The foundation on the slope: the selection and installation of a suitable type of base

Building a foundation on a flat plot with modern technology is easy. However, sometimes sites for future construction are located on steep slopes. Houses located on sloping surfaces have their advantages: they are better protected from wind and flooding, and are more cost effective. In addition, the view from the mountain is usually impressive. But under the influence of large precipitation and soil water, the soil gradually softens.

In the future, this may lead to a shift of the upper layers of the soil. To protect yourself from unpleasant consequences, you must correctly select and build a foundation. How to do this, tell this article.

Building a foundation for a house on a slope is not an easy process that requires a special approach and adherence to technology, because the foundation is the main component of each building.For a sloping surface, a strip, pile or stepped base is usually chosen.

First you need to calculate the angle of inclination, measured in percent. If the slope is about 10 percent mark, it indicates a high bias. The steeper the slope, the more effort and materials may be needed. If the angle of inclination does not exceed eight percent, then the podgorny part can be poured with soil. If the angle is more than eight percent, then you have to build a basement.

Ribbon foundation - one of the most popular designs today. However, experts advise to build this type of foundation only on slopes with a minimum slope. Also worth considering the various contraindications of surveyors.

The strip foundation is a closed loop of reinforced concrete beams and is laid both under the exterior and under the inner walls, if necessary.This type is ideal for structures with heavy overlap, as well as if the plans include the creation of a basement. There are two types of strip base: monolithic and prefabricated.

Pile foundation is a solid structure of piles, which are buried in the ground and are joined from above by supports. Many experts agree that the pile foundation is the best for the construction of supporting structures on the slopes. This is an effective and practical option for arranging the foundation at any depth.

The installation process is simple, although it requires special equipment. In addition, this type of economic advantage compared with other options. Piles can be made of wood, reinforced concrete or metal. For heaving soils (clay, loam, sandy loam) make special demands. Here the pile foundation is also appropriate.

The column view is also suitable for laying the foundation on a slope. It provides for the construction of pillars in all corners. However, you need to take into account some of the nuances in its construction: each pillar must be insured by a support wall, which enhances the stability of the foundation.The columnar version is economical and reliable, does not require additional waterproofing. But it is applicable only to wooden or frame houses.

The stepped foundation has a cascade arrangement in the form of ledges. It is suitable for high slope slopes if surface alignment cannot be performed for any reason. The overall slope of this option is fully consistent with the natural slope of the site. The laying of a stepped foundation has the appearance of a classic concrete strip, built from different steps of height.

A slab foundation with a height difference on a plot with a slope is the optimal solution for the construction of houses and cottages of brick, aerated concrete and other materials. This base option provides reliable support for low-rise buildings and is particularly durable.

When deciding which foundation is more suitable for a basement floor on an uneven section, it is necessary to determine the level of the height difference, as well as to make a study of the type of terrain in the terrain. Poorly planned construction on a slope may eventually result in the collapse of the ground. To calculate the necessary calculations, it is better to invite experts.

If the angle of inclination:

• less than 3% is a flat surface;
• from 3% to 8% - a small bias;
• up to 20% - average slope;
• more than 20% - steep slope.

In the first two variants it is possible to build a strip foundation. If it is impossible to level the surface or increase the angle of inclination, the tape-stepped type is erected. For large slopes, only a columnar base is suitable. But the pile foundation is appropriate for any slopes.

As for the type of soil, it is divided into:

• cartilaginous - strong ground of sand, clay and rubble;
• sandy - easily passes moisture;
• rocky - the most durable, while not passing moisture;
• clay - easily swells and freezes.

The more moisture in the soil, the more it swells when it freezes, pushing the foundation out of the soil. Therefore, in case of difficult ground, the base is set below the freezing level.

During the construction of the strip foundation, one part of the base plunges deep into the slope. The device of such a foundation is a costly undertaking, but if you are planning to build a brick or concrete house, then the tape version will be the best choice.

Pile foundation can be used for the construction of any type of construction, whether it is a residential house, garage or bath, as well as at any angles of inclination. Under this option, the construction of the base to use it can be for any purpose. The only drawback of the pile type is the impossibility of erecting a house with a basement.

The columnar version is recommended for suburban areas. It is suitable for the area between the hills.

Also, the choice of the type of foundation depends on whether you want to use the basement for arranging a basement, a wine cellar, a living room or a garage to save space. Do not forget about the holding structures. They help to prevent landslide processes when it is impossible to change the surface relief. Such structures for different types of foundations on an uneven surface can be represented as base plates and beams, pile structures and pillars, buttresses and seals, girders and cladding walls.

In order to properly establish the foundation with your own hands, you must adhere to a certain technological sequence. If you want to build a house of concrete or brick, the choice of strip footing would be ideal. Monolithic strip foundation does not require long terms of arrangement. In addition, the construction of a ribbon base on an uneven surface is not very different from the design of such buildings on flat ground.

The bottom of the pit should be strictly horizontal. Before pouring, a cushion of concrete or sand is laid on the bottom. It is necessary in order to reduce the pressure on the ground. Before lining, formwork is installed, rising above the ground level to a height equal to the parameters of the basement floor. Moreover, on the slope of the plot formwork will be greater height. Further fittings fit inside the foundation. Then you need to pour concrete.

Pillar foundation is suitable for light private houses. It can be made of monolithic reinforced concrete or prefabricated concrete blocks. It is recommended to follow certain step by step instructions.

• To begin with, a retaining wall is erected at the top of the site.
• Further, according to the same scheme, a retaining wall is erected in the lower part.
• Between retaining ribbons poured the soil with a layer-by-layer compaction. This will allow the upper site to contain the collapse of the soil.
• Along the perimeter of the house, a passage of holes, the dimensions of which must correspond to the parameters of the pillars, is performed.
• In pits make the foundation. In this case, the trimming of individual pillars must be carefully aligned in height.
• Perform a grillage on the edge of the basement of the house.

The pile foundation, which is the most economical, is suitable for steep slopes and unstable soils. The piles are screwed into the ground in such a way that their tips are on the same level. The process also consists of several stages.

• At the top point, the pile is deepened, the visible part of which is equal to the height of the base for a smaller dimension.
• Next, set the next corner pile, the length of the visible part of which is equal to the length of the cap in the larger designation.
• Then all pile elements are installed so that the top point of each is located horizontally.
• To reinforce the pile foundation, you can use reinforced concrete clips, which are installed along the entire length of the piles.

It is important to know the following.

• Before embarking on the construction of the foundation, make sure that the slope of the site is a creation of nature, and not an elevation created artificially by a person who brought soil or waste to this place.
• Give advantage to the southern and western sides. In a house built on one of these sides, it is more pleasant to spend time and admire the beautiful sunsets.
• The entrance to the house is an important moment in the construction of the building on the slope. With large inclines, access is often possible only from one side.
• Take care of engineering communications. For example, a well for water, located at the bottom of the slope, will require taking into account the height of the house, as well as the difference in relief.

• The main issue that also needs to be thought out in advance is the removal of melt water, since snowmelt can lead to soil leaching. Therefore, it is better to install drainage systems both from the roof and from other sites. Without a drainage device, you are unlikely to manage.
• The vegetation on the site absorbs excess water, and the roots strengthen the slope.
• Designing the future house always start with a sketch and layout of objects on the site. This is one of the most crucial moments in the construction site.Pondering all the nuances, you will see your future home in detail.

How to build a house on an uneven plot, see the following video.