frost resistance is reduced.

In addition, this type of foundation can only be built on a stable piece of land with a low level of groundwater.

In some cases, it can be installed on moving soil, but on condition that a reinforced concrete foundation is prepared under the bottom.

For which buildings can or cannot be used


Depending on the complexity of the design, a columnar or tape type is used.

It is impossible to lay such a foundation under two-story, three-story houses, where the walls will be made of brick or monolithic concrete.

There are no restrictions on the choice of material for cladding the facade of a building.

Choosing the right types of bricks

Best suited red burnt full-bodied (ceramic). If we are talking about the construction of a furnace, then fireclay (refractory).

Most often, these types of raw materials are taken, because they:

  • have a clay base;
  • resistant to moisture;
  • durable;
  • durable.

They have no obvious shortcomings.

But it is important to pay attention to the quality of the purchased material. If the raw material is burnt out or has not survived the allotted time, it will take on a dull scarlet color and will be with concave edges, and will begin to crumble over time, which will lead to the destruction of the foundation belt.

Clinker is suitable for facade cladding. It is resistant to any manifestations of the external environment, has been serving for decades, but its price is quite high.

White silicate brick should be used exclusively for finishing the basement of buildings made of block, wood. Despite its strength, it has a high hygroscopicity, a low level of frost resistance. The situation is the same with the red hollow.

If you lay the base of silicate, then under the influence of moisture, after a few years, individual sections will begin to crack.

Sizes, brands

The required type of raw material must necessarily meet the following requirements:

  • be whole, without voids;
  • frost resistance level - from 35 cycles and above;
  • water absorption - no more than 16%;
  • compression density - 1600 kg / m 3.

Ceramics should be used brands: M150, M200, M250.

Suitable brick sizes:

  • 25*12*6.5 cm - single;
  • 28.8*13.8*6.5 cm - modular;
  • 25*12*8.8cm;
  • 28.8*13.8*8.8cm.

We calculate the required amount of material

Initially, a drawing of the future structure is developed, which takes into account:

  • land type;
  • what material will the walls and ceilings be made of;
  • the presence of a basement or attic;
  • floor area of ​​the building.

And already based on the load on the foundation, determine its shape (tape or pillars), width, depth, amount of material.


When calculating the material for a columnar foundation made of bricks, it is important not to forget about the cross-sectional dimensions of the supports. Correctly make them square with an edge of 38 cm or rectangular, 38 * 51 cm in size.

We create a brick foundation with our own hands

Having determined the purpose of the building, they decide on the construction of a tape or pillars.

But in any of the options, waterproofing is required. For this, the old proven bitumen, rolled roofing material is well suited. For additional protection against moisture, they dig a trench and lay a drainage pipe in it.

Consider step-by-step instructions for creating each type of brick foundation.

Stages of construction of a columnar base

Its strength is sufficient for light structures:

  • small country houses from a felling;
  • plank hozblokov;
  • summer shower and toilet;
  • gazebos.

It is easy to lay out such a foundation yourself, armed with guidance from experienced builders. Its price is affordable, but the blind area does not need to be done.


  1. For a one-story frame house, pillars with dimensions of 38 * 51 or 38 * 38 cm are enough.
  2. If this is a summer kitchen with an attic, then the dimensions of the supports are increased to 51 * 51 cm.
  3. Cement grades M400, M500 are best suited for mixing the mortar.
  4. The bottom of the pits must be leveled, rammed and geotextiles laid. It will become an obstacle to the penetration of moisture into the foundation, will not allow sand to go into the ground, and weeds will grow.
  5. From above, a pillow is formed from crushed stone and sand, roofing material is laid.
  6. After that, the laying of pillars begins in a proven old-fashioned way.
  7. Every 4 rows, it is recommended to strengthen the supports with a layer of wire mesh.
  8. To ensure that all columns are in the same plane, each lined row should be checked with a building level.

An important feature worth considering is that the supports under the bearing walls are made much thinner, about 25 * 38 cm.

Ribbon erection

The choice in favor of this foundation is possible if it is planned to build a building with a basement, a basement, an attic on the roof. Walls can be built of stone, reinforced concrete.

According to the reviews of the masters, the tape is a reliable foundation not only on solid ground, but also on sandy, heaving loam. The main thing is to perform high-quality reinforcement.

Pouring the foundation of broken bricks

Parts of bricks sometimes remain from old buildings, which can also be used as auxiliary material when pouring the foundation. But even here it is suitable only for the base for small structures such as a bathhouse, a barn or a gazebo.

It is not worth believing that a reliable tape, a monolith for a house, will be obtained from this raw material. Even if a good layer of mortar is poured, the rubble stone will not withstand such a load.

Brick battle is an additive to concrete instead of crushed stone. Therefore, we advise you to familiarize yourself with some of the subtleties of its application:

  1. Raw materials should be beaten until small and uniform pieces are obtained.
  2. The material must be placed closer to the center of the foundation.
  3. It is worth using only parts of ceramic solid bricks.
  4. For 1 m 3 of the base, ½ battle will be required.
  5. The layer of concrete mortar should be 2 cm higher than the level of the coated rubble.

By choosing brick as the main material for the foundation, you will get a reliable foundation that you can make yourself, saving on the services of builders.

Probably the biggest advantage of such a foundation is that its construction will cost much less than the construction of any monolithic foundation. In addition, it is easy even for novice builders to build a columnar foundation with their own hands, while guaranteeing high performance of the supporting structure. Often, such foundations are erected on moving heaving soils.

It is worth saying that the foundation on pillars is very versatile, because such a foundation is easily settled on any type of soil and on any landscape, large-scale hydro- and thermal insulation works are not required, installation is carried out quickly and without outside help. It often happens that those people who do not have a lot of experience in the construction industry decide to build a columnar foundation for a house. The construction of a columnar base does not require high specialization of builders, because the technology is quite simple to understand.

Column Base Types

Already at the design stage of the future structure, it is necessary to choose the material from which the supporting pillars will be made. The main types of columnar base are:

Sometimes, during the construction of a columnar foundation, wood is used with their own hands. However, such material must be treated with an anti-rotting solution and burned, otherwise the house on wooden poles will not last long.

A columnar foundation made of bricks, with proper care, may well last a hundred years. However, this type of supporting structure has a couple of small disadvantages - the process of laying the pillars is very laborious, and the resulting foundation does not respond very well to soil movements. To make a columnar base out of bricks, you will have to shovel more than one cubic meter of earth and fork out for burnt bricks.

It is worth saying that there is a shallow columnar foundation, laid at 50-70 cm and used mainly in those places where the groundwater level is quite low. It is logical to assume that there is also a buried columnar foundation, which is installed to a depth of two meters and which is justified in areas that are oversaturated with moisture.

Phased construction of a columnar base

The pillar foundation must be built on a pre-prepared site. It is necessary to clear the area of ​​debris and level existing irregularities, and if the site has clay soil, then gravel should be added. After the completion of the preparatory work, it is necessary to mark the construction site, noting the future location of each pillar. During earthworks, you can use a tractor or excavator, or you can do it yourself.

When installing relatively short pillars up to a meter long, you can not strengthen the dug recesses, otherwise you should make a well extended to the top, and then install several spacers from wooden bars or boards in it. You can make a reinforced concrete pillow at the bottom of the pits, this will protect the future house from subsidence.

The next step is the manufacture of the formwork structure. It is best to make boards from boards 4 cm thick and 15 cm wide. Fixed formwork is constructed from iron or asbestos-cement pipes with a diameter of 10 cm or more.

Now the turn has come to reinforce the columnar base, for which reinforcing bars with a cross section of 12-14 mm should be used, which must be installed longitudinally. Use wire to make horizontal jumpers. In order to make it convenient to connect the posts with the grillage after pouring the solution, it is necessary to leave about 15-20 cm of reinforcement above the top of the posts.

If the viscous reinforcement is finished, then you can start pouring with concrete mortar. During pouring, in order to avoid the formation of voids in the finished foundation, the mixture should be tightly tamped. It does not hurt to make high-quality waterproofing - for wet soils, use a double layer of roofing material, and for the rest, one will be enough.

Now we need to build a grillage for our foundation. With the help of reinforcement, we connect the jumpers, then we make a frame from the same reinforcement and install the formwork structure. Then we pour the concrete into the resulting shape and give it enough time to harden.

A fence for a columnar base is usually made of brick. When laying, holes should be left for ventilation and communications. During the construction of future walls, do not allow the installation of bricks or blocks on poles - this can lead to distortions and cracks.

How to build a column foundation using pipes

The columnar foundation of pipes is also being built without any special tricks:

  1. a well is drilled in the ground, the bottom of which is tightly rammed;
  2. then pipes of a slightly smaller diameter than the well are inserted into the hole;
  3. it is necessary to fix the pipes in a strictly vertical position, for which they are covered with dense soil;
  4. the next step is to fill the inside of the pipe for a third of its length, then the pipe rises, and the concrete solution fills all the free space;
  5. the solution is again poured into the pipe, only this time only the last 10-15 centimeters should be left unfilled;
  6. at the end, it is necessary to tamp the mixture by bayoneting, and install a reinforcement rod in the middle of the pipe.

It remains to wait for the complete solidification of the solution. In order to connect the resulting foundation and the walls of the house being erected, it is necessary to attach the anchor elements to the lower parts of the wall beams, and then immerse them in the remaining pipe cavities (10-15 cm) and finally concrete the entire structure.

Construction of a block columnar base

A do-it-yourself columnar foundation made of blocks is quite simple to arrange. Blocks bonded with concrete mortar are installed on a base of crushed stone and sand. Of course, this type of supporting structure is very convenient and easy to build, but there are several serious restrictions on its arrangement:

  • a columnar base of blocks cannot be erected on moving heaving soils;
  • a block columnar foundation cannot be built on weak types of soil: clay soil, peat;
  • such a foundation is not suitable in the case of the construction of massive buildings.

A rather complicated process is also the sheathing of the basement space under the house erected on a block columnar foundation.

Support-column base technology

To equip the support-columnar foundation, it is necessary to install concrete pillars with parameters 40x40x40 cm around the entire perimeter of the building, as well as under the load-bearing beams, every three meters. To form each reference point, 4 blocks with dimensions of 20x20x40 cm are required. Roofing material is placed on top of the blocks, which serves as waterproofing. To arrange a solid columnar foundation of 20x20x40 cm blocks for a 6 × 6 m house, you will need to make only 12-16 reference points (pillars).

Typically, such a base is often chosen as a columnar foundation for a bathhouse or for a change house. After all, the construction is simple and quite economical, plus everything does not require additional waterproofing. Such a foundation can also be an excellent basis for light frame houses that do not have cellars and cellars.

Pillar foundation for a gazebo

The columnar foundation for the gazebo is very easy to build. The material for the pillars can be brick, concrete or wood. In the case of using wood or brick, the poles should be isolated from the effects of the soil by wrapping them with roofing material. The main stages of arranging such a foundation are:

  • choice of support pillars;
  • clearing the site from construction and other debris;
  • removal of the fertile soil layer;
  • territory marking;
  • digging or drilling wells;
  • backfilling and compacting sand or gravel;
  • installation of linings;
  • base installation.

The depth of installation of the pillars will depend on the specific type of soil. The gazebo must somehow be attached to the base, so consider this as well (it is best to use anchors with a section of 30x30 cm.). As you understand, there is nothing complicated in arranging a columnar base for a gazebo, so you can easily cope on your own.

How to repair a column base

As a rule, the repair of a columnar foundation consists in eliminating the slope of the supporting pillars. Usually, a house or a bath is lifted with special jacks, then the pillars are dug a little and leveled, after which the concrete solution is poured and the pillar elements are covered with earth. It is advisable to repeat this procedure after a year, but even this does not guarantee an ideal result. Therefore, the most experienced builders are advised to do the following:

  1. the building is raised and placed on temporary supports;
  2. poles that have slanted are removed from the soil;
  3. a trench breaks out along the perimeter of the house, into which a pillow of sand is laid;
  4. a reinforcing belt is created, which is poured with a concrete mixture;
  5. supporting elements are installed on the frozen foundation;
  6. the building is lowered onto a new supporting structure, after which the opening and closing of doors and windows is regulated.

When repairing a columnar foundation, always remember the importance of timely measures taken. Only then will your house last a long time.

Do-it-yourself column foundation: photo, video


Do-it-yourself columnar foundation - step-by-step instructions for erecting, photos, videos, advantages of this type of foundation. Types of columnar foundation - brick,

When building a small country house, garage, bathhouse, it is not necessary to build a powerful strip foundation with your own hands or, moreover, a monolithic slab. For such purposes, a brick foundation is quite suitable, which, despite its low cost and simplicity of the device, has very good strength and performance characteristics. In this article we will consider all the intricacies of building a brick foundation.

Is it possible to make a foundation of brick

A shallow brick foundation allows you to build a reliable and durable foundation for a small light house or outbuildings with a small budget. It is easy to build a brick foundation with your own hands - there are no serious earthworks, construction equipment is not needed, the materials used to build it are inexpensive. At the same time, one should not think that a brick foundation is something artisanal and frivolous.

Such statements can usually be heard from those who have had negative experiences using such a foundation for the home. However, as a rule, the reason is not at all the unreliability of the foundation, but the lack of calculations, compliance with construction technology and waterproofing. And this is the most important thing, and in any business, and not just in construction.

There are only two types of foundations that can be made of brick - it is tape or columnar. Monolithic is excluded, since it is a single, reinforced concrete structure.

Advantages and disadvantages of a brick foundation

Advantages:

  • - In case of destructive impacts on the foundation, for example, when the soil moves, the foundation will suffer only partially, since it is a flexible base;
  • - Repair of a brick foundation is outrageously simple, you just need to dismantle the damaged bricks and replace them with new ones;
  • - The brickwork of the base allows you to perform complex turns and bends of the tape, and this does not require special formwork;
  • - Everything you need to build the base has a small weight that can be carried by hand.

Flaws:

  • - The service life of a brick foundation is relatively small - 30-50 years, which is less than a concrete counterpart;
  • - High hydroscopicity of the foundation requires high-quality waterproofing;
  • - The use of a brick base is permissible only in dry and hard, non-heaving soils, with a low level of groundwater.

What materials are needed for a brick foundation

To build a brick foundation for a private house, you need to stock up:

  • 1. Brick (we'll talk about choosing a brick for the base below);
  • 2. Cement and sand for mortar and CGS (sand-gravel mixture) for "cushion";
  • 3. Reinforcement and masonry mesh - for reinforcing the base;
  • 4. Insulation;
  • 5. Waterproofing.

For the construction of the foundation, only red solid brick is suitable, the firing of which was carried out in compliance with the technology. Poorly or not of high quality fired brick, which manufacturers often sin, will begin to crumble after 5-10 years, destroying the foundation. But if the red brick is burned out, which is a violation of technology, then this will be the best option, since such a brick is the most durable and moisture resistant. Well, besides, it is usually sold at a low price, considering the "overcooked" brick as a marriage.

Among other things, an important indicator when choosing a brick for a foundation is its brand (M), frost resistance index (F) and water absorption. For the device of the base, it is recommended to choose a brick with indicators: M-150, M-175, M-200, M-250, M-300. F from 35 to 100, water absorption - 8-16%.

The most suitable brick is clinker, and although it belongs to the ceramic types of bricks, it is durable and moisture resistant. Clinker acquires such properties during firing at a temperature of more than 1200 degrees. At the same time, it must be remembered that only solid clinker bricks are suitable, though hollow ones are equal in strength, however, moisture will inevitably accumulate in the cavities in the form of condensate, which will freeze and thaw, gradually destroying the structure. But an obstacle to the use of clinker bricks is its high price.

What types of bricks can not be used to build a brick foundation:

  • 1. Silicate brick. It has extremely low moisture resistance, and the absorbed moisture destroys the brick when it freezes. No matter how high-quality the waterproofing is, silicate brick cannot be used for laying the foundation.
  • 2. Hollow bricks, the reason is the accumulation of water in the cavities.

Calculation of the number of bricks

Before starting work, you need to know how much material will be needed, at least approximately. This will allow you not to buy too much, because in addition to the cost of the material itself, there are also shipping costs.

It takes about 400 bricks per cube of brickwork, this is taking into account the mortar. How many cubes in your design can be calculated by multiplying the length, width and height of the tape (or the number of pillars and their dimensions - when building a columnar foundation).

At the design stage of the foundation, it should be borne in mind that the width of the tape should be 7-10 cm wider than the wall, this will make it possible later to securely fasten the logs for the floor.

For example, the foundation for a bath 5x6 meters. That is, the length of the tape is 22 meters, the width is 0.37 m, the height is 0.7 m. It turns out about 6 cubes, that is, 2400 pieces of bricks, which means, taking into account possible losses, you need to buy about 2600-2700 pieces. The cost of a brick today is 13-15 rubles. apiece, which means the cost of a brick will be around 45 thousand rubles, including delivery. Of course, this is just an example, the cost of the costs may vary depending on the region, the proximity of the manufacturer or seller of the material.

Cement and sand for mortar and ASG for the "cushion" device

The laying of a part of the foundation, which will be underground, is carried out with a cement-sand mortar using high-grade cement. The above-ground part is laid out with a cement-lime mortar, 1 part cement, 2 parts sand and 1 part lime. Although, if possible, it is better to use a completely cement-sand mortar.

It is important to remember that cement must be stored in a dry room, so if there is none, it is better to buy it in parts.

River sand is used to prepare the solution, and a sand-gravel mixture (SGM) is used for the pillow.

Reinforcement materials

Strengthening the brick foundation is carried out without fail, and this is done in the process of laying bricks. For reinforcement, you need to stock up:

  • - rods of corrugated metal fittings with a diameter of 6-8 mm. She will go to the longitudinal laying;
  • - for longitudinal reinforcement, a metal masonry mesh is used, with a diameter of bars of 4-6 mm.

Warming materials and waterproofing

Brick foundation insulation is made of tiled extruded polystyrene foam, it is most suitable for convenience, quality and price. For waterproofing, rolled geotextiles or sprayed bitumen are used. As an option, to enhance waterproofing, it is recommended to plaster the foundation with cement plaster, but this does not negate the use of waterproofing materials, since the plaster itself will only temporarily protect against moisture, then it also requires protection.

Brick strip foundation - step by step instructions

First of all, the foundation tape is marked for digging a trench. When marking, one should take into account not only the width of the tape, but also take into account heat and waterproofing, and in addition, if the soil is heaving, there is still a place for sand filling.

After the trench is dug, a “pillow” is laid on the bottom - first, a layer of sand and gravel mixture, 15 cm thick, is carefully rammed.

The second layer is laid with waterproofing, preferably modern polymer, however, roofing material in 3-4 layers is also suitable, with a plant on the walls of the trench.

Preparatory work

Not everyone recommends taking the next step, but when it comes to building a house, we advise you to do it. We are talking about reinforced concrete preparation, 100 mm thick. To reduce shipping costs and avoid waste, you can use composite reinforcement, which is ten times lighter than steel, the price is low, and due to the fact that the composite is sold in coils of 100-200 meters, there is almost no waste and scraps.

Concrete preparation will increase the bearing capacity of the base and create a level surface for laying bricks. However, this will significantly increase the cost of the foundation, so it's up to you to decide whether to do it or skip it.

After the concrete preparation has gained strength (2-3 days), laying can begin. And they start it as standard - from the corners, and is performed with mandatory dressing of the seams. The thickness of the seams should not exceed 1 cm, the seams in the underground part are filled flush, in the above-ground - internal seams are made with a depth of about 1 cm, for better adhesion of the plaster and the foundation.

Reinforcement is performed to strengthen the structure. The first belt, in two bars of reinforcement (6-8 mm, corrugated), is laid horizontally along the tape with an indent from the edges into the brick floor, is laid on the first row of bricks, with transverse reinforcement of the mesh (4-6 mm).

The second belt is laid on the penultimate row of bricks, similarly to the first. Please note that the solution should cover the reinforcement by 3-5 millimeters.

We will not dwell on the masonry process itself, it is no different from ordinary bricklaying, which you can read about here.

After finishing the masonry work, the foundation is left for 2-3 weeks so that the structure gains strength.

Final works

So, the solution seized, the structure gained strength sufficient for further work. For better drainage of melt and rainwater, we fill the space between the slopes of the trench and the walls of the foundation with sand or a sand-gravel mixture, broken bricks, as well as similar construction debris, will also go.

So that water, flowing from the roof, does not fall directly under the foundation, it is mandatory to make a blind area with a slope from the house, around the entire perimeter of the walls. We wrote earlier about how to properly make a blind area.

Before erecting walls, waterproofing is applied to the upper horizontal part of the foundation.

Due to the simplicity of the device, brick column foundations have gained the greatest popularity. Such a base is perfect for the construction of extensions to the house, baths, sheds, arbors.

Advantages of a brick columnar foundation:

  • 1. Low construction costs;
  • 2. Easy to implement with your own hands, does not require special knowledge and experience;
  • 3. No blind area is needed.
  • 1. More thorough protection against moisture and soil heaving is required;
  • 2. A building with a columnar base does not allow making a basement or underground;
  • 3. It is impossible to build in moving soils, since the pillars will warp after a short time, which will damage the entire structure;
  • 4. The construction of the building should be made only of light materials - wood, frame. Foam blocks, and even more so brick or reinforced concrete slabs, cannot be used categorically;
  • 5. Cannot be used in an area with surface elevation differences of 2 meters or more.

The choice of the size of the pillars and the depth of laying depend on the project, where the loads and type of soil are taken into account, if there is none, then usually the pillars are made rectangular or square.

  • A) The size 38x38 cm is used for light outbuildings.
  • B) Foundation with sides 38x51 cm - for heavier one-story buildings.
  • C) 51x51 cm - reinforced foundation, suitable for building a two-story house, but only with the use of light materials.
  • D) Section 25x38 cm is used for pillars inside the foundation, for internal load-bearing walls.

In addition, columnar foundations made of bricks are:

  • 1. Shallow, with a laying depth of 40-80 cm. Suitable for sandy soils;
  • 2. An in-depth columnar foundation is built at a depth of 1.5-2 meters, that is, approximately 30-50 cm below the freezing level of the soil.

Construction materials

  • 1. Red solid brick, well burnt, it can be burnt, but in no case badly burnt. Roasting gives the brick good moisture protection, and moisture is the main enemy of the brick foundation.
  • 2. Cement-sand mortar, using cement grades 400 or 500, with waterproofing additives.
  • 3. Concrete for concrete preparation.
  • 4. Sand for the "cushion" and ASG for backfilling between the slopes of the pits and the walls of the base pillars.
  • 5. Reinforcement with a diameter of 6-8 mm, masonry mesh for reinforcing pillars with bars 5-6 mm.

Step-by-step instructions for building a columnar foundation made of bricks

Step number 1 - marking and excavation

Marking is done with the help of pegs and a cord - first the corners are displayed, then the diagonals are checked - they must be equal. The marking is made on the outer sides of the foundation, so that the cord is the perimeter boundary.

After that, we proceed to digging holes, and they need to be dug wider than the dimensions of the pillars, since then it will be necessary to backfill.

Step number 2 - "pillow" under the poles

We lay geotextiles in open pits, then a layer of sand 10-15 cm thick. We carefully tamp the sand. Sand will freely pass moisture from concrete, and geotextile will not allow sand to go into the soil.

We lay a roofing material or other rolled waterproofing material on a sand cushion, such a layer will well protect the lower bricks from moisture.

Then we proceed to pouring the concrete sole, it is made wider than the sides of the foundation pillar. First of all, we lay a metal mesh with a diameter of 3-5 mm bars, after which we fill it with concrete grade 400, the layer thickness is 20-25 cm.

After 3-4 days, when the concrete sets, you can start laying bricks.

Step number 3 - laying bricks

To obtain a strong and reliable structure, the masonry mortar must be at least grade 400, and it is better to use grade 500.

When laying a square pillar in a row, four bricks are used, every 4 rows we lay a reinforcing mesh directly into the solution. Masonry is made in half a brick, with a cavity in the center of the column.

It is important to understand that at the intersections of the walls - at the corners, the load on the pillars will be maximum, so there it is worth laying out pillars with a section of 51x51 cm, in other places such reinforcement is not required, therefore there will be enough pillars with a section of 38x38 cm.

For a columnar foundation, it is very important that all the surfaces of the pillars are even and at the same level, otherwise the load will be distributed unevenly, which will lead to distortions and destruction of the building in the future. Therefore, be sure to use a level and a plumb line, and if possible, a level.

Reinforcement with a diameter of 8-10 mm, corrugated, is laid in an empty cavity in the center of the pillars. Usually 2 or 4 bars are used. Then fill the cavity with concrete.

Step number 4 - waterproofing and backfilling

We coat the walls of the pillars with bituminous mastic, and waterproof the upper horizontal part by laying roofing material or rolled membranes based on bitumen and polymers.

Let's wait about a week for the waterproofing to dry, and you can start backfilling. To do this, between the walls of the pillars and the edges of the pits, we pour sand, sand, crushed stone or slag.

This is all you need to know when building a columnar foundation made of bricks with your own hands. If you have any questions - ask in the comments. Good luck!

The columnar foundation made of bricks allows you to build small structures with sufficient reliability and durability. In some cases (for example, the construction of a bath), this type of foundation has undeniable advantages and may well compete with a monolithic concrete foundation. Do-it-yourself columnar foundation made of bricks allows you to save significant funds both during earthmoving and during the construction of the structure. Experience in the construction of various structures in different climatic zones shows the high reliability of such systems.

Features of a brick foundation

The main element of the do-it-yourself columnar foundation is columns buried in the ground, made of bricks. Brick pillars are installed in all corners of the building, at the intersections of walls, under load-bearing walls and loaded partitions, as well as along the perimeter of the outer wall in increments of 2-2.5 m. They act as the supports of the structure. To distribute the load from the building, a grillage is arranged over the supports - a special load-bearing belt that connects all the pillars.

The strength characteristics of the columnar system depend on the design and number of supports, their dimensions (sectional area, depth in the ground). According to the depth of occurrence, the foundations are divided into shallow-buried and buried. The first type is used for small buildings (low responsibility), and for houses on sandy or rocky ground. The depth of these supports is 45-75 cm. The second type of support is arranged for larger buildings, as well as for low groundwater levels. It can reach a depth of up to 1.5-2 m, as it is erected 35-60 cm below the level of soil freezing. For example, the depth of soil freezing in some areas (on average): Stavropol - 60, Kuban - 80, Kursk - 120, Moscow - 140, Samara - 160 cm.

The main advantages of a brick columnar foundation: economic benefits, a significant reduction in earthmoving, no need for formwork, less heaving when the soil freezes. Some disadvantages can also be noted: the lack of a basement, as well as the fact that such foundations are not intended for heavy buildings with several floors. The construction of pillars is not recommended under the following conditions: if the height difference of the terrain in the construction area exceeds 2 m; if it is possible to move the soil in a horizontal direction; on peaty and clay soils with high humidity; for buildings made of reinforced concrete blocks and panels or with brickwork thicker than 0.5 m; for buildings with a plinth.

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Construction of brick column foundations

The most common design is a brick column buried to the desired depth. The cross-sectional dimensions are selected taking into account the mass of the structure. For small one-story buildings, corner posts are laid with a size of 38x38 cm (masonry of 1.5 bricks), and intermediate ones - 38x25 cm. , and intermediate ones - 38x38 cm. Inside the pillar, filling is done with brick halves. The height of the erected column is 18-22 cm above ground level.

The brick pillar is strengthened by installing a reinforcing mesh every 4 rows of bricks. Waterproofing is carried out by laying roofing material on the bottom of the pit under the bottom layer of the support and in the form of a layer around the post (roofing material or coating with resin).

In such a system, a concrete column about 10x10 cm in size with a vertical reinforcing element in the form of a steel bar is installed in the center of the column. You can use standard reinforced concrete posts for fences. Brickwork is carried out around the central element with a thickness of half a brick. The sectional size of this pillar is 38x38 cm, taking into account the seam between the bricks.

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The choice of material for the foundation

Not every material is suitable for the construction of a brick foundation. It is not recommended to use hollow (having reduced crushing strength) and sand-lime bricks. The most optimal option is considered to be a full-bodied burnt red ceramic brick. Such material has high mechanical strength and low water permeability.

When choosing a material, you should pay special attention to the frost resistance index (index F in the marking). In terms of strength characteristics, preference should be given to bricks of a grade not lower than M200. Material M100-M150 can be used in the construction of a small bath or outbuildings. The standard size of a brick element is 250x120x65 mm.

For masonry, a cement-sand mortar is used in a ratio of 1: 3. In this case, Portland cement should be used not lower than the M400 grade, and when preparing the solution, it is recommended to introduce waterproofing additives.

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Required Tool

Tools necessary for work: hammer, tape measure, building level, mallet, grater, plumb line, spatula.

To build a columnar foundation of brick, you will need the following inventory:

  • shovel;
  • Master OK;
  • grater;
  • construction mixer;
  • measuring bucket;
  • putty knife;
  • hammer;
  • mallet;
  • sieve;
  • metal scissors;
  • plumb;
  • construction level;
  • roulette;
  • paint brush.
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