Things You Need To Know Before Using Strip Foundation

Most of the construction project's suitability would depend upon the foundations of that area. If the chosen foundation is not adequate for the project, then the chances of the building or any other structure staying erect without developing potential cracks might be difficult. Of course, there are lots of different foundations from which you can choose one to implement in your construction work, but looking at all its factors would ensure that it is perfectly suitable for the job.

Foundations are the underlying structure that is quintessential to maintaining the strength and stability of the construction. A strip foundation is also known as a strip footing and is commonly used in construction. It is a long, narrow, shallow trench excavated in the ground, typically no more than 1.5 meters in depth, and filled with concrete. It runs along the perimeter of a building and distributes the load of the building across the ground.

These are a prominent choice for low-rise buildings with light loads, such as houses, and are typically made of reinforced concrete. The texture of the soil plays a significant role in choosing the type of foundation. The strip foundation is suitable for stable soil. In this blog, we will unfold some of the key details of strip foundation.

Things to consider when going ahead with strip foundation.

1. Area of mining

The first and foremost thing you need to look for before laying the strip foundation is the area on which the construction work would be going. It would be best if you asked the local authority whether the construction area would be suitable for mining, as the foundation needs to hold properly depending upon the load exerted on it. Suppose you find out the area is not suitable for mining even though you have placed the strip foundation, then the chances of your project failing could be much higher than before.

1. Checking the roots of trees

Even though trees are an integral part of the healthy lifestyle we lead around us, when it comes to construction, they are the biggest obstacle to completing a single project. Root penetration has been a prominent reason for broken drainage pipes. Similarly, it can also impact the foundation of the building. Sometimes the roots of certain trees are so long that they penetrate the soil, destroying any strip foundation that gets laid in and around its area.

Moreover, the concrete needs to settle down adequately to allow load transfer to the surface to make the construction project successful. The roots of trees are known for absorbing all the groundwater beneath the soil. If such a thing happens, it will make the soil shallower, thereby destroying its ability to hold the foundation for years.

1. Calculation of load

When it comes to installing a strip foundation, the major part of the discussion revolves around the load that would be exerted upon it. Hence, if you are unsure about the load the strip foundation would need to bear, the chances of failure would be much higher. That is why, if you don't want to face trouble with such issues, then calculating the load going up on the strip foundation helps you determine if it can hold the pressure.

1. Checking the quality of the soil

The quality of the soil also impacts the type of foundation type. Hence soil testing is paramount before starting the construction work. The soil keeps hold of the strip foundation that goes inside of it, thereby allowing other areas of work to continue without breaking the flow of operation.

Suppose you find that the soil doesn't have the adequate load-bearing capacity and is only suitable for some specific purposes. Changing the whole area for construction might be the most suitable option for your business. However, not all types of soil are suitable for construction. It would be best if you found out beforehand which soil would handle strip foundation to the best of its capabilities.

1. Analyzing the weather condition

The weather plays a huge role in the construction project and the strip foundation you want to complete within a given period. If the weather conditions are harsh, the chance of your project is completed before the deadline would be impossible. Hence, it would be best to analyze the weather patterns to determine which time might be perfect for laying the strip foundation, allowing it to settle in as per requirement.

Conclusion

A Strip foundation is considered an ideal choice for construction projects with large numbers of linear structures built over it. Due to its shallow nature, the benefits of strip foundations are quite significant compared to other types of foundations that are also available as a choice to businesses. After reading this article, you know what to consider before using them in your projects.