All about construction and renovation

What is the foundation of a private house. What type of foundation to choose for a private house

Modern types of foundations allow you to build on any type of site. When making a choice, proceed from the design features of the future home, the state of the soil and financial capabilities. All this plays an important role, because the foundation of housing must be reliable and durable - the convenience of operation and living in it depends on it. In addition, the renewal of the foundation is a long and expensive process, so it is worth paying attention to its competent construction.

Where does the foundation begin?

Any foundation is based on a project - it is in it that all the necessary data is displayed, from the calculation of the load and the depth of the foundation to the materials with which the foundation will be built. All design stages consist of the following steps:

  1. Geodetic measurements are being carried out. The depth of the foundation depends on how deep the soil lies, what is the condition of the groundwater.
  2. Markup in progress. It is needed in order to mark the boundaries of the future structure.
  3. Earth-related procedures are being carried out: a trench for a strip base is being thought out or holes are being drilled for piles. A granite or sand cushion is being prepared, which affects the uniform distribution of the load on the base and its strength.
  4. The main load-bearing elements are installed, that is, piles, concrete is poured or other work is performed, which depends on the type of foundation chosen. At the same stage, heat and moisture insulation is performed, and a ventilation system is installed.

Features of a monolithic foundation


A monolithic foundation is built on the basis of slabs. It is advisable to lay this foundation in several cases:

  1. If the soil at the construction site is weak, and the building has a significant load.
  2. If the foundation soil is destroyed.
  3. If there is a need for protection from a high level of ground or melt water.

Different kinds monolithic foundations are valued for their ability to equalize vertical and horizontal movements of soils, as well as resistance to groundwater. In addition, the construction of the foundation is distinguished by the simplicity of both design and execution. The distinctive features of the monolithic base include:

  • high bearing capacity;
  • resistance to displacement and swelling of the soil;
  • simplicity of design;
  • resistance to ground and melt water;
  • the possibility of erecting a basement floor, which will be protected from melt water.

A monolithic foundation is good for soil on a sand cushion and soil that is highly compressed. Since the slab covers the entire perimeter of the building, the foundation is not threatened with displacement. The disadvantages of such a foundation include high cost.

How is a monolithic foundation built?

In terms of its bearing capacity, this foundation is superior to other types of foundation for the house. It is no coincidence that most multi-storey structures are built on this basis. The process of preparation for construction is carried out as follows:



The thickness of the slab should be chosen depending on how massive the house is, what materials are used to build the walls and what the condition of the soil is. Most often used for the construction of cottages monolithic slab 15-35 cm thick, and in brick and block houses - at least 20 cm. If sewerage, plumbing and electricity are required, then holes of a certain diameter will need to be made in the slabs in advance. After laying engineering communications, the gaps between the foundation walls and the pipes themselves are sealed.

Column foundation: when to choose?

Modern types of foundations are designed for the use of various building materials. For example, it is advisable to use a columnar base in the construction of light buildings: outbuildings, garages, outbuildings, greenhouses, flyovers. They can be erected on simple and fairly economical grounds. The columnar foundation has supports in the form of pillars that are buried in the ground and protrude outward. The top level of the pillars should be the same. A grillage is also arranged there, which is needed to connect the supports and distribute the load evenly. The main types of columnar foundations can be built on their own.


The distinctive features of columnar bases include:

  • simplicity and economy of construction;
  • a wide range of materials that can be used for construction;
  • the possibility of erection on heaving soil, as well as on soils with high level ground water.

On the other hand, the peculiarity of the columnar base lies in capsizing on horizontally moving ground. In addition, this type of foundation is impossible if the soil has a low bearing capacity. The column base can be of several types:

  • concrete;
  • from buta flagstone;
  • brick;
  • rubble concrete;
  • from natural stone.

Sometimes wood is also used, however, it will need to be treated with special means to protect the material from decay and the effects of negative natural factors. Most often, a columnar foundation is built using brick and concrete. Brick is the best option, since such a base, with proper care, will last a long time. On the other hand, the construction will be difficult and costly.

Column foundation: varieties and features


The wooden foundation on the supports is built on the basis of the so-called wooden chairs made of logs. Before installation, the wood is treated with an antiseptic composition, and for maximum accuracy a small pit is dug. A concrete slab or stones are laid on its bottom, chair legs are installed in them. After installing the chairs, the pit is covered with sand and rammed, after which the first crown or grillage can be installed - it depends on the design of the house.

Rubble foundations involve layer-by-layer laying of rubble stone (boulders or granite with a diameter of about 15 cm) in a liquid solution, with each layer of the solution carefully rammed. The essence of the process is to clothe all the stones in the shell of the solution. Sometimes burnt red brick is used instead of buta. To protect the base from moisture, you can cover the walls of the pit with a thick film.

The bored base involves the use of a special hand drill, which allows you to get a formless form already in the ground, which expands to the bottom like a pillow. A reinforced frame is mounted in the form and ready-mixed concrete is poured. All of these types of foundations are suitable for the construction process, but each type requires a project to be laid.

Foundation on piles: what is special?

Screw piles are the best solution for extreme conditions, that is, for the construction of objects in confined spaces or in areas with a large slope, frozen ground or swampy terrain. Miscellaneous different types pile foundations are now widely used in civil engineering. In addition, piles are used in the installation of bridges, power lines, lighthouses and moorings. According to the method of deepening into the ground, the following types of piles are distinguished:

  • driven piles made of reinforced concrete, wood, steel, which are driven into the ground without excavating it with special tools - hammers, vibratory pile drivers;
  • shell piles made of reinforced concrete, which are buried using excavation and filled concrete mix(in part or in full);
  • stuffed piles made of concrete, reinforced concrete, which are mounted by laying the concrete mixture in wells after forced displacement of the soil;
  • drilled piles made of reinforced concrete, the installation of which is carried out by filling the drilled wells with a concrete mixture or installing reinforced concrete elements in them;
  • screw.

Depending on the characteristics of the interaction of elements with the soil, piles can be in the form of racks or hanging. The first type involves reliance on rocky and low-compressibility soils. Hanging elements rest on compressible soils, which transfer the load to the foundation. We should talk more about this type of supports.

Installation and advantages of pile foundation

To begin with, it should be understood that the pile elements must be laid below the level of weak soil rocks. Secondly, it is important to consider the depth of freezing. The construction of the base begins with the fact that the contour of the supporting structure is marked, then the vegetation layer of the soil is removed. The depth of digging the soil depends on what will be the depth of the future grillage. The height of the grillage depends on what level of snow falls in winter. Concrete should be chosen with a thickness of up to 50 cm - this size is sufficient for high-quality reinforcement and fastening to pile elements. After the trench is ready, along the perimeter of the foundation, additional pits are made with a depth below the ground freezing level.

Pile types of foundation differ:

  • constructive reliability;
  • long service life - up to 100 years;
  • environmental friendliness and safety;
  • ease of installation: performed within a few days;
  • economical construction (about 30-70% cheaper than other options);
  • installation work is carried out without disturbing the landscape and topography of the site;
  • waterproofing of supports is not required;
  • the pile foundation, if necessary, can be dismantled.

Strip foundation: reliable and functional

Various types of strip foundations are distinguished by ease of installation, but high consumption of materials. Such bases are well suited for individual construction of residential buildings. The strip foundation is a reinforced concrete strip that runs around the entire perimeter of the house. Its laying is carried out under the outer and interior walls buildings, while maintaining the same cross-sectional shape.

If you choose the types of foundations for a private house, the strip base is suitable for any type of cottages, made of concrete, stone or brick. In addition, such a foundation will be an ideal solution for the construction of a garage or basement.

Types and device

The strip foundation is laid to a depth of approximately 20 cm below the level of the freezing boundary of the soil. The thickness of the tape is chosen in accordance with the thickness of the walls and the material used in construction, as well as the degree of load on the building as a whole. The strip foundation is of two types: shallow, deep, and also prefabricated. The first is good for building houses made of wood or stone of a small area, and its laying can also be carried out on the ground of weak heaving. The laying depth is approximately 50-70 cm. To achieve the strength and reliability of this type of foundation, several points must be taken into account:

  1. A shallow foundation must be ready for winter, otherwise a temporary heat-insulating coating in the form of sawdust, expanded clay, slag wool will be needed around the base - this will protect the soil from freezing.
  2. The side surfaces of the base must be coated with waterproofing in a couple of layers.
  3. Under this type of foundation, you can dig a trench to enter communication systems.
  4. With this type, the construction of basements is possible, but they will be small in size.

A recessed foundation is suitable for larger houses equipped with heavy floors. Such a base is also suitable for houses that will have a built-in garage or basement. The recessed types of foundations for a private house are durable and stable, since they are located below the freezing level of the soil. The laying of both types of foundation should be carried out in the warm season, when you can do without the use of special equipment.

When building cottages, a prefabricated strip foundation is often used. This type allows you to significantly reduce construction time, but the cost will be more expensive. Yes, and without the involvement of technology and skilled workers can not do. A foundation based on prefabricated blocks will not be as rigid as a monolithic one, since it is assembled from individual elements, but reinforcement can be achieved through reinforcement.

Foundation for a house made of foam blocks

Modern builders use different kinds foundations for a foam block house. The choice depends on which brand of foam blocks in terms of density will be used during construction. The higher the density of the block, the greater the load it can withstand. It should be remembered that thermal insulation properties may be lost, so you should not initially give preference to installation from a lightweight version of the foundation. The most common type of foundation for foam block cottages is tape: this option is ideal both for arranging buildings with load-bearing foam block walls and for building a frame structure.

Popular types of foundations for a foam block house based on a reinforced concrete slab, which is buried in the ground at a distance of up to three meters. First, the foundation is placed in a pit, then drainage based on sand and gravel is laid there. The drainage layers are first carefully compacted, only after that it is possible to pour a concrete slab, which is additionally reinforced with a large diameter mesh. When installing the vertical reinforced part of the foundation, formwork is installed. The thickness of the outer walls must be at least 40 cm thick. If the soil has good bearing capacity, a column foundation can be used. However, the disadvantage of this type of foundation is the lack of a basement.

When choosing a foundation for a house made of foam blocks, several factors should be considered:

  1. Soil features (composition, freezing depth, groundwater level).
  2. The weight of the future design.
  3. The presence or absence of a basement.
  4. Construction timeline.
  5. Do-it-yourself foundation construction or with the involvement of specialists.

How to waterproof?

Types of foundation waterproofing can be very different. Most often, insulation is laid horizontally and vertically. Horizontal waterproofing is performed using roofing material, glass elastomer, rubitex, hydrostekloizol. The main requirement for materials is resistance to decay. The installation methods are as follows:

  • Laying along the very bottom of the basement floor (if it will be equipped).
  • If the basement is not provided, then the waterproofing is laid in several layers along the edge of the base.

Vertical waterproofing can be done in several ways. With this option, the laying of materials is most often carried out on the inside and outside of the foundation. Be sure to use a special protection based on a cement mixture, to which active ingredients and quartz sand are added. Mixtures react with concrete, due to which the material crystallizes on the surface of the base. This method is good because it allows you to make the base solid and airtight.


Vertical waterproofing can be done with coating mixtures or a mastic base mixed with bitumen. Polymers and rubber components are often used. All these materials must be elastic so that the surface does not crack after hardening. If the soil is difficult, screen-type insulation is used. In this case, panels based on concrete clay, geotextile membranes or a pressure wall made of bricks are used. Good insulation prevents moisture from reaching the base of the cottage.

Effective and reliable is glued waterproofing, which involves the use of roll or film materials. They are attached to the outside of the base.

conclusions

Installing a quality foundation is a complex process that needs to be thought through at each stage of work. Depending on the type of building object and the materials to be used, different types of foundations are used. The photo allows you to see the features of laying each type of foundation, as well as evaluate your capabilities. And remember that any foundation should be built on the basis of a well-thought-out project.

The foundation is the base on which the building rests, perceiving all the load coming from above. The service life of the structure, its strength and reliability largely depend on its reliability. The arrangement of the foundation is possible in a variety of ways, so it's time to figure out what types of foundations are suitable for building a private house, what are their differences and main advantages.

Strip foundation

The design of this format is presented in the form of tapes buried in the ground, which account for the main load coming from the building. At the same time, the tapes themselves are supported by foundation slabs, which makes it possible to distribute the load over a fairly large area. erection strip foundation does not require spectrum preparatory work, which increases its relevance in a situation where the construction of a building should be completed as soon as possible. However, it is not able to withstand heavy loads, so it is most often used for one- or two-story buildings.

The depth of the bookmark is determined based on the materials used and the type of execution. Experts use the following classification of tape bases:

  • - made of reinforced concrete blocks, laying takes place with the use of specialized equipment;
  • Monolithic foundation - form directly on the construction site.

This type of foundation is characterized by simplicity and efficiency of construction, excellent load-bearing performance and use as basement walls - universal option, widely used in a variety of situations.

Column base

Columnar base - a pillar immersed in the soil or a well specially drilled for this purpose. From above, such pillars are connected with reinforced concrete beams, equipping houses with low weight on their basis. This option is most optimal for wooden buildings with small and medium dimensions or other structures, the construction of which does not require the use of heavy building materials.


Installation of columnar foundations is carried out on soil that is resistant to deformation from sudden temperature changes. Like the previous type of base, the columnar one can have a monolithic or prefabricated base. As for the materials, they can be as follows:

  • Brick - optimal for buildings no more than two floors high;
  • Stone - for heavy buildings;
  • Wood - for lightweight structures;
  • Reinforced concrete - for private houses with two or more floors.

Speaking about the advantages that the foundation on pillars has, it is worth highlighting the relative cheapness and rather short construction time. At the same time, the strength indicators leave much to be desired, and you should not forget about the problems with the construction of the basement or basements.

Such a foundation has a base in the form of a reinforced concrete slab, which is laid to the required height. The thickness of the structure can be on the order of 30-100 cm, and the improvement in strength indicators is achieved through engagement. Preparatory measures before installation include backfilling a sand cushion or pouring a layer of concrete.


In case there is a need for arrangement slab foundation with a large area, experts advise using expansion joints. The essence of the technique is to divide one large plate into several smaller components. This approach eliminates the formation of cracks, while reducing the bearing performance of the base.

Speaking about the merits of such a foundation, one cannot but say about the uniform division of the load going to it over the entire surface of the slab. Due to this, the structures are characterized by increased resistance to vertical and horizontal loads. Engagement is most relevant on floating soil, including sand, quicksand and others, and this use will be as reliable and durable as possible. The disadvantages include only a monolithic structure and the high cost of both materials and installation actions.

pile foundation

The foundation on piles includes one or more rows of piles, on top of which a slab is laid to connect them into a single whole. For the manufacture of the slab, concrete is used, carrying out, if necessary, additional reinforcement of the structure due to its reinforcement with metal bars.

Such a foundation is indispensable when it is necessary to build a private house on a site with weak surface soil or in a situation where there are significant differences in height on the ground - from 0.5 m or more.


The use of this type of base ensures that the load is applied to soft soil without deformation of the structure and the occurrence of various kinds of defects on it, and in addition, it makes it possible to withstand even a significant load from an erected private house.

The materials from which piles can be made are used in a variety of ways - it all depends on the characteristics of the project and the tasks to be solved on its basis. The most requested options are:

  • Wood - optimally suited for small-sized private houses. Such piles are often made of pine that has undergone special processing;
  • Reinforced concrete - on this basis it is possible to erect a building with a large weight;
  • Steel - used in situations where the installation of concrete piles is not possible;
  • Combined option (concrete and steel) - suitable for the need to build a structure on difficult soil, such as swampy.

The choice of the optimal type of foundation depends on many aspects that should be taken into account at the stage of preparation and calculation. First of all, an engineering and geological analysis of the site where the work is planned is carried out. Experts advise considering the following aspects:

  • The type of soil and the state in which it is;
  • Groundwater and the depth of their flow;
  • The depth to which the soil freezes;
  • The presence in the project of a basement or basement;
  • Underground communications and their features;
  • Materials that are planned for use;
  • The durability of the building under construction and so on.

What is better to refuse

Before you make a foundation, you should familiarize yourself with those factors, following which will save time, nerves and money:

  • The tape and columnar base is not suitable for use on heaving, silty and subsiding soil;
  • There is no need for excessive enthusiasm for the pile foundation - if the soil has normal resistance, it is quite possible to get by with a cheaper strip foundation;
  • If you are unsure of your own abilities, the preparation of the project and the construction of the foundation should be entrusted to professionals. The slightest mistake at any stage can have irreparable consequences.

The construction of a private house is permissible on different variations of the foundation - this largely depends on the characteristics of the area and technical nuances the building itself. The main thing is to make the right choice and carry out construction work in strict accordance with current standards and recommendations.

A mandatory element of the structure used in any of the buildings under construction is the foundation. Among the structural types of foundations known today for private houses, those that are most suitable in terms of their qualities and fulfill certain conditions for the construction of each particular house are mainly used.

The main factors for choosing the type of foundation will be:

  • building design, its characteristics;
  • type and quality of soil at the construction site;
  • the depth of the greatest freezing during the cold season and the depth of surface waters;
  • loads that can act on the foundation and, as a result, be transferred to the building itself.

The main requirements for the foundation being laid for a low-rise private house:

  • the reliability of the building;
  • foundation durability;

Foundation types for a private house

When choosing the option of laying the foundation for a private house, they are guided by the choice of the most suitable option from the four main types of foundations for these types of houses:

  • column foundation.

At the same time, it should be emphasized that in the modern construction of low-rise buildings for private use, the use of columnar foundations has practically been abandoned.

Slab foundations have found wider use for construction on peatlands and light soils, pile foundations are mainly used for wetlands and where groundwater lies very close to the surface. But the strip foundation for private housing construction is an almost universal option.


Strip foundation

The base of the strip foundation is indispensable for buildings that are planned to be built from heavy materials. Fortification walls are more suitable for this type of house foundation. A house on a strip foundation can be two or three floors. As a rule, such a foundation is laid under a house of a simple geometric shape, it will reliably serve its owners for many years, it is strip foundations that are most often designed for country mansions and houses.

pile foundation

On weak soil types and in wetlands, a pile foundation is used. A feature of this type of building foundation is the constructive transfer of the building load to the installed piles.

slab foundation

An excellent option for building on light soils or soils such as peat or clay would be a slab foundation. The main design feature is the transfer of the weight of the building to a large area of ​​the slab foundation, thus reducing the pressure and practically no water is squeezed out.

Foundation characteristics

Considering the properties of each type of foundation, it is useful to know the main characteristics of each:

  • Strip foundation is the most common type of foundation for private houses now. Strip foundations are:
  • Monolithic type of foundation;
  • Assembly base.

The monolithic foundation has found its application on many types of soil due to its versatility. It is very poorly permeable to moisture and therefore is used in areas with dry soil. During its construction, a pillow of sand and gravel is arranged, which plays the role of a foundation.

The process of erecting a monolithic strip foundation has become even simpler in many respects with the use of modern construction equipment. At the beginning, a base of sand and gravel is arranged, on top of which a waterproofing material is laid, the base is leveled.

In a specially arranged reinforcing cage is mounted. And fill the resulting volume with ready-mixed concrete. To improve the properties of the foundation and uniform distribution of the mixture, they are additionally tamped with vibrators.

The assembly strip foundation, unlike the monolithic one, is assembled much faster. Its main elements are concrete blocks laid in the base. Separate blocks are additionally reinforced and connected with concrete:

  • Pile foundation - the foundation structure, as a rule, is made of reinforced concrete elements, metal or wood. Despite the great advantages of the pile foundation, it, unfortunately, also has negative aspects:
  • The pile foundation is built using special equipment, which significantly increases the cost of the project;
  • With an independent pile foundation, labor costs increase by more than 2 times compared to other types of foundations;

When choosing a pile foundation for a private house, as a rule, for low-rise houses, holes 1.5-2 meters deep are torn off or drilled, a reinforcing cage is mounted and it is poured with a concrete mixture, followed by compaction.

However, a more reliable way is to use special equipment for driving or twisting piles. Subsequently, to form a reliable foundation, the piles are connected. Simply put, a monolithic reinforced concrete crown is put on the piles, which subsequently serves as the basis for the construction of walls.

A slab foundation is ideal for a homestead where it is provided. Technologically, the device of this type of base is no different from pouring an ice rink or a slab.

A waterproofing material and a reinforcing frame are laid on a leveled area, after which a monolithic slab is poured. The disadvantages of such a foundation include the high cost and costs of the materials used for construction.

Which to choose

As a rule, when choosing a project country house or a house for permanent residence, a mandatory assessment of the site is carried out, it is studied and the project of the house is tied to the area. Obligatory in this process is the study of the application of one of the most suitable types of foundation.

Analysis of local conditions by qualified specialists will further significantly reduce the cost of building and operating a house.

At the same time, a simple study of the type of soil on the site, the depth of the water horizons will immediately give an answer regarding the choice of the type of foundation for building a house.

Criterias of choice

Considering the criteria for choosing options for the foundation device, you should pay attention to:

  • economic indicators of each type of foundation;
  • bookmark labor costs;
  • the complexity of the device and the need to use additional machinery and equipment;
  • construction time indicator.

In addition, consider the implementation of each of the types of foundations of the basic requirements for the foundation of a low-rise private house:

  • the reliability of the building;
  • foundation durability;
  • the quality of the foundation of the house being built.


Advantages and disadvantages

The indisputable advantages of all these foundations are their strictly defined application in relation to the type of soil. At the same time, none of the types of foundation for a private house has complete universality.

A strip foundation, especially prefabricated over time, requires the equipment of a house with a rainwater drainage system, a pile foundation does not allow the construction of a basement, a slab foundation is subject to various deformations during spring and autumn saturation of the soil with rainwater.

What determines the size and price of the foundation

The main factors affecting the size and price of the foundation are:

  • the dimensions of the building under construction;
  • use of various materials;
  • foundation device technology;
  • use of construction equipment and additional mechanisms;
  • features of the relief of the construction site;
  • time of year when the foundation is laid.


Foundation laying rules

When laying the foundation, adhere to the following basic principles:

  • stages of work;
  • verification of the correctness of each operation;
  • timeliness of action;
  • observance of technology at each stage of construction.

Main stages

The main stages of the construction of the foundation of the house include:

  • preparatory - site marking, calculations;
  • the stage of earthworks - cleaning the site, excavating trenches and pits for piles;
  • arrangement of a sand cushion, laying of waterproofing material;
  • formwork erection;
  • frame reinforcement;
  • pouring concrete;
  • the final stage is drying, a set of necessary qualities with concrete.


Common Mistakes

The most common foundation mistakes are:

  • non-compliance with the geometric proportions of the project;
  • insufficient deepening;
  • errors in laying waterproofing;
  • incorrect reinforcement.

At the same time, when developing a project, one should still be more sober about it, clear calculations without adding “just in case for reliability” will significantly reduce construction costs, saving the estimate from unnecessary spending on materials.

The foundation is one of the most important parts of any structure. Translated from Latin, the word "foundation" means "foundation, support." From how well the foundation for the house is made, its future fate depends. If the foundation is under a private house laid with errors, then distortions, cracks, non-closing doors and other troubles are provided.

The construction of the foundation for a private house is the most crucial moment. A strong, reliable, durable structure will be only if the right choice of foundation for the house is made.

In this article we will talk about what types of foundations exist for a house, in which cases what types of foundations are used, how to choose the right foundation for a private house.

The following types of foundations for a private house are most common: columnar, tape, slab and pile.

Pillar foundation - the easiest foundation for wooden house. The pillars serve as the basis (support) for the house. They are located at some distance from each other (from one to three meters). For a small house, poles must be installed in the corners of the house and where they intersect bearing walls. If the house has a large area, the supporting pillars must be placed evenly around the entire perimeter.


To give the structure rigidity, a foundation beam (reinforced concrete grillage or wooden beam) is laid on the pillars. Thus, the supports are interconnected into a single whole. The load on the foundation is distributed evenly, which is important. In addition, shrinkage under the supports is significantly reduced if the foundation is installed in freezing soils.

The columnar foundation belongs to the category of "shallow foundations", since the installation depth of the pillars in the ground is only 0.5 meters. Small pebbles are laid under the pillars or concrete is poured.

There are two varieties column foundation- monolithic and prefabricated.

A monolithic columnar foundation is used if the groundwater level is more than a meter (low). Concrete is poured into holes drilled in the ground and reinforced with metal reinforcement.

A prefabricated columnar foundation is erected during the construction of an object in an area with a high level of groundwater. The entire structure is assembled on site. Pillars are combined with reinforced concrete slab, strengthened with metal wire, then installed in place.

Columnar base - a suitable foundation for wooden house, having a small weight compared to stone or brick. This supporting structure ensures the reliability and stability of the building if it is located on dense freezing soil, as well as on rocky surfaces and in places with the possibility of flooding.

TISE (Technology of Individual Construction and Ecology) is a combination of columnar and strip types of foundations. The foundation of TISE is also called pile-grillage or pile-pillar. The difference of this technology is that the supports require drilling of wells with expansion at the bottom. Reinforcement is installed in the finished well and concrete is poured. Drilling depth - 10-15 cm below the freezing level of the soil. From above, a grillage is constructed according to the type of strip foundation.

The TISE foundation is universal, because it can be used in the construction of buildings of any severity. This is a reliable foundation for both a wooden house and a stone one.

The foundation of TISE can be made by hand, this does not require the involvement of heavy equipment. A fairly economical option, since concrete is required many times less than, for example, for a strip foundation.

Strip foundation

In the construction of private houses, the most popular strip foundation, which is a strip buried in the ground, on which the structure rests. The strip foundation is used both in the construction of wooden private houses, and in the construction of cottages made of stone or brick.

There are two types of strip foundations - monolithic and prefabricated.


A monolithic strip foundation is poured at the construction site in the form of a strip of heavy grade concrete, reinforced with rigid (longitudinal) and flexible (transverse and longitudinal) reinforcement.

The prefabricated foundation is a structure of concrete blocks interconnected by cement. A gravel cushion is laid under the blocks.


Both monolithic and prefabricated strip foundations are characterized by massiveness and high strength.

Depending on the depth of soil freezing, the strip foundation can be shallow (non-buried) and buried.

In the first option, the laying depth is up to 70 cm. An unburied foundation is used for light buildings made of wood or foam concrete.


A recessed foundation is made when building heavy stone or brick houses, as well as houses with a basement or basement. The question of how deep should be decided in each case.

The slab foundation is a solid monolithic concrete slab. Such a foundation is built if the groundwater is close to the surface, that is, it has a high level. The plate can be made at the factory, or you can pour it yourself. It should be borne in mind that this design requires a large amount of reinforcement with a diameter of 12-25 mm. The slab foundation has a thickness of 30 to 100 cm.


The slab foundation redistributes the load over the entire area of ​​the slab, and is also characterized by a weak susceptibility to soil movement in both vertical and horizontal directions, to seasonal changes in the state of the soil (for example, heaving or rising groundwater levels in spring). For this property, it is also called a floating slab foundation.

The slab foundation is more often used as a non-buried foundation. It is mounted on the surface of the soil without deepening. The basis is a bulk pillow. The negative point in this case is the impossibility of building a basement.

For the construction of a deep slab foundation, a foundation pit is dug. The plate is cast at its bottom. In this case, the issue with the basement or garage is resolved positively.

The main advantage of the slab foundation: the building is located on an absolutely flat and rigid surface, which makes it almost impossible to deform /

swedish plate


An interesting modern view of the slab foundation is the Swedish slab foundation. This slab is insulated from the bottom and sides with expanded polystyrene, and in the very body of the slab there is a device for floor heating and all communications. That is why the design is called the UShP foundation (insulated Swedish plate). An excellent choice of the base for the house!

Finnish stove

Another option is the Finnish stove. The scheme of such a plate is somewhat more complicated than UWB: the insulation is located on the plate, and not under it. In the Finnish stove, the warm floor is mounted from above. The difficulty is that the Finnish plate is poured twice as a result. But the longer life of the insulation and the availability for repair of communications are clear advantages.

The pile foundation for the house is, in principle, similar to the column foundation. The difference lies in the device. When constructing a columnar foundation, the supports (pillars) are dug into the ground, and the pile foundation is mounted by driving piles. Piles are driven individually or in groups and combined with a concrete or reinforced concrete grillage.


Piles differ in the way they are supported on the ground.

Hanging piles are located (hanging) in soft ground, not reaching solid ground. Such piles are a rod with a length of 7 meters or more. To give stability to such a structure, special techniques are used.

Standing piles (risers) rest on solid ground, passing through weak ground. This type of pile is never subject to settlement, but the length of the riser can be much longer than in the case of hanging piles.

For the construction of a pile foundation, special equipment is required for drilling and driving piles, which significantly increases the cost of work. That is why the pile foundation for a house in private housing construction is used quite rarely. However, for example, on swampy soils, a pile is the best foundation.

What is the best foundation for a house

We looked at the foundations. In order to choose the right foundation for a wooden house, it is important to know what factors you should pay attention to.

  • Soil structure. Soils are heaving and non-heaving. The degree of heaving depends on the level of soil freezing (at negative temperatures, the soil increases in volume, then the reverse process occurs). Heaving soils: clay, sandy loam, loam and peat bogs. This type of soil is characterized by a certain instability in atmospheric conditions. With a high level of freezing, such soils expand and can even move. These factors contribute to the extrusion of the building, which leads to various kinds of deformations. Non-rocky soils (sand, crushed stone, rocks) are the safest types of soils. Their low freezing gives a guarantee of the strength of the foundation.
  • Ground water. There are two types of groundwater levels - high and low. A level of less than two meters is considered high. Water located close to the level of the soil always negatively affects buildings. Under such conditions, its strength is significantly reduced. Fungi, mold and an unpleasant smell in the room occur precisely at a high level of groundwater.
  • The weight of the house determines the material from which it will be built. Light houses - wooden, frame, foam or aerated concrete blocks. Heavy - houses made of brick or stone. The heavier the house, the more requirements are placed on the foundation - after all, it is the basis of the entire building.
  • Architecture. The choice of the type of foundation for the house is influenced by such architectural features as the basement and basement. If these premises are present in the project, then the foundation cannot be the simplest.
  • Landscape. It is taken into account whether the plot is flat for construction or there is a slope.

The most commonly used types of foundations for a private house are slab, strip and columnar. All of them belong to the category of foundations without deepening. The depth of their bookmarks is from 40 to 90 cm.

When erecting wooden houses and houses made of light materials, brick buildings of a small area and low-rise buildings, a shallow foundation is the best option. For areas with a high level of groundwater, slab, shallow tape or pile types of foundations are more suitable.

Soil analysis and calculations are needed to determine if a shallow foundation or a deep foundation should be used. Sometimes using a deep-laid design is a better solution. There are no ideal surfaces, so all factors affecting the stability of a building must be considered together.

Another important factor influencing the choice of the type of foundation is its cost. Practice shows that about a quarter of the total cost of the object is spent on laying the foundation.

The cheapest foundation is columnar, it does not require excavation and a large number concrete. It is easy to build such a foundation with your own hands. But when choosing this foundation, one must take into account the existing restrictions on soils, the weight of the building and the impossibility of arranging the basement.

Monolithic foundations are the most expensive due to the large number of building materials.

Sometimes the construction time of the house is important for construction. In this regard, the pile foundation will be the fastest, the laying of which does not require such work as digging trenches and installing formwork.

Having an idea about the types of foundations, types of soil, the features of building a foundation for a house in various conditions, it is easy to choose your own version of the foundation. The main thing is to remember that a properly laid foundation determines how safe and durable your home will be.

When erecting a one-story building or a multi-story building, it is important to responsibly approach the choice of the foundation option. When planning the construction of a private house, one cannot make mistakes when choosing the type of foundation. That is why it is so important to understand where this or that type of foundation is used.

Consider the main types of foundation for the house in detail.

The main types of foundation for a private house are as follows:

  1. Slab.
  2. Pile.
  3. Columnar.
  4. Tape.

All foundations differ from each other according to the principle of device and design.

To have a visual representation of the photo of the types of foundations for a private house, you can go online and type the appropriate request.

Strip foundations


This type of foundation has the shape of a ribbon. It can be poured both at the construction site and by means of reinforced concrete blocks. The tape base is strong enough and can have almost any shape. But prefabricated foundation cannot form a complex configuration.

The strip foundation is of the following types:

  • flexible (have a transverse-longitudinal armored belt);
  • monolithic (concreted immediately, often with the help of a concrete mixer);
  • intermittent (some elements are under the supporting structures);
  • rigid (contain a longitudinal reinforcing belt).

Slab foundations


The slab foundation is a multi-layer "pie", which consists of a top concrete slab, a protective and leveling layer. The protective layer contains insulation, as well as Construction Materials designed for vapor and waterproofing. The leveling layer often has crushed stone and sand. To strengthen the structure of the slab foundation, concrete reinforcement is used.

Pile foundations


At the base of the pile foundation are piles. They can be made of metal or asbestos-cement pipes. Piles must be mounted vertically. The excess height is cut off, and the piles are interconnected by a grillage.

Pile foundations, depending on the location and method of fastening, are divided into the following types:

  • solid (when the piles are staggered close to each other);
  • driven (piles are driven into the ground using special equipment);
  • screw (often metal piles are “screwed” into the ground manually);
  • cluster (arrangement of supports is carried out by n3-4 pieces in different places);
  • stuffed (poured concrete into wells);
  • single (equipped exclusively in the corners).

Pillar foundations


This type of foundation consists of supporting pillars with lintels. They can be equipped both as a monolith and with the help of prefabricated reinforced concrete structures.

Choose a foundation for the cottage. What to look for when choosing?

In order to competently equip the foundation for a cottage, you must first determine the main selection criteria. Among them:

  • type of soil (loam, loose, black earth, clay, sand, peat, etc.);
  • What is the level of groundwater?
  • depth of soil freezing;
  • terrain for building a private house.

Given all the above nuances, you can carefully approach the choice of the type of foundation.

Types of foundations for a house made of timber

The following types of foundations are suitable for a house made of timber:

  • pile and tape shallow foundation;
  • columnar and support-columnar foundation;
  • pile foundation.

Pile and tape shallow foundation


Carrying out the construction of a private house from glued laminated timber or timber, you should immediately stop your attention on the tape shallow foundation. He has proven himself excellently on heaving soils. This type of foundation is laid in a freezing layer of soil. Due to this, the cost of its arrangement is significantly reduced.

In the construction of wooden buildings, the strip foundation has proven itself well. This refers to one-story houses made of glued laminated timber and logs. The entire structure of a private house will reliably stand on a one-piece rigid reinforced frame, poured with solid concrete.

Columnar and support-columnar foundation


The supporting-columnar foundation has several advantages in the construction of light wooden houses: efficiency and ease of arrangement.

This type of foundation, as well as a shallow one, is laid in freezing soybeans. It is often used in harsh climates.

The support-columnar foundation is quite simple to make, but it has one drawback. Due to the fact that the piles are located separately from each other, over time they shrink unevenly, and this significantly worsens the performance of the entire structure.

pile foundation


Today, the pile foundation is gaining popularity. It is based on metal piles of various configurations. What is good about this type of foundation? The fact that it can be mounted in any weather conditions on any type of soil. In addition, it outperforms the strip foundation in terms of cost. Such a foundation is made within a few days on its own. The pile foundation during its construction does not require special equipment. Everything can be done by hand. The service life is more than 80 years.