Foundation concrete contractors should be knowledgeable about each of the individual tasks involved in building a solid foundation. From soil surveys to digging trenches and pouring concrete, each part of the process must be completed to a high standard to ensure a strong, stable foundation.
Soil survey
Proper investigation of the ground you are about to build on is a crucial prerequisite of laying a foundation. Knowing the quality of the soil will prepare you for any potential issues that may arise when the time comes to begin the excavation process. Realizing your foundation is not solid down the line can set your project back significantly.
To perform a soil survey, you will need to dig a series of holes throughout the construction site and assess the soil to determine its quality.
Factors that can impact your foundation
You need to take natural elements such as tree roots, vegetation, or poor-quality soil into consideration before commencing the construction of a foundation.
Where these elements are present, it might be necessary to dig deeper trenches with more compressible material to prevent expansion. You should also account for non-natural factors like gas lines and sewage pipes when digging trenches. Disregarding underground utilities may create problems that take additional time and money to fix.
Commercial excavating
The next step is excavation. This process involves removing rocks, vegetation, soil, tree roots, and other debris to create enough space in which to build the foundation.
The land must be even before you begin the foundation, or drainage issues can occur. This step is crucial and should be carried out by a team of skilled foundation concrete contractors and excavation specialists.
Pouring the concrete
After you have dug the necessary trenches, the next step is to pour the concrete. You can pour it straight into the trench or use a formwork to create the footing. This footing supports the weight of the foundation to ensure no problems occur later in the project.
After the placement of the footings is complete, you will need to use a high-quality sealant to keep out moisture.
The different types of foundations
There is a range of foundation types to suit different buildings. These include strip foundations, pile foundations, and raft or mat foundations. The most common foundation type seen in commercial construction is individual footings.
Also known as isolated footings, contractors use individual footings in conjunction with columns, which will bear the weight of the building. Each column has a separate footing — a square or rectangular section of concrete. The size of the footing is calculated based on the column’s vertical load and the safe bearing capacity of the soil.
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Final words
A strong foundation is the key to successful construction and the most crucial element of any building project. It is important to hire a team of skilled foundation concrete contractors in Michigan with the necessary skills and expertise.