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» We select the optimal foundation for various fence designs. How to make a strip foundation for a fence made of corrugated sheets with brick pillars with your own hands Marking the foundation for a fence

We select the optimal foundation for various fence designs. How to make a strip foundation for a fence made of corrugated sheets with brick pillars with your own hands Marking the foundation for a fence

The type of base for the fence is chosen depending on the type of soil and materials used in construction. A strip foundation for a fence is the best option, regardless of what the enclosing structure will be built from. To save money, you can build a base on brick pillars for a lightweight fence. The most expensive and labor-intensive is the installation of a stone foundation.

Choosing a foundation

Several types of foundations are used to install fences. The reliability and durability of the entire structure will depend on the correctness of the calculations and compliance with the base installation technology.

Before making a choice, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

  • type of soil and the degree of its shrinkage during seasonal fluctuations in temperature and humidity;
  • the weight of the fence is important if the soil is weak and the structure can sag if the foundation is not laid correctly;
  • the proximity of underground sources and the possibility of undermining the foundation under the fence with sewage, rain, and groundwater;
  • when building near a highway or railway, vibration loads must be taken into account;
  • Tall structures can tilt and bend in strong winds.

The foundation takes on the load and distributes it evenly onto the ground, thereby protecting the structure from shrinkage. A fence made of corrugated board and brick with a foundation will last much longer than without it.

Kinds

The main types of bases and their characteristics are presented in the table:

ViewCharacteristic
1 Strip foundation for a fenceUsed for constructing heavy fences made of concrete blocks, bricks, etc. Mounted in the form of a concrete strip around the entire perimeter. The width should be slightly wider than the fence itself. Depth varies from 500 to 800 mm. On construction sites with a slope, a belt with steps is installed at the places where the load-bearing supports are installed.
2 ColumnarIt is mounted only under supporting elements to a depth below the freezing point of the soil. Such a foundation is suitable for a fence made of corrugated sheets, mesh and other lightweight materials. They drill holes at a distance of 2-3 m from each other, insert a pipe, reinforce it and fill it with cement mortar.
3 CombinedUsed on difficult soils and for heavy structures. It combines a strip base that expands where the pillars are installed.
4 StoneThey are made of natural stone and brick and do not require reinforcement with metal reinforcing elements. Suitable for constructing fences made of stone or concrete slabs.

The best option is a strip foundation for a fence with brick pillars. It is durable, reliable and beautiful.

Tape base

A strip foundation for building a fence made of corrugated board, wood, brick, stone is installed along the entire length of the fence.


Strip foundation for a fence

Calculation of parameters

Perform calculations of the main indicators:

  • The depth of the foundation for the fence of strips made of lightweight materials is 500 mm. For fences made of heavy materials, soil characteristics and operating conditions are taken into account. Sometimes it is necessary to deepen the foundation below the freezing point of the soil, by 40 cm.
  • The area of ​​the base affects the resistance to wind loads. Correctly calculated indicators will protect the structure from shrinkage and give it strength. On heaving soil, incorrect calculation can lead to the soil pushing the structure outward.

The foundation area must be no less than (k(n)*F) / (k(c)*R), where:

  • k(n) - reliability coefficient;
  • k(c) - operating conditions coefficient;
  • R - soil resistance.

All indicators of building materials and soil are taken into account when calculating the foundation.

Preparatory work

Before making the foundation for the fence, you need to do the following preparatory work:

  1. Clean the surface of debris.
  2. They make markings, drive stakes along the marked line and pull a rope between them.
  3. They dig a ditch to a foundation depth for the fence of at least 400 mm and a width of 400 mm. Where load-bearing pillars are located, they are deepened by 60-90 cm, depending on the type of soil.
  4. Support pillars with a height of 2500 mm and a diameter of 50 to 80 mm are selected.
  5. A layer of sand and gravel 150 mm thick is poured onto the bottom of the trench. Moisten with water and compact in layers.

The foundation for a fence made of corrugated sheets is made wider for better resistance to wind loads.

Is formwork necessary?

There are two options for installing a fence with a strip foundation:


Construction of a strip foundation for a fence
  • Without formwork. In this case, the pillars are installed and secured in the trench before filling with cement mortar. They drill deeper holes under the pillars, insert a support and fill it with dense stones: gravel, pebbles. After this, the reinforcement is laid.
  • Formwork is made from boards, plywood and other available materials. The boards are knocked down into panels equal in height to the foundation. The formwork prevents the trench from being covered with earth. They are installed in a ditch, spacers and supports are placed so that the structure does not fall apart under the pressure of concrete. Secure the supports. The foundation for the fence is reinforced with metal rods connected to each other by wire into a mesh structure.

The concrete shape helps ensure that the base is even and the fence will look more beautiful.

Pouring concrete

You can pour the foundation for a fence with your own hands:

  • with technological breaks;
  • in one go.

If the first option is chosen, you need to take into account that the time interval between pouring layers cannot exceed 12 hours. Otherwise, the strength of the structure will decrease.

When installing in one go, you will need a large volume of concrete mixture, which is better to order from a factory.

After disassembling the form from the boards, fill the gap between the foundation and the pit with sand or clay. They are compacted well, pre-wetting them. A strip foundation is most suitable for installing a fence made of corrugated sheets, bricks, or concrete blocks.

The formwork is dismantled after the concrete has gained more than 70% strength.

Foundation for a brick fence


Brick fence

The foundation for a brick fence is installed taking into account the additional construction of brick pillars. Inside the brick pillar there must be a metal pillar, concreted with the lower end into the foundation.

Many people wonder how to make a high-quality foundation for a fence with brick pillars. The best option is to install a strip-column base. It has increased strength and has a beautiful appearance. Here is information on how to make a foundation for laying a brick fence with your own hands.

Installation technology

The foundation for a brick fence with your own hands includes the installation of a concrete strip with holes for installing posts. The width is calculated depending on the weight and height of the enclosing structure. The higher the fence, the wider the concrete strip should be.

The foundation for a fence with brick pillars is made with an expansion in depth; its shape should resemble a truncated pentahedron with a slight slope. The lower and upper ribs are arranged in a ratio of 1:2.

Preparatory work

Before pouring the foundation for a brick fence, you need to mark the area and dig a trench along the entire perimeter of the structure.

Step-by-step instruction:

  1. Marking is done by installing wooden or metal stakes, between which a rope is pulled level.
  2. Dig a trench about 500 mm deep and 400-600 mm wide.
  3. Make recesses under the pillars using a hand drill at a distance of 1-2.5 m from each other.
  4. Install the formwork according to the scheme described above.
  5. A sand cushion 150-200 mm thick is poured onto the bottom.

Lay a layer of roofing felt or other waterproofing material and begin installing supporting elements, without which the brick pillars will quickly become unusable.

Installation of supports

In order for brick pillars to serve for a long time, they must be properly strengthened from the inside:


Supports for a brick fence
  1. Install metal supports, driving them to a depth of 200-300 mm. The width of the well should be 300 mm, the minimum depth is 1 m. On heaving soils, make a depth of at least 1200 mm. The supports are tied with metal rods and reinforced from the inside. Fill the cavity with concrete.
  2. For a fence made of brick pillars, reinforcement of the base along the entire perimeter is mandatory. Metal rods are laid along the entire length according to the principle: 2 rods are placed parallel to each other at the bottom and on top. For heavy structures, transverse reinforcement is also installed.
  3. Fill the tape with concrete and compact the solution well so that there are no voids left.

They wait until the tape is completely dry, only after that they begin to build brick pillars.

Laying brick pillars


Laying a brick fence

It’s quite easy to make a foundation for a fence with your own hands if you strictly follow the technology. Brickwork is made with metal rods for structural strength.

You can make a fence by following the rule: the pillars are laid as one-and-a-half (1.5 bricks) or double (2 bricks).

Fill the space created between the brick and the metal pillar with cement mortar with the addition of durable stone.

Lay the brick strictly on a vertical plane, check the level using a plumb line.

After completion of the work, the pillars are erected for 14 days. During this period, they are treated with impregnation that protects them from moisture.

You can put a metal cap on the upper end of the rack to protect it from precipitation getting inside and washing out the concrete.

Stone foundation


Fence with stone foundation

A stone foundation is installed under massive heavy fences made of natural stone or brick.

The foundation for a fence made of corrugated sheets or other lightweight material should not be made of stone for the reason that it will be unreasonably expensive.

To figure out how to properly make a stone foundation, you need to learn how to calculate its surface and depth and know the technology of the device.

The stone foundation is installed in a previously prepared trench. Natural stone is placed in formwork on a pre-filled sand cushion and a layer of waterproofing material.

The process of installing a stone strip foundation is labor-intensive and expensive, so such a foundation is made quite rarely.

Base for a fence made of corrugated sheets


Corrugated fence

Profile decking is often used for the construction of fences due to its high performance characteristics and low cost.

A fence made of corrugated sheets on a strip foundation will last more than 50 years.

They determine the dimensions of the platform and the depth of the foundation, and begin to construct a strip foundation for the fence with their own hands. Several assistants will be needed to complete the work.

The diagram for installing a strip foundation for a fence made of corrugated sheets with your own hands is described above.

The second option is to build the base of the fence from blocks, which are laid in rows in a trench. Each row of blocks must be filled with concrete and compacted well.

Holes for supports are provided in advance at a distance corresponding to the size of the profiled sheet for a metal profile fence.

A fence built according to technology from corrugated sheets, bricks, and concrete blocks will be a reliable support for the entire structure.It is important to correctly calculate the main parameters and install the structure strictly according to the level. Which foundation to choose is determined based onpreliminarycalculations.

So, the decision was made to put up a fence. The basis of this structure will be the foundation, and the quality of the entire structure will depend on its strength.

The base is necessary so that the fence is not subject to deformation on the ground.

If you have the necessary skills, you can make a foundation for a fence with your own hands.

A strong foundation is necessary so that the fence is not subject to soil deformation

Types of fencing

Before you begin constructing the foundation, you need to decide fence type:

  • easy;
  • average;
  • heavy.

After determining the type of foundation, you can begin work.

For light type fences

For a light type of fencing - corrugated sheets, picket fences, chain-link mesh - on solid ground, the less expensive method of post-casting is quite suitable.

Along the perimeter of the future fence, holes are dug with a depth of 80 to 120 cm at a distance of 1 to 5 meters, pillars are installed in them, bursting with stones and filled with concrete. When using corrugated sheets the distance between posts is recommended no more than 2 meters, taking into account the windage properties of the material under wind loads.

This video shows how to build a foundation for a fence:

If the soil is loose, sandy or muddy, a do-it-yourself strip-and-pillar type of foundation for a fence is suitable. This type of base is ideal for DIY construction.

Pouring sequence

We will divide all the work into five stages in order to complete it without errors. foundation for the fence:

  1. It is necessary to make markings along the perimeter of the foundation: to do this, drive in pegs and pull the rope, be sure to fix it at the corners. At the turning points it is necessary to hammer in a peg, and also mark the place for the gate and gate.
  2. They dig a trench 35-40 cm wide and up to 50 cm deep, in places where the pillars will be installed, make recesses up to 90 cm. The recommended distance between the pillars is 2 meters, and the height of the pillar, taking into account the underground part, is at least 2.5 meters. We install the pillars, fix them strictly vertically with stones, broken bricks and gravel, check them with a level - this is important. Cover the bottom of the trench with a 5 cm cushion of gravel.

    Follow the rules for pouring a foundation for a fence in order to ultimately get a solid structure

  3. They begin to install a reinforcing belt made of corrugated reinforcement 10-15 mm, it is not recommended to use welding at the joints, it is better to use wire, the longitudinal reinforcement must be corrugated, with a diameter of at least 12 mm, and the transverse and vertical reinforcement can be smooth and of smaller diameter. The reinforcing belt is first made and then lowered into the trench; be sure to tie the pillars - this will strengthen the structure.
  4. They are putting up formwork. To assemble it, you can use available materials - old boards, plywood, slate, and so on. This will reduce the cost of the structure; the main task of the formwork is to provide the foundation with a flat surface. The formwork is positioned and wedged 25-30 cm above the surface, and the possibility of leakage of the filler mixture is checked. A thorough check of the formwork is carried out before concrete work begins. The formwork is a temporary element and should be easily disassembled upon completion of work.
  5. Concrete is poured. They are concreted in stages using horizontal layers and different types of mortar. A coarser one with gravel or crushed stone is poured into the ground, and soft sand and cement are poured above the ground. With gradual pouring, voids in the concrete will be avoided. The formwork is removed after 5 days. In dry weather, the foundation must be watered to prevent cracks. Subsequent work can begin after complete drying, when the base has gained strength.
  6. Foundation for medium type

    The average type of fencing involves a mixed structure: powerful pillars made of brick, cinder block, stone or bentonite and between them a lightweight material - such as a wooden picket fence, corrugated sheeting or a grid of reinforcement.

    Such a fence requires a more reliable base. For these types of fences, as well as for light ones, a strip foundation for a fence is suitable.

    A feature of medium-sized structures is the installation of additional supports in the places where the pillars are installed.

    To do this, where the pillars will be, they dig holes, taking into account that the depth of the foundation for the fence should be greater than the freezing layer, and 50x50 cm wide, we knit a frame from reinforcement, insert it into the hole and concrete it.

    For heavy structures

    Heavy fences are structures made of brick, stone or concrete and have a large mass, so they are often subject to deformation if the foundation is not installed correctly; these fences require a more powerful monolithic strip plinth.

    When constructing this foundation, it is necessary to dig the entire trench with a depth of 30-40 cm greater than the freezing depth; to achieve maximum reliability, it is necessary to make a more powerful reinforced belt of reinforcement of at least 12 mm, it is thanks to the reinforcement that the load will be distributed evenly throughout the entire structure.

    It must be remembered that the width of the fill should be greater than that of the wall of the structure, by 15-20 cm. This way you will get a monolithic strip foundation of special strength.

    An important step is pouring the concrete, so before moving on to this process, you should make sure that everything is ready and check that you have the necessary tools. The foundation is poured with ordinary concrete. To make the solution yourself, the required proportions are 2:2:1 (crushed stone:sand:cement).

    This concrete base for a fence will last for many years without defects or damage.

The foundation is necessary not only when building a house, but also when constructing a fence. Only thanks to this the fence will stand like a glove for many years. It will not warp or shrink only thanks to a high-quality base. It is not difficult to make a strip foundation for a fence yourself; it is important to make the correct calculations and use the proper materials.

Advantages of the strip base

The strip type of foundation is one of the most common types of foundations today, not only for the construction of a residential building, but also for the construction of fences. It is this kind of foundation that is advisable to use for the construction of fences made of corrugated sheets.

Construction technology

The installation of a strip foundation is carried out in several stages. Before starting any type of work, you must definitely decide on the size of the base.

  1. Try to do everything carefully and carefully calculate every step. First, you should draw the design of the future fence and plot the dimensions of the future foundation. They are influenced by several factors: if you want to build a strip foundation under a massive and heavy fence made of stones, then you should take into account the depth of soil freezing and dig a trench 20 cm below this value.
  2. A fence on a strip foundation made of corrugated sheets is usually installed to a depth of no more than 80 cm; the width of the base can start from 30 and reach up to 80 cm.
  3. If you plan to build brick pillars and protect the spans with sheets of corrugated sheets, then it is advisable to make the width of the tape under them somewhat narrower than at the base of the pillars - to save material). If you are going to cover the distance between the pillars with a beautiful wrought-iron fence, then the width of the tape can be made 30 cm.
  4. Be sure to calculate all sizes. They must be in harmony with each other.

After calculations and determination of dimensions, you can proceed directly to the question of how to make a strip foundation for a fence.

  • First, they carry out marking work and dig a trench of the required size.
  • The bottom of the trench is well compacted and a layer of sand or gravel (at least 15 cm) is poured. Ideally, it is better to use a mixture of these materials. The pillow under the base should be very well moistened with water.
  • Despite the fact that the foundation under the fence is of small depth, it must be reinforced. Therefore, a metal skeleton made of reinforcing bars is laid on a gravel-sand base moistened with water.
  • At the last stage, the formwork is installed and the concrete mixture is poured.

Features of the construction of a strip base

Do-it-yourself strip foundations for fences can be divided into several types. These include:

Foundation formwork

Formwork can be made from any available material. Considering that the base for the fence is shallow, the formwork itself is not very tall.

For it you can use thin boards, plywood, laminated chipboard. The main task of formwork is to provide the foundation with a flat surface. That is why the material should not bend and must withstand the weight of the poured concrete. The formwork for a strip fence is a temporary element, so it should be easily disassembled after the mixture has hardened.

The construction of a strip base can be carried out without formwork. This is possible in the following cases: the depth of the foundation should not be more than 80 cm. The future foundation should not have a base protruding above the soil level. The soil in the trench must be dense enough to prevent it from falling inward, especially when pouring concrete mixture.

Foundation depth

Separately, we should dwell on such a parameter as the depth of the foundation. Despite the fact that the standard foundation depth for fences is 60-80 cm, it is necessary to take into account the very design of the future fence.

Don't forget about the supports. The depth of the strip foundation under the fence may not be sufficient for their stability. The supports must be installed to a depth of 90 cm. To do this, additional drilling is carried out in the places where they are installed.

Helpful information

The construction of a strip foundation for a non-specialist in construction can contain many pitfalls. The strength and reliability of any foundation depends on many factors, so you should listen to the advice of professionals.

For example, for massive fences, experts strongly recommend using concrete grade M200 or M300. This significantly increases the strength characteristics of the entire base.

To mark the territory, it is advisable to use a level or theodolite, since it is very difficult to correct errors later.

It is better to choose reinforcement for the skeleton with a diameter of about 10 mm. Ideally, it should be laid in a trench at a distance of 10 centimeters from the walls. The reinforcement bars are connected to each other with wire or welded. The second option is preferable because it provides a more reliable fixation of the rods to each other than a knitting wire.

One of the important and responsible moments is pouring the foundation. This process is of great importance when laying the foundation for the fence, so before you start pouring the concrete solution into the formwork, make sure that everything is in order and prepare the necessary tools.

Experts recommend letting the concrete solution sit for about 10 minutes, and only then pouring it into the formwork. Distribute the mixture around the entire perimeter, do not leave even a millimeter of free space. Do not forget to bayonet the solution poured into the formwork to remove air.

When all the solution is poured, compact it thoroughly (ideally, it is better to use a deep vibrator; if this is not available, a metal rod or shovel will do just fine). Then level the surface with a spatula. Do not forget to cover the surface of the base with film to protect it from loss of moisture and precipitation. If you poured the foundation for a fence above ground level and plan to do cladding, then you can begin this work a month after removing the formwork.

If you prepare the concrete mixture yourself, then follow all established proportions. You cannot save on material; in the future, this will only lead to a weakening of the strength of the concrete and can cause deformation of the fence and all work on the installation will be in vain. For a strip base for a fence, the ratio of materials is 2:2:1 - crushed stone: sand: cement. In this case, it is advisable to use the grade of cement M200.

When installing fence supports, do not forget that metal pipes are susceptible to corrosion. Therefore, be sure to use a special metal paint that protects the surface from corrosion due to precipitation.

The choice of the type of foundation for a fence depends on its purpose and the materials that are decided to be used in the construction. The main criterion is the weight of structures installed above ground level. A massive fence will require the use of a strong foundation. A lightweight fence will make the underground part of the structure lighter by choosing more compact solutions; it is easier to do it yourself.

Ready-made strip foundation for a corrugated fence

When constructing with brick or small-sized wall blocks, the developer has practically no other choice but a strip foundation. However, strip foundations can be used in other cases. When there is a need to completely separate the territory, without leaving any gap between the soil and the fence, then it will also be the most reasonable solution.

An example of such a choice would be a strip foundation for a fence made of mesh or corrugated board. Compared to pillars on separate foundations, a strip foundation is a more expensive and labor-intensive option. But it guarantees reliability and the maximum level of isolation.

Options for a strip foundation for a fence

Although the installation of such a foundation will not be cheap, in any case, there are options to reduce costs.

Diagram of a strip foundation for a fence

The foundation can be made in the form of a solid monolithic wall, the base of which is at the level of soil freezing depth, and the upper cut extends to the design level above the relief level. A somewhat more economical method is to construct monolithic columnar foundations connected to each other by monolithic crossbars. The cost of such a foundation is lower.

The resistance of the structure to frost heaving is ensured by the depth of the columnar foundations.

Crossbars perform the function of foundation beams or grillage, distributing the weight of intermediate sections of the fence onto columnar foundations. They protect from frost heaving with a sand cushion and side sprinkling.
In some cases, it is possible to use crossbars made of precast reinforced concrete, but this is rather an exotic option, used when there is an excess of suitable materials from the dismantling of other buildings.

Installation of a sand cushion under the foundation

The construction of almost any foundation for a fence can be done with your own hands.

Materials for strip foundation

The choice of options is small. You can confidently use only monolithic concrete and rubble concrete. The same materials are used in the construction of any monolithic foundation for other purposes. Monolithic concrete will be more expensive, although more technologically advanced. Rubble concrete will allow you to use available resources in the form of local stone or large pebbles, the cost of which will be significantly lower, and also do some of the work yourself.

You can use brick debris from dismantling the walls. It should be taken into account that not all mineral resources should be used for backfilling. Recommended materials include granite and basalt. Softer types of stone, such as limestone or other chalk deposits, should not be used below ground level.

An example of a foundation for a natural stone fence

It is necessary to take into account that the rubble concrete base cannot be reinforced in a suitable manner.
Therefore, if there are significant loads from the fence wall or weak soils with a high groundwater level, it is better to refrain from such a decision.

Width and depth of strip foundation

In general, a strip foundation for a fence should be slightly wider than the wall resting on it. For example, if it is 25 centimeters long, then you need to settle on a foundation width of 0.3 meters. Using piece blocks 20 centimeters wide, the foundation should be made 0.25 meters wide.

When the fence has different thicknesses of elements, for example, pillars and adjacent fencing elements, then the width of the foundation will be determined in the same way, taking into account the different geometry. The marking of the load-bearing supports of the foundation or the entire strip at one laying depth cannot be less than the freezing level of the soil in your region.

Design diagram and dimensions of a monolithic strip foundation

You can find out the standard freezing depth in the regulatory documentation, for example, in SNiP 2.02.01-83*.

Application of monolithic concrete

The most expensive and technologically advanced way to build a strip foundation is to use monolithic concrete. At the same time, all technological methods and the sequence of work do not differ from those used in most other cases, creating the same structures. The grade of concrete is selected depending on the loads. The load on the base is determined by the choice of material for the fence wall and its height.

A massive fence with brick walls made of ceramic or silicate material will require the use of B25 concrete. If you decide to use a lighter material or limit yourself to a small height, then you can use concrete grade B20, which costs less. In this case, it is necessary to comply with all requirements for laying concrete. Work must be carried out in the warm season, avoiding freezing of the base and concrete mixture.

An example of a massive concrete foundation for a brick fence

The use of frost-resistant additives for concrete is possible, but they pose certain risks. Additives will allow the mixture to be laid, but positive temperatures are still needed to gain strength.

Concrete should be compacted thoroughly. This is done either by the bayonet method or using a vibrating mace. When bayoneting, use a piece of reinforcement with a diameter of 12 millimeters. When laying concrete mixture in hot weather, it is necessary to protect it from drying out. To do this, a section of the monolithic structure is covered with plastic film and periodically irrigated with water for several days.

Application of rubble concrete

Rubble concrete has practically no technological differences when constructing structures from traditional monolithic concrete. The only difference is the larger aggregate, which is placed separately from the concrete mixture. Therefore, this type of foundation is preferred by those who like to build with their own hands.

The process of pouring a rubble foundation

The stone filling is laid out in rows up to 30 centimeters high and across the entire width of the foundation. After which the concrete mixture or sand-cement mortar is poured just above the backfill level.

It is very important to carefully fill all the voids between the stones with concrete. Sometimes the sequence of work is different. Backfill elements are embedded in a small layer of concrete or mortar, up to 15 centimeters high. The choice of techniques depends on the specific circumstances and size of the material. To settle the mixture and distribute it over the voids, you will only have to use bayoneting, since large rubble elements will interfere with the work of the vibrating mace. This reduces manufacturability and increases labor costs, but allows you to do the work yourself.

Care for freshly laid concrete is carried out in the same way as with a regular monolith. Either protection from freezing or irrigation with water during the setting period is required.

Diagram of a rubble foundation for a fence

Construction of a trench and soil foundation

The trench, or foundation pit, is made to a depth slightly greater than the bottom of the concrete. This requirement is due to the fact that the concrete structure must rest not on natural soil, but on a sand bedding 150 millimeters thick, which can be easily done with your own hands. It is made with medium-sized sand and compacted thoroughly.

It should be noted that the foundation soil should not lose its initial properties. That is, freezing, soaking and loosening of it is unacceptable. If such transformations occur, the disturbed soil layer is replaced with sand backfill of the required thickness with mandatory compaction. The width of the trench in the upper part is determined by the type of soil and the angle of its natural repose. At the base it will be 20–30 centimeters wider than the thickness of the foundation for the installation of a sand cushion and installation of formwork.

construction of a trench for pouring the foundation

In some cases, formwork for a rubble concrete foundation is optional. Construction is carried out by filling the trench with backfill and.

This option is possible in dense, hard and dry clay soils. But in general, formwork is necessary. After laying the foundation, the trench is filled with medium-sized sand with layer-by-layer compaction. The use of clay soils for this is highly undesirable. When wet and subsequent freezing, they can cause significant deforming and pushing forces that negatively affect the structure.

Features of the grillage device

The foundation for relatively lightweight structures can be made in the form of a grillage. In this case, the main supports on which the columns or fence posts are installed are poured to the freezing depth.

Drawing for installation of foundation grillage

Depending on the type of concreting used, they are made as a concrete or rubble concrete strip foundation. The section, made in the form of a crossbar or foundation beam, is laid to a depth of 0.5–0.75 meters.

Its sole is cast on a sand cushion 25–30 centimeters thick of compacted medium-sized sand. The element is filled with sand on the sides to a width of 15–20 centimeters; this work can be done with your own hands.

This solution allows you to distribute the weight over the main foundation supports, while protecting the grillage elements from frost heaving of the soil. The height of all foundation elements is set to the design elevation determined for this section of the fence. The grillage should not be made of rubble concrete, since it cannot be reinforced. Concreting of foundation elements of the same height should be carried out simultaneously for both the supporting part and the grillage.

An example of installing a foundation grillage for a fence

Reinforcement

The strip foundation for the fence works in quite difficult conditions. First of all, due to its length and due to the lack of transverse elements. Therefore, there is a high probability of cracks and deformations in the foundation, which can lead to destruction of the building envelope. Although this requirement cannot be considered mandatory, if there is an opportunity and desire, it is better to implement it.

The best option for reinforcement would be to install two belts of reinforcement with a diameter of 12 millimeters, with a step in the transverse direction of 100–150 millimeters. Longitudinal reinforcement should be tied every 30–40 centimeters with transverse rods. Reinforcement of the grillage is necessary both in the middle part, to absorb bending loads, and in places adjacent to columnar foundations.
Reinforcement should be calculated taking into account the load on the grillage. But the minimum requirement can be considered the use of three reinforcing bars with a diameter of 12 millimeters in the middle and lower sections and three rods of the same diameter about a meter long in the upper section, in the places where the grillage adjoins the buried part of the foundation.

When performing reinforcement with your own hands, do not forget the requirements for providing a protective layer of concrete. Its thickness from the outer edge of any concrete element to the outer surface of the reinforcement should not be less than five centimeters. The formwork of the element determines its outer edge; gaps are checked before concreting begins. During the process of pouring the foundation, if necessary, the installation of embedded elements is carried out.

Waterproofing

Does not require coating waterproofing, unlike building foundations. Although if it is done, it will not be worse; the concrete will be less exposed to groundwater. But vertical waterproofing between the concrete base and brick or block wall elements must be done.

For it, you can use one or two layers of waterproofing, roofing felt or similar material. The choice is determined by the difference in their prices. Installation of waterproofing is carried out over a layer of bitumen mastic.

Fence formwork

When building a fence around a site with your own hands or with the help of hired specialists, you need to understand how the necessary work is performed correctly. Let's consider the question of how to make formwork for a fence.

Ready formwork for pouring the foundation

Why is it needed?

Even relatively lightweight and sheet materials need a foundation. The appearance of the fence, its verticality and correct geometry depend on how securely it is fixed in the ground. A rickety fence costing several tens of thousands of rubles will daily spoil the mood of the owner who has decided to save a couple of thousand on the foundation.

The fence is affected by wind loads, which are transmitted to the foundations through the pillars. But soil movements as a result of precipitation and frost heaving have a greater influence. Even slight tilts cause visible displacement of the pillars and can lead to cracks in the brick elements of the fence. Therefore, the fence is placed on a reliable foundation.

It is usually made from monolithic concrete. This is not a very difficult, although labor-intensive job, which many people try to do with their own hands to save money.

This is what concrete poured into formwork looks like

A concrete monolith requires formwork, which shapes its future geometry.

A strip foundation for a fence is the best option for some types of fencing.

The depth of such a foundation can vary depending on the type of fences being erected.

We will consider the technology for arranging such a foundation below.

Medium-weight and heavy fences, represented by profiled sheets, reinforcing rods, massive picket fences, rubble, concrete and brick, require the construction of a reliable foundation, which is due to the increased sensitivity of the structure to displacements and significant pressure on the ground.

Simple support posts that do not have a solid foundation can move under the influence of external factors, and as a result, the fence becomes potentially dangerous.

If there is a need to erect monolithic and fairly weighty fencing structures, then it is necessary to consider not standard pillars as supports, but the arrangement of a strip foundation.

Types of strip foundation

Strip-type foundations for the construction of fences are presented in several types.

Depending on the depth of installation, such structures are:

  • non-buried foundations with low bearing capacity;
  • buried foundations going into the ground for a maximum of a meter;
  • shallow foundations extending into the ground to a maximum of 0.4 m.

The latter option is used primarily in the construction of wooden fences, as well as fences based on metal picket fences and profiled decking.

Recessed strip-type foundations are appropriate for the construction of fences made of stone or brick.

In this case, the trench is dug below the freezing level of the soil. The width of the trench is determined by the weight of the material used in the manufacture of the fence.

  • Depending on the manufacturing method, a strip foundation for a fence can be:
  • prefabricated type;
  • monolithic type;
  • rectangular type;

with a T-shaped extension at the bottom.

  • There can be several options for arranging a strip foundation for a fence:
  • the use of reinforced concrete structures based on a cement-gravel-sand mixture, which fills the reinforcing structure in the formwork; such a base is optimal for development on sandy soils;
  • the use of rubble concrete construction based on a mixture of sand, cement and crushed stone;

the use of brick or rubble foundation structures with high strength and durability.

Strip-column foundation

In order to reduce the cost of constructing a foundation strip base for a fence, a structure is often built using rubble stone mixed with a standard cement-sand mortar.

The depth of the trench being dug, as well as its dimensions, are calculated taking into account the heaving properties of the soil, the characteristics of all building materials used in the construction of the fence and the location of groundwater.

Installation of a strip foundation for a fence - technology

  • The process of constructing a foundation for a fence includes the following main technological steps:
  • digging a trench, the width and depth of which depends on climatic conditions, soil stability indicators and the weight of the fence structure;
  • laying and compacting a gravel-sand cushion at the bottom of the dug trench;
  • welding and laying of reinforcement;
  • arrangement of formwork;

pouring concrete strip.

Strip foundation for a fence - diagram with dimensions

The concreting process is carried out by continuously filling the trench with concrete mixture or laying the mixture intermittently.

The first option is used in shallow trenches, and the second is used to create a volumetric foundation base.

At the final stage, after the pouring has hardened, the formwork is removed and soil is added.

Foundation calculation Correct calculation of the area of ​​the strip foundation allows you to determine the optimal proportions at which the level of maximum stability of the structure being built is achieved:

  • (K(n)) – reliability coefficient;
  • (K(c)) – coefficient of conditions of work performed;
  • (R) – calculated indicators of soil resistance.

If necessary, you can use special calculator programs.

DIY base installation

The construction of a strip foundation can be done without formwork or using formwork.

  • The first concreting option is most often used to create a base with a depth of up to 80 cm, without a protruding concrete base or with a brick base.
  • For the second installation method, you will need to make a standard formwork, the height of which depends on the size of the base part of the structure being built.

Formwork for pouring concrete under a strip foundation

An important stage in the installation of the foundation is to protect it from soil heaving. For this purpose, a drainage pipe is laid at the level of the sole, observing the correct slope, and the arrangement of storm drainage allows for the organized removal of excess moisture from the site.

Strengthening the foundation through reinforcement

For full reinforcement, reinforcement with a diameter of 8-10 mm is used. To create a reinforcement frame, you need to connect all the metal rods into a single structure using reliable and strong wire. The width of the erected frame should be equal to 1/2 of its height.

The most problematic areas of the frame are the corners, so they must be reinforced with bent metal rods.

Pouring mortar into formwork

A formwork made of wooden boards with a height of 15-20 cm is installed along the entire perimeter of the dug trench. Such a simple design will prevent the soil from collapsing directly into the trench filled with concrete mortar.

For pouring, a concrete solution M200 is prepared, consisting of one part cement, three parts sand and five parts crushed stone.

Concreting the foundation for the fence

The amount of water is usually 0.6-0.7 parts. Add water to the mixed mixture gradually. The solution ready for pouring must have a uniform consistency and good viscosity.

Protecting the foundation from moisture

The formwork can be removed after about ten days, when the concrete fill reaches a strength level of B70% of the standard values.

Then waterproofing is performed, which will prevent moisture from entering the walls of the fence being built.

For this purpose, waterproofing materials such as bitumen mastics or roofing felt are most often used.

Final works

At the final stage, all foundation cavities are backfilled with medium-grained sand, followed by careful compaction. It is important to remember that concrete usually gains standard strength within a month. Only after this can you begin to install the above-ground part of the fence.

Video on the topic