Choosing a foundation for a house made of aerated concrete

Making the proper foundation selection is essential when building a house, and it becomes even more important for homes composed of aerated concrete. The foundation acts as the structure’s anchor, giving it all stability and support. The longevity and structural integrity of the building are dependent on the type of foundation chosen, as aerated concrete is becoming more and more popular due to its lightweight and insulating qualities.

The components of aerated concrete, sometimes referred to as autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC), are cement, lime, sand, water, and tiny amounts of aluminum powder. It is a lightweight building material. This composition is the preferred option for energy-efficient homes because it produces a porous structure with excellent thermal insulation properties. But because aerated concrete is lightweight, it also needs a particular kind of foundation to hold the weight and keep it from settling over time.

Aerated concrete homes require careful consideration of a number of factors when choosing their foundation. The building site’s soil conditions are one of the main factors to be taken into account. To avoid uneven settling or structural damage, the foundation must be able to distribute the weight of the building evenly throughout the soil. The right foundation design may also depend on the local climate and weather patterns, since some designs may work better in regions with high groundwater levels or frost heave.

Aerated concrete homes can be built with a variety of foundation types, each with advantages and disadvantages of their own. A shallow foundation, like a raft or strip foundation, is one choice that disperses the weight of the structure over a sizable area of ground. These foundations can be more affordable than deeper options and are frequently appropriate for stable soil conditions. They might not be appropriate for locations with high water tables or inadequate soil bearing capacity, though.

Features of the foundation for a house made of aerated concrete

Aerated concrete gained popularity as soon as it was introduced to the building industry. For the construction of private homes and dacha buildings, this material is perfect. Aerated concrete is relevant because of several features that make it so:

• reduced thermal conductivity;
• soundproofing properties;
• lightness;
• relatively low cost.

The problem of laying the foundation must be approached thoroughly, even with the material’s slight weight. The strength of the foundation determines the building’s ability to continue operating as well as its durability and safety.

There are various kinds of foundations, each with unique characteristics of its own, and there isn’t a best one. Because it is a delicate building material, aerated concrete is prone to deformation. This is the one that needs to be considered when designing the foundation.

Monolithic slab foundation

Considering the characteristics of aerated concrete, using a monolithic foundation makes sense. This kind of foundation can be installed on any kind of soil because it is universal. Accurate calculations that consider specific terrain nuances are the primary requirement for high-quality construction.

The following qualities of a monolithic foundation are appropriate for the construction of a home composed of aerated concrete blocks:

• the thickness of the slab – 40 cm;
• diameter of metal reinforcement – from 12 to 14 mm.

By choosing this foundation option, you can guarantee the aerated concrete structure’s integrity and stop further deformation. The expense of such a foundation is a major drawback. The budget will be significantly impacted by the use of monolithic slabs on a reasonably stable site. It is worthwhile to take into account alternative foundational options in this regard.

When it comes to selecting the foundation for a house built with aerated concrete, several key considerations should guide your decision. Aerated concrete is lightweight yet sturdy, so it requires a foundation capable of supporting its weight while also providing stability against shifting soil and other environmental factors. Factors such as soil type, local climate, and the intended use of the building should all be taken into account. Additionally, the foundation design should account for potential risks like frost heave or groundwater issues. Whether opting for a shallow or deep foundation, ensuring proper drainage and adequate load-bearing capacity is crucial. By carefully assessing these factors and consulting with experts, homeowners can choose the best foundation for their aerated concrete house, ensuring long-term stability and peace of mind.

Strip foundation for aerated concrete

The strip foundation is a top priority for most buildings. However, there might be issues if you think about building with aerated concrete. Even with a sufficiently deep foundation, the building’s delicate walls will be impacted by tangential force.

However, a house built with aerated concrete can utilize a buried strip foundation. However, there are some laying rules that must be followed in order to achieve this goal:

• It is necessary to ensure sufficient rigidity. This is achieved by installing strong reinforcement. At the same time, the walls of the strip foundation must be exceptionally smooth.
• When planning a brick plinth, it should be connected with a reinforced concrete reinforced belt. So the foundation will be more stable and durable.
• Aerated concrete walls should also be reinforced.
• A prefabricated foundation is only applicable if its blocks are connected by a reinforced concrete strip.
• The width should be increased to create a larger footprint on the ground and thus create a more stable foundation.

In a home constructed of this kind of aerated concrete, a buried strip foundation is conceivable, but the process needs to be done very carefully and cautiously. Calculations need to be done correctly. If not, the aerated concrete walls will just distort and be unable to support the weight.

Buried foundations are replaced with shallow strip foundations. The reinforced concrete belt is situated above the ground freezing level, which is where it differs. In this sense, the base doesn’t change. However, the possibility of the aerated concrete house’s walls collapsing exists even in this scenario. For this reason, it is necessary to consider the future building’s dimensions.

A shallow strip foundation in three dimensions

On shallow foundations, only small buildings with the shortest walls possible should be situated. The wall’s vulnerability to collapse increases with its length. This is particularly crucial in the case of brittle aerated concrete. It is not permitted to build aerated concrete homes on unsunkissed bases.

When applying this technique to wicker soil, care must be taken to prevent frost heaving. Three different approaches to soil preparation are used for this purpose:

• Replace the wicker layer of soil with a more stable subsoil.
• Install drainage under the foundation so that the soil does not become water saturated.
• Insulate the foundation to prevent the ground from freezing.

Because it prevents uneven soil shrinkage, the strip foundation is the best choice for aerated concrete in unstable soil. By redistributing the load on the ground, monolithic tape lowers the possibility of cracks and other deformations in the house’s walls.

Pile foundation

The low cost of investment for this kind of foundation makes it popular. It can also be applied to an aerated concrete house, although in this instance, specific erection techniques must be followed:

• On unstable soil with a high indicator of the level of underground water, the columnar foundation for aerated concrete walls is not used. For this purpose, a good quality and stable soil is required.
• Piles are laid below the frost depth by about 30 cm. But even here there is one important nuance: the base of each pile must be expanded. This will create a more stable foundation.
• The piles are reinforced with a reinforced concrete monolithic strip.

The kind of piles that are utilized is crucial. For aerated concrete blocks, for instance, screw supports are used if experts find that they are required. The most preferred are drilled piles. Their installation works on the basis of drilling piles first, then filling them with concrete. All installed piles are connected to the basement and concreted over with the aid of reinforced mesh. As a result, a monolithic base is formed, upon which the weight of the house is balanced.

Aerated concrete homes require careful consideration when selecting a foundation because it affects the stability and lifespan of the building. Because of its insulating qualities and light weight, aerated concrete needs a foundation that can both support the structure and work with its special requirements.

The soil conditions of your building site are an important factor to take into account when choosing a foundation for an aerated concrete home. An important factor in deciding the kind of foundation needed is soil stability. For example, a deep foundation, such as a reinforced concrete strip or raft foundation, may be required to prevent excessive settlement if your soil is expansive or clay-rich.

The weight of the aerated concrete structure is another crucial consideration. Even though aerated concrete weighs less than conventional building materials, it still needs a sturdy foundation in order to support the weight evenly. For smaller buildings or in locations with stable soil conditions, a shallow foundation—such as a concrete slab or pad foundation—may be appropriate.

Aerated concrete’s insulating qualities can also affect the foundation selection. It is crucial to make sure that the foundation design minimizes thermal bridging, which is the process by which heat escapes through the foundation walls, because aerated concrete provides thermal insulation. Appropriate insulation techniques, like adding insulation or using insulated foundation systems, can support the preservation of comfort and energy efficiency in the house.

In the end, an extensive evaluation of variables including soil conditions, structural needs, and thermal considerations should be the basis for choosing a foundation for an aerated concrete home. It is strongly advised that you seek the advice of a certified engineer or foundation specialist to make sure the foundation you choose will suit your aerated concrete home’s unique requirements and serve as a strong and stable base for many years to come.

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