How to make a pile foundation for asbestos pipes. Foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes: features of the base, calculation and installation details. Columnar foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes - pros and cons

The process of building a foundation is one of the main stages in the construction of a house and other objects. There are many effective and simple ways laying out the foundation for the future structure.

One of them is the columnar method using asbestos cement pipes as a supporting structure.

Scope and features of a foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes

The technology for constructing a columnar foundation is quite simple to implement and does not require large financial costs when purchasing building materials and execution of work.

However, before starting construction, you need to familiarize yourself with a number of recommendations, the implementation of which will help you avoid fatal mistakes:

This type of foundation is used for the foundations of light buildings, the construction of which uses panel modules and lightweight materials. For example, wood, plastic, aerated concrete blocks not a problem for asbestos-cement pillars. Foundation made according to columnar technology, perfect for building frame country cottages, summer country houses, light outbuildings, gazebos, verandas and wooden baths.
In most cases, the possibility of constructing the foundations of buildings using this method on light and floating soils, as well as on wetlands, is excluded. This is due to the high probability of deformation of the base as a result of soil movement.
It is advisable to use this method in regions with cold climatic conditions characterized by deep freezing of the soil. The main reason is the cost-effectiveness of this technique, in contrast to a strip or block foundation.
When calculating the number, overall dimensions and digging depth of piles, it is important to take into account the factors of soil freezing depth and the weight parameters of the structure being built. If the calculations are incorrect, the columns may not be able to withstand the excess load, which will lead to the destruction of the building.
The specificity of this method involves the construction of structures at a certain height from the surface of the earth, which makes it reasonable, and in some cases, the only possibility of construction in areas subject to seasonal flooding.

The positives of pillar foundation construction technology

Summarizing the above, we can clearly determine the advantages of the method of using asbestos-cement pipes as a material for the base of the structure:

High efficiency and ease of implementation of a project based on this methodology. At the same time, the need to attract heavy and specialized construction equipment is limited.
Saving time on the actual work and waiting for the foundation to harden.
The ability to independently calculate design characteristics in strict compliance with building regulations.
Quite low prices for necessary materials and low labor costs.
Practicality in applying this technique in regions prone to flooding.
Resistance of piles to aggressive environment their frost resistance.

What are the limitations in using the technology?

However, the method has a number of disadvantages, which limits its practical application:

The technology is not recommended for use in the construction of buildings that create large loads on the foundation.
The location of the piles limits the possibility of installing basements in buildings of this type.
It is impossible to construct a foundation made of pipes in places with weak soils characterized by high level groundwater.
The interior and exterior decoration of the building is limited by the design parameters of the foundation and limits the use of heavy building materials.

How to calculate the basis?

When calculating the number of pipes, their diameter and depth, a number of simple but mandatory rules are used:

Using a reference book, we determine the depth of soil freezing in your region, add 30-50 cm to this value. We get the value of the underground part of our foundation.
We use the number of pillars based on approximately 0.8 tons of weight for each support pipe. In this case, the piles are located at the corners of the structure, at the intersections of load-bearing walls, and along the perimeter at a distance of up to 1 m. We take the specific gravity of the material from a construction reference book, or you can use sources from the Internet. When calculating, we take into account the weight of the floor, walls, roof, and finishing materials.
The diameter of the pipe is also selected in accordance with the weight of the structure. So, for light verandas, a support with a diameter of 100 mm is quite suitable; for block houses or log buildings, a base with a diameter of 300 mm would be the best option.
The height of the above-ground part of the column should be approximately 300 mm, but if necessary, it can be changed in accordance with the terrain.

Short instructions for constructing a pillar foundation

Execution technology pile foundation from asbestos-cement pipes involves the following operations:

We mark the area for future construction using twine and pegs, the location of which will mark the center of the well.
We make wells using a drill or dig them in another way, and it is better to make the diameter of the well as close as possible to the diameter of the column. The depth of the well corresponds to previously calculated indicators.
We make a widening at the bottom of the hole using a shovel or drill.
At the bottom of the hole we pour a sand cushion 15-20 cm thick and compact it well.
We cut the pipes to the required length, previously calculated, and lower the pile into the well. Previously, to increase the durability of the pillar and its waterproofing, it is recommended to treat the pipe with bitumen or a special priming liquid to the height of its underground part. To level the pillars horizontally, we use a laser or liquid level. Having set the horizontal line, we beat it off with twine.
Preparing the reinforcement frame. To do this, we use 4 reinforcing rods with a diameter of 8-12 mm, interconnected steel wire, so that the diagonal of the structure matches the diameter of the pipe.
We fill the widening of the well with concrete or cement-sand mortar, do not forget to bayonet the mortar. We lift the pipe, thereby allowing the solution to spread throughout the entire volume of the widening. Carefully press the pile into the concrete, ensuring that all pillars are level.
We place the reinforcement inside the column 2-3 cm below the edge of the formwork, and fill the pipe with concrete to the top edge. At the same time, we ensure that all voids are thoroughly filled with the solution. While the solution has not hardened, we insert a pre-prepared anchor pin into the center of the pile, which will subsequently serve to fasten the timber frame. The verticality of the columns is checked at all stages of pouring using a regular building level.
Cover the end of the pipe with film and let the solution harden. The waiting process takes up to three weeks, after which the next stage of construction can begin.

A foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes is an excellent alternative to a monolithic slab or strip foundation concrete foundation when constructing relatively light structures. When building it, you can save a significant amount of money. This type of foundation is practically indispensable when constructing lungs. frame houses or outbuildings.

The only disadvantage of this type of foundation is that it is problematic to build habitable basement or basement spaces inside it. However, if the design of your building does not provide for a basement or plinth, then instead of a rather expensive monolithic strip foundation you may well limit yourself to a drilled foundation constructed using asbestos-cement pipes.

All work on the construction of a bored foundation from asbestos-cement pipes on personal plot It’s entirely possible to do it yourself. This construction is accessible even to people with minimal technological skills.

Difference bored foundation from strip or slab is that the supports for buildings are not mounted under the entire base of the building or under its perimeter and load-bearing walls - but only at nodal points. Such points are the corners of the structure and the junction of internal load-bearing walls with external ones.

The construction of a strip foundation involves its deepening into the ground below the level of winter freezing of the soil. As a result, in the middle zone it is necessary to use a large mass of concrete, which negatively affects the project budget. However, relatively lightweight buildings can also withstand concrete support pillars, which can be placed deep enough in the ground.

The foundation in the form of pillar supports can be constructed in two main ways.

The first method is to use ready-made piles. However, in private housing construction this is of little use, since it requires the use of specialized equipment.

The second method is to make supports directly in the ground. In this case, the concrete solution is poured into the formwork created in a hole in the ground. Can be used as formwork various designs, such as traditional wooden shields.

Formwork for piles - photo

Asbestos-cement pipes are very popular as formwork for creating bored piles. They are relatively lightweight, have excellent waterproofing and are quite durable, so they are ideal for the role of permanent formwork. Currently, the industry produces asbestos-cement pipes of various diameters, which will allow you to accurately select the pipe sizes required for the construction of your particular structure.

Please note that the diameter of asbestos-cement pipes is selected based on the weight of the future structure. By the way, you can calculate the weight based on the data in the table.

Besides, bored piles using asbestos-cement pipes can be used when constructing a foundation on uneven areas, for example on slopes. It is possible to build this type of foundation on soil with very high humidity, almost in swamps. The production of such a foundation does not require the use of construction equipment and can be carried out even by one person for a long time, sequentially from support to support.

However, it is worth noting that before building such a foundation, it is necessary to make a thorough calculation of the structure. To do this, it is necessary to calculate the planned total weight of the structure, including the weight of building materials, room loads and possible loads from changing climatic conditions. After this, the maximum load on the concrete pillars is calculated. With a lot of weight building structure it is necessary to either increase the number of concrete supports or move on to designing a strip concrete base.

The process of building a foundation from asbestos-cement pipes

At the preparatory stage, we need to create a foundation project and carry out everything necessary calculations. When calculating the required number of supports, keep in mind that the maximum distance between pillars should not exceed 2.5 meters.
Then prepare the construction site and clear it of debris. It makes sense to remove the fertile layer of soil and move it to another part of your site.
We are marking the future foundation. We carefully check the correctness of the corner markings. To do this, we stretch the marking cord not only along the sides of the foundation, but also along its diagonals, achieving the creation of an ideal rectangle.
We drill wells for supports. To do this, you can use either a regular garden drill or a TISE tool. When working on difficult soils, it makes sense to use the services of a drilling rig. The depth of drilling wells should go beyond the level of soil freezing.
At the bottom of the drilled well there is a sand cushion about 20 centimeters thick. It is spilled with water and compacted thoroughly.
On special weak soils it is possible to create a concrete support at the bottom of the well, wider in diameter than an asbestos-cement pipe.
A layer of polyethylene can be laid at the bottom of the well to prevent moisture from the concrete solution from escaping into the ground.
We lower the asbestos-cement pipe into the well, use spacers to fix it in a vertical position, and check it with a building level.
On the ground, we assemble the internal metal frame of the support from reinforcing rods. It should have both horizontal and vertical power belts. We lower the assembled frame into the pipe. If you are planning to build a horizontal piping - grillage, then the reinforcing rods from the pipe are brought out to connect them with the grillage reinforcement.
Pour concrete solution into the pipe. After pouring a portion that raises the concrete layer by 20-30 centimeters, it must be bayoneted or treated with a vibrating drill.
The space between the pipe and the walls of the well is filled with sand and compacted. During construction on heaving soils the sand cushion between the well and the pipe must be at least 10 centimeters.
The upper part of the pipe is cut using a laser level, then the head and waterproofing are installed, or the construction of a horizontal grillage begins.

Foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes - photo

conclusions

Thus, it is possible to create a fairly strong foundation for relatively light buildings, but no more than one floor high. Also, such a foundation will be an ideal solution for the construction of commercial or domestic buildings.

In contact with

The foundation is the foundation of a building, the durability of the structure depends on its strength. In fact, it is the main supporting structure of the structure, its movements or subsidence lead to distortions in the building structure, floors begin to swell and doors stop closing, and, in the worst case, the house may simply collapse . We propose to consider how to build an inexpensive and reliable columnar foundation from reliable asbestos pipes in this article.

It should be noted that recently this type of house foundation has become especially popular.

Advantages and disadvantages of a pile foundation

The foundation for a house made of asbestos-cement pipes is financially advantageous and reliable enough for the construction of light buildings and auxiliary structures such as log or frame houses, bathhouses, and outbuildings. To build a columnar foundation from asbestos pipes, you will need the pipes themselves, a garden drill, a concrete mixer (it can be rented during construction), several rods of corrugated reinforcement, sand and cement. Due to the labor intensity of execution, it is quite possible to build it with your own hands.

The following can be said about the advantages of such a foundation:

Asbestos pipes do not require large expenditures, are quickly built, and protect against moisture

compared to monolithic solutions, a base made of asbestos-cement pipes for a house will cost half as much and require half the effort and time;
Digging a pit for such a foundation is not necessary;
pile foundation it is built very quickly from asbestos-cement pipes; upon completion of the work, you can immediately begin building a house, saving up to two weeks compared to a monolithic foundation;
the height of such a foundation above the ground is usually at least 30 cm, which will prevent water from entering the house during rainfalls and flooding, and if floods have ever occurred in the area, the piles can be raised even higher;
on a foundation made of asbestos-cement piles it is much easier to connect communications to the house - water supply, sewerage, gas supply, etc.

The use of such grounds is limited by the following factors:

such structures are applicable only if structures of limited mass are placed on them;
the duration of safe operation of pile foundations made of asbestos-cement piles is limited to 80 years;
in houses on such foundations it is almost impossible to build a basement;
foundation of a house from asbestos-cement piles is impossible in areas with floating soils.

Other materials, in particular metal or plastic products, are also quite suitable for these purposes. However, they also have disadvantages characteristic of the materials. Metal pipes They corrode and are more expensive, and plastic ones have restrictions on exposure to negative temperatures.

Asbestos-cement pipes have the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion, which ensures the stability of the foundation during operation.

How to make a foundation

When starting construction, you need to perform a number of mandatory actions so that the work is not done in vain:

Determine the quality of the soil at the construction site to prevent contact with floating soil.
Determine the depth of soil freezing in a given area; the depth of immersion of piles made of asbestos-cement pipes depends on this.
Calculate the size of the pile taking into account the maximum redistributed load on the pipe of 800 kg. If the design load is greater, the number of intermediate piles must be increased.

Calculation of a columnar foundation made of pipes

Work order

Mark the house plan at the selected location, marking the intersections of load-bearing walls with pegs.
Check the markings by measuring the overall dimensions along the diagonals of the markings. They should be the same.
Mark the locations of intermediate piles under load-bearing walls. The distance between them should be no more than 1 meter.
Use a garden drill to make a hole in the ground for the pile. The immersion depth should be 0.3 - 0.5 meters greater than the freezing value of the soil. The diameter of the hole is at least 5 cm larger than the diameter of the pile. The job is easy to do with your own hands
Backfill under the base asbestos cement pipe two layers of sand and gravel.
Compact the bedding and pour water on it.
Mark and cut the pipe with your own hands using a grinder to the required length, taking into account that the upper end exceeds the ground level by about 30 cm.
The immersed end must be treated with water-polymer waterproofing for the length of immersion in accordance with the instructions on the emulsion packaging. The work can easily be done by one person with his own hands.
Lower the pipe into the hole and secure it with wooden blocks.
Also install the remaining piles. Measure the diagonals again and, if necessary, adjust the location of the pipes.
Using a level, check the horizontal placement of the upper ends of the asbestos-cement piles and mark the level of pouring concrete into the pipes. Cut off protruding parts after the concrete has hardened.
Fill the piles with concrete prepared according to the following recipe: 2 parts M300 cement, two parts sand, two parts medium gravel, water. To check the consistency of concrete, mold it into a ball with a diameter of about 10 cm. It should sag slightly under its own weight, but not crumble or blur.
Install 3–4 reinforcement bars outside the pile, tying them with wire. Install reinforcing steel bars inside the pipe in the same way.
After loading the concrete batch inside or outside the pipe, pierce the layer of mass in several places with a rod and tamp it down to avoid the formation of air bubbles in the pouring mass.
After this, take a break for 5 - 7 days from performing any work on the construction site to give the concrete time to harden.
Check the horizontality of the upper ends of the piles, and if necessary, shorten the protruding ends with your own hands.

Grillage foundations

If it is necessary to strengthen pile foundations, a structural element called a grillage is used. This term refers to a concrete slab or beam that is placed on top of the vertical foundation supports.

Types of execution.

They can be:

High– the supporting element is located above the ground surface, used in areas with high groundwater.
Short– used in deep soil locations and in areas with shallow soil freezing depth.
A raised grillage is a supporting element located at ground level. It is carried out by making formwork, reinforcement and continuous pouring of concrete. The most durable foundation for low-rise and larger construction, since the support turns into a monolithic structure.

Types of grillages according to materials used:

Wood– a grillage made of timber, used for the construction of wooden houses, bathhouses, and outbuildings. Easy to do with your own hands. Needs high-quality protection of wood from rotting and pests.
Steel- made from steel structures, rods and screw piles. Used in lightweight construction, it is durable and stable. Disadvantage: susceptibility to corrosion.
Monolithic– a system of elements made of asbestos-cement piles and a cast concrete supporting surface, combining all components of the structure into a single whole. The most reliable and durable type of pile foundations.

Types of grillages by materials

Wanting to make a foundation for country house do it yourself, pay attention to the techniques described here. You will get a foundation of sufficient strength at low cost. I wish you success!

The foundation is the base of the structure. The service life of the entire building will depend on the strength of this structure. In fact, this is the main element of any building, because if it subsides or moves, a number of negative factors may appear:

swelling of floors;
inability to close doors;
general distortion of the structure;
destruction of the house.

We present to your attention material on how to make a thoughtfully and reliably columnar foundation from asbestos pipes.

Easy to install. Complete exclusion of special construction equipment.
Affordable cost of materials.
The work can be carried out in the shortest possible time.
Possibility of construction even in flooded areas.
Long service life.
The reality of doing the calculations yourself.

Professionals unanimously claim that making a foundation from asbestos pipes with your own hands is not particularly difficult. However, it should be taken into account that when constructing a pile foundation, the possibility of building a basement is lost. In addition, when using this construction method, it is necessary to take into account that the floors under the building require thorough insulation and wind protection.
It should also be noted that a pile foundation can perform extremely negatively on moving soils. But such a moment can most often occur when asbestos pipes were installed contrary to the existing ones. building codes.
Asbestos-cement foundations are very often used for buildings that have a frame, which are made of timber, wood, wood concrete and other alternative lightweight types of materials: bathhouses, verandas, outbuildings, gazebos, cabins, etc. In addition, using a grillage, you can combine the material with a slab or concrete strip. The scope of application of a foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes with your own hands is very extensive; it is erected in areas where flooding occurs, there are highly heaving soils, and also where the soil can freeze to more than one and a half meters.

Carrying out calculations

To carry out the necessary calculations, you need to know two main parameters:

Soil freezing temperature.

To determine soil freezing, you can use reference information. The relevant sources contain data on soil freezing without snow cover. In addition, if the level of snow precipitation is high enough, the figure given in the reference book can be slightly underestimated.
You can add a value from 0.3 to 0.5 meters to the reference data - this indicator will indicate the correct depth of the underground part of the piles. Note that their bases should be visible above ground level, approximately 30 cm, however, if there is a risk of flooding, this figure can be increased by a few centimeters.

Asbestos-cement pipes for foundations usually have a diameter that correlates with the weight of the future building. For log buildings, a volume of 20-30 cm is best suited, while for small gazebos the diameter of the pipes can be only 7 cm.
The load on the structure being built will depend on the complexity of the structure and the material from which it will be made. To carry out calculations, you need to take into account not only the walls, but also the roof, finishing and insulation.
Existing piles are placed around the perimeter of the structure, as well as at its corners and at the intersection of load-bearing walls. Their distance should be no more than one meter. The approximate load on each pile should average 800 kg. If the resulting weight is higher than the specified value, the number of piles should be increased.
At the end of the actions taken, the required number of pipes and fittings becomes known. The calculation should be made according to the following principle - 2-3 rods of reinforcement for each asbestos pipe.

Step-by-step instructions for foundation production

So, you have the material, the desire and the readiness to make a foundation from asbestos-cement pipes with your own hands. Let's consider step by step how to correctly build this structure:

Design. The construction of frame structures belongs to the group of simple works. Thus, the average weight of a one-story cottage is 8 tons. This means that for such a foundation you need to use 10 supports, the cross-section of which will be equal to 20 cm. Design documentation in finished form can be found on the vastness of the global network, however, as Alternative option, it can be ordered from specialists. Today, statistics of work carried out on the construction of private houses shows that the majority of customers want an individual construction project.
Preparation of the site followed by marking. To prepare the site for the appropriate construction activities, the following steps must be followed:
- clear the area of stones and trees;
- mark the corner marks of the foundation - dig in metal rods or wooden posts with a rope stretched over them;
- step back two meters from the possible boundary of the foundation being built and mark the area from which it will be necessary to remove fertile soil (more than 30 cm) in the future. Such manipulation is necessary so that later weeds do not sprout from under the building;
- remove the turf, level the area and fill it with sand and gravel mixture. Compact the area.
Drilling wells for supports. In case of independent work To build a structure made of asbestos pipes, it is permissible to use an ordinary garden drill. It is common for teams of specialists from construction companies to use special equipment (automatic motorcycle or hole drills). The diameter of the well for support should exceed its volume by 10-12 cm. In turn, the depth should be 20 cm greater than the intended height of the piles. This approach is necessary for the manufacture of a special foundation “pillow” from nonmetallic building materials.
Preparatory work for the construction of a columnar foundation from asbestos pipes and installation of these pipes. The bottom of the prepared well is carefully filled with crushed stone and sand, methodically compacted and filled with water. The top layer is covered with waterproofing - it can be a film or roofing felt. The supports are immersed in the pit and secured with slats. The base is covered with sand. The length of the pillars should have a margin of slightly more than 10 cm; subsequently, thanks to this technique, you can easily level the height of any support. If the soil has high humidity, it is recommended to treat all pipes with a special solution based on bitumen or polymer.
Concreting and reinforcement. The prepared concrete mixture is poured into asbestos pipes to a depth of 30–40 cm. Next, the supports must be raised by 20 cm and secured. In this way we get a kind of concrete base, through which the pillars will be more stable.
The final stage. After the concrete layer has hardened, a reinforcement cage is installed into the pipe, which is connected by wire jumpers or transverse frames made of thin reinforcement. Next, the solution is filled to the required level. To remove any air bubbles that appear, you can use a wooden strip or metal rod. The top layer is covered with cellophane film to achieve uniform drying of the concrete solution. The drying period must be at least 21 days.

Initially, asbestos-cement pipes were used quite limitedly in private housing construction. Firstly, asbestos pipes scared people away with myths about the carcinogenicity of the material, and secondly, there was little experience in using this type of material in foundation construction. Today, a columnar foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes can be called a successful compromise between low cost and high resistance to moisture and load. Another undeniable advantage is that making a columnar foundation from asbestos pipes with your own hands is much easier and faster than any other option for a columnar foundation.

Construction of a foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes

The general design and principle of manufacturing such a foundation is not much different from other options for manufacturing pile supports with pouring concrete into a prepared form. In our case, the frame and concrete solution are poured into an asbestos-cement pipe body immersed in a drilled hole in the ground. Pile foundations on asbestos-cement supports are valued primarily for the following points:

The production speed of such a foundation is much higher, and the labor intensity is significantly lower than any other bored supports, including TISE piles, frame cast piles, second in this indicator only to expensive screw and reinforced concrete options;
High resistance of the asbestos-cement pipe base to any moisture, without loss of strength of the pile support, material degradation, or corrosion;
On piles made of asbestos-cement pipes, it is possible to raise the base of a building to a height of 30-40 and even 100 cm with proper load distribution, which is not always possible in some cases for other types of pile structures.

Do-it-yourself foundation installation on asbestos-cement pipes

The design of a foundation with supports made of asbestos-cement pipes cannot be called ideal. It can be easily and quickly assembled and built within two days, provided you have a concrete mixer, a hand drill for drilling wells, an angle grinder, a welding machine, concrete mortar and prepared steel reinforcement 8 mm thick. Before you start making such a foundation, you need to pay attention to its disadvantages:

The strength of asbestos-cement foundation supports is relatively low. The rigidity and load-bearing capacity of pile elements is sufficient for the construction of a frame, log or aerated concrete building, provided that the construction is carried out on dense and heavy soils;
Drilling work must be carried out to a depth of at least 150-180 cm; due to the low strength of the piles, it is necessary to drill a large number of wells, and almost all the work must be done with a hand drill;
Unlike their competitors - TISE cast-in-place piles, asbestos-cement piles do not have an “anchor” property, therefore, if the foundation manufacturing technology is violated, there may be cases of supports being squeezed out by heaving soils.

We make piles from asbestos-cement pipes

Before starting work on preparing the site and marking places for drilling wells, it is necessary to determine the exact number of required asbestos-cement supports and their diameter. Most often, asbestos-cement pipes with a bore diameter of 100 or 150 mm are used to make supports. A 200 mm pipe is much less commonly used. It is mainly used in cases where it is necessary to repair the asbestos pipe of a columnar foundation. Accordingly, it is necessary to select the offset of the cutting edges of a hand drill to match the size of the asbestos-cement pipe. The diameter of the well must be at least 10 mm larger than the outer diameter of the asbestos-cement support.

For example, for a “weaving” - a 100 mm asbestos-cement pipe, the outer diameter for the “BNT” brand will be 118 mm, and for the more common “VT” - 122 mm. Accordingly, the diameter of the well should be 128 and 132 mm. For the 150th pipe, the well diameter should be 170 and 180 mm. This gap is indicated for a depth of 150 cm; if drilling is carried out to two or more meters, the gap size must be increased by another 30%.

After a well of the required diameter and depth has been drilled, a mixture of sand and screenings must be poured onto the bottom to form a cushion at least 10 cm thick. This will compensate for the shrinkage of the concrete mixture inside the asbestos-cement pipe.

Before installing an asbestos-cement pipe, it is recommended to treat the outer surface with bitumen mastic, regardless of the groundwater level. Next, we install the pipe into the well cavity and pour a small amount of solution inside, no more than 2-3 liters. After pouring, lightly lift the pipe and push it down several times to ensure that the poured layer of mortar is leveled over the surface of the cushion, as in the video:

At the next stage, we align all asbestos-cement supports along a vertical plumb line so as to achieve the most even position horizontally and vertically, after which we fix the pipes using wooden slats. Inside each asbestos-cement pipe we place a package of three ten-millimeter reinforcement rods. Each rod must be equidistant from the pipe walls and other rods.

Pouring asbestos-cement supports with concrete

The most critical stage in building a foundation is pouring concrete into the inner space of the pipe. Concrete mortar is prepared from grade 300 cement, sand and fine gravel or screenings, previously washed with water. The consistency of the solution should be such that the mixture, poured into a funnel with a neck size of 50 mm, flows freely without the formation of plugs.

Depending on the support diameter and depth, each pile will require at least 40 liters of concrete mixture. After pouring the first part, the concrete inside the support is carefully pressed down with a thin rod for 10-15 minutes, after which the rest of the solution is poured.

The gaps between the pipe and the walls of the well must be sealed with remaining mortar to prevent rainwater from leaking inside. This will significantly increase the service life of the supporting elements. The upper end of the support may change its position as the concrete hardens and shrinks. The final alignment of the ends of the asbestos-cement columns can be performed no earlier than two weeks after pouring the piles. If work is carried out in the hot summer, it is better to cover the piles with plastic film bags to reduce moisture loss due to evaporation and avoid concrete cracking.

Grillage or frame, what to use

At the final stage, after leveling the height of the pile heads, it is necessary to install the supporting frame of the foundation or fill in the grillage. The latter option is used most often for aerated concrete walls, wood concrete masonry, and any cement-based building materials. If you are building your panel house or room from profiled timber, the frame can be made from oak timber with a cross-section of 200 mm or channels, which makes it relatively easy to replace the pile or repair it if necessary. In any of the listed options, it is necessary to provide methods for connecting the reinforcement of asbestos-cement piles with the load-bearing elements of the frame.

Conclusion

Asbestos-cement piles are practically resistant to corrosion, even after prolonged exposure to water. But the material has an alkaline reaction, so when installed in acidic soils, the smooth outer surface of the pipe can become corroded by cavities, especially if the waterproofing is damaged. To avoid problems of this kind, sand must be filled in the area where the outer part of the pile passes into the ground. It is not recommended to use any other mixtures for these purposes. In such conditions, a pile foundation can easily stand for 30-40 years.

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How to save on the cost of foundation of a house, but not lose it strength characteristics? One of the reliable structures is a foundation made of asbestos pipes, which can be safely used in the construction of frame houses or any light buildings. You can find out how to correctly calculate, select materials and build such a foundation in this article.

How to choose pipes

An asbestos pipe for a columnar foundation is selected with an average diameter of 250 mm. The cavity of the product must be filled with concrete. In some cases, under heavy loads, the inner part of the pipe is additionally reinforced.

If you select pipes of small diameter (100 mm), then it becomes difficult to fill them with concrete. There is a possibility of voids appearing, which will significantly reduce the service life of the foundation. Such pipes are most often used for lighter structures (for example, gazebos). But you need to be prepared for difficulties in installing such pipes.

For heavy buildings, pipes with a diameter of 300 mm can be used. It is easier to work with such material, because filling with concrete will be easier.

Advantages of a columnar foundation

The choice of asbestos-cement pipes for a columnar foundation has the following advantages:

low cost;
ease of installation;
strength;
durability.

The acceptable cost is determined by the fact that materials for the work can be purchased at a lower price than, for example, for the construction of concrete blocks.

Easy installation allows you to install the pipes yourself. There is no need to hire specialized equipment. This is a big plus for those areas where it is difficult for cars to pass through. In addition, it is possible to erect a structure on a columnar foundation within a week, unlike a monolithic one, which must be left to harden for a month.

The special composition of asbestos pipes (disperse-reinforced) makes the material resistant to negative environmental influences.

This provides moisture resistance and strength to such a foundation. Pipes have a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Despite these advantages of asbestos pipes, it is necessary to correctly calculate the material. If you do not follow the technology, then all the advantages are reduced to zero. After all, further construction of a house on a foundation that cannot withstand a certain load will be dangerous.

Basic principles of construction

Before installing a foundation made of asbestos pipes, you need to familiarize yourself with several principles:

Build only light structures on it.
Consider the type of soil.
Carry out calculations.
Adhere to foundation construction technology.

Work on the device should be divided into several stages:

Carrying out calculations.
Preparing the area.
Installation of the foundation.
Formation of grillage.

Work begins with design. Installation cannot begin without preliminary calculations.

Calculation of grounds

Calculation of the foundation begins with determining the soil type of the soil. To do this, the depth of freezing of the ground is determined.

The length of the piles must exceed the freezing depth of the soil.

The importance of soil freezing differs in different regions. These indicators are determined using reference data. But please note that these values are indicated without snow cover.

It is also necessary to take into account the load of the future structure. On average, the depth of the piles is taken to be about 150 cm. As for the diameter of the pipes, it differs depending on the load (for frame house or a small veranda, these indicators will be different).

To correctly calculate the bases, you should use the instructions:

Determine the weight of the house.
Determine soil resistance.
Calculate the area of the foundation.

The general formula for calculating the minimum total base area looks like this:

It follows from this that P is the weight of the building, kg,

R0 is the soil resistance, which is determined by calculation, kg/cm2.

For the safety margin, a coefficient of 1.3 is introduced into the formula.

Calculation example

Let's give an example: there is frame house with wall dimensions of 6x7 m, the height of the first floor is 2.8 m, the pediment is 2.6 m.

Specific gravity frame walls is equal to γс = 50 kg/m2.
The specific weight of a roof made of sheet steel is γк = 30 kg/m2.
Specific gravity interfloor ceilingsγp = 100 kg/m2.

Load of interfloor ceilings during operation γnp = 210 kg/m2.

The soil on which the house will be built is loam (R0 - 3.5 kg/cm2), with a freezing depth of 1.2 m.

Calculation of the number of pipes

For calculation required quantity and the sizes of pipes for the foundation, several steps are performed:

The mass of the walls is determined.

The area of the walls of the house together with the gables will be equal to Sс = 89 m2. Based on this, there is a mass of walls:

Pс = Sс × γс = 89 × 50 = 4450 kg.

Then the mass of floors between floors (on the first floor and attic) is calculated.

Read how to insulate an attic roof in

The floor area is found (Sp = 84 m2). Floor weight:

Pp=Sp×γp=84×100=8400 kg.

At Sp=84 m

Pnp=Sp×γnp=84×210=17640 kg.

You can find out more about concrete floor slabs

The mass of the roof is determined.

The roof area is: Sk = 50 m2. Roof weight:

Pk=Sk×γk=50×30=1500 kg.

The preliminary mass of the foundation is calculated.

To do this, take an approximate number of pillars, for example 14. Based on the fact that every 2 meters of the foundation (along the perimeter) a pillar will be installed, then 14 pieces should be enough. Pole length L = 1.9 m.

The column volume is determined:

Vс=π×R2 ×L=0.24m3,

where R is the radius of the column (R = 0.2 m). Based on this, the mass of 1 column is: 0.24 × 2500 = 600 kg.

Total mass of pillars: 600 × 14 = 8400 kg.

Total weight of the house

To do this, all the obtained values are summed up (walls, floors, roofs, foundations) and the final number is 40390 kg.

The minimum total area of the bases is calculated using the formula given at the beginning of the section: S = 1.3 × 40390/3.5 = 11540 cm2.
When calculating the base area of 1 column, the number 1250 cm2 is calculated. (S=пr2=3.14 ×0.22) The total number of columns is calculated: 11540/1250 = 10 pieces.

It follows from this that as the diameter of the pillars increases, their number can be reduced and vice versa.

Only after this calculation can you begin purchasing materials and installing the foundation.

Preparation for arrangement

Preparing the area for the construction of the foundation consists of preparing places for installing piles. For this land plot cleared of weeds and vegetation. Then the area is leveled and sprinkled with gravel. (You can read about the types of gravel, as well as its fractions and density here).

After this, pegs are placed in the places where the pipes are installed, and a rope is stretched between them. It is necessary to accurately measure the location of the foundation.

Foundation made of asbestos pipes. Step-by-step instruction

After preparation, the main work on the device begins:

drilling of the wells;
pipe installation;
frame installation;
filling.
tying pillars.

Wells are drilled in places where pegs are installed.

The diameter of the holes should be 10 cm larger than the diameter of the pipes.

Drilling is performed mechanically or using a hole drill. The depth of the pipes must be equal to the calculated value. After this, sand is poured into the well, filled with water and compacted.

Installation of pipes is done as follows: a pipe is inserted into the prepared well, filled with concrete (⅓ part) and raised by 15 cm. (For how to prepare concrete yourself, read the article Concrete: how to prepare it yourself.) Due to this, a concrete base is formed that will protect foundation in winter period and protect it from bulging. You can find out how to correctly cut a pipe of the required size in this video. Presented step-by-step instruction pipe cutting.

Need to constantly check installed pipes by level. They must be installed perfectly level.

The next stage is installation of the frame. To do this, fittings are inserted into the pipe. Its rods should protrude 10 cm above the pipe. After this, the remaining concrete is poured into the pipe. The space between the outer walls of the pipe and the inner walls of the well is filled with gravel and compacted.

Once the pipes are completely filled with concrete, they should be left for about 14 days.

This time is enough for the mixture to set. Then you can proceed to the final stage of work - the formation of the strapping.

Beam fastening fittings

Tying the posts (or forming a grillage) is necessary in order to evenly distribute the load on the posts. In addition, the grillage is a support for future walls. Therefore, this design must be performed efficiently, following the instructions:

Make formwork from boards on the pipes.
Pour sand into the bottom of the formwork.
Install the fittings on the sand, connecting them to the fittings that come out of the pipes.
Pour the concrete mixture.
After the concrete has hardened, remove the formwork.

Step-by-step instructions, from drilling wells to forming a grillage, are presented in this video

Advice from professionals

In order to get high-quality results, you can use several tips:

To fill pipes, use concrete grade M200 or M300.
After pouring the concrete, the pipes should be pierced with a metal rod. This will eliminate air gaps.
To further protect the pillars from moisture, you can lay roofing material in the well on a layer of sand.
The formwork must be without cracks.

A foundation from asbestos pipes can be made in a fairly short time. This will take a minimum amount of money and time. But it should be borne in mind that this option is suitable for light buildings.

DIY pipe pile foundation

Scheme of a columnar foundation made of pipes

It should be noted that recently this type of house foundation has become especially popular.

Advantages and disadvantages of a pile foundation

The following can be said about the advantages of such a foundation:

Asbestos pipes do not require large expenditures, are quickly built, and protect against moisture

compared to monolithic solutions, a base made of asbestos-cement pipes for a house will cost half as much and require half the effort and time;
Digging a pit for such a foundation is not necessary;
a pile foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes is built very quickly; upon completion of the work, you can immediately begin building a house, saving up to two weeks compared to a monolithic foundation;
the height of such a foundation above the ground is usually at least 30 cm, which will prevent water from entering the house during rainfalls and flooding, and if floods have ever occurred in the area, the piles can be raised even higher;
on a foundation made of asbestos-cement piles it is much easier to connect communications to the house - water supply, sewerage, gas supply, etc.

The use of such grounds is limited by the following factors:

such structures are applicable only if structures of limited mass are placed on them;
the duration of safe operation of pile foundations made of asbestos-cement piles is limited to 80 years;
in houses on such foundations it is almost impossible to build a basement;
foundation of a house from asbestos-cement piles is impossible in areas with floating soils.

Other materials, in particular metal or plastic products, are also quite suitable for these purposes. However, they also have disadvantages characteristic of the materials. Metal pipes corrode and are more expensive, while plastic pipes are limited in their exposure to negative temperatures.

Asbestos-cement pipes have the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion, which ensures the stability of the foundation during operation.

How to make a foundation

When starting construction, you need to perform a number of mandatory actions so that the work is not done in vain:

Determine the quality of the soil at the construction site to prevent contact with floating soil.
Determine the depth of soil freezing in a given area; the depth of immersion of piles made of asbestos-cement pipes depends on this.
Calculate the size of the pile taking into account the maximum redistributed load on the pipe of 800 kg. If the design load is greater, the number of intermediate piles must be increased.

Calculation of a columnar foundation made of pipes

Work order

Sequence of laying a columnar foundation

Mark the house plan at the selected location, marking the intersections of load-bearing walls with pegs.
Check the markings by measuring the overall dimensions along the diagonals of the markings. They should be the same.
Mark the locations of intermediate piles under load-bearing walls. The distance between them should be no more than 1 meter.
Use a garden drill to make a hole in the ground for the pile. The immersion depth should be 0.3 - 0.5 meters greater than the freezing value of the soil. The diameter of the hole is at least 5 cm larger than the diameter of the pile. The job is easy to do with your own hands
Backfill the base of the asbestos cement pipe with two layers of sand and gravel.
Compact the bedding and pour water on it.
Mark and cut the pipe with your own hands using a grinder to the required length, taking into account that the upper end exceeds the ground level by about 30 cm.
The immersed end must be treated with water-polymer waterproofing for the length of immersion in accordance with the instructions on the emulsion packaging. The work can easily be done by one person with his own hands.
Lower the pipe into the hole and secure it with wooden blocks.
Also install the remaining piles. Measure the diagonals again and, if necessary, adjust the location of the pipes.
Using a level, check the horizontal placement of the upper ends of the asbestos-cement piles and mark the level of pouring concrete into the pipes. Cut off protruding parts after the concrete has hardened.
Fill the piles with concrete prepared according to the following recipe: 2 parts M300 cement, two parts sand, two parts medium gravel, water. To check the consistency of concrete, mold it into a ball with a diameter of about 10 cm. It should sag slightly under its own weight, but not crumble or blur.
Install 3–4 reinforcement bars outside the pile, tying them with wire. Install reinforcing steel bars inside the pipe in the same way.
After loading the concrete batch inside or outside the pipe, pierce the layer of mass in several places with a rod and tamp it down to avoid the formation of air bubbles in the pouring mass.
After this, take a break for 5 - 7 days from performing any work on the construction site to give the concrete time to harden.
Check the horizontality of the upper ends of the piles, and if necessary, shorten the protruding ends with your own hands.

Grillage foundations

Types of grillages

Types of execution.

They can be:

Types of grillages

High – the supporting element is located above the ground surface, used in areas with high groundwater.
Low - used for deep soil and in areas with a shallow freezing depth of the soil.
A raised grillage is a supporting element located at ground level. It is carried out by making formwork, reinforcement and continuous pouring of concrete. The most durable foundation for low-rise and larger construction, since the support turns into a monolithic structure.

Types of grillages according to materials used:

Wooden - a grillage made of timber, used for the construction of wooden houses, bathhouses, and outbuildings. Easy to do with your own hands. Needs high-quality protection of wood from rotting and pests.
Steel – made of steel structures, rods and screw piles. Used in lightweight construction, it is durable and stable. Disadvantage: susceptibility to corrosion.
Monolithic - a system of elements made of asbestos-cement piles and a cast concrete supporting surface, combining all components of the structure into a single whole. The most reliable and durable type of pile foundations.

Types of grillages by materials

If you want to make a foundation for a country house with your own hands, pay attention to the techniques described here. You will get a foundation of sufficient strength at low cost. I wish you success!

Construction of a foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes

The production speed of such a foundation is much higher, and the labor intensity is significantly lower than any other bored supports, including TISE piles, frame cast piles, second in this indicator only to expensive screw and reinforced concrete options;
High resistance of the asbestos-cement pipe base to any moisture, without loss of strength of the pile support, material degradation, or corrosion;
On piles made of asbestos-cement pipes, it is possible to raise the base of a building to a height of 30-40 and even 100 cm with proper load distribution, which is not always possible in some cases for other types of pile structures.

For your information! The cost of building a foundation on asbestos-cement pipes will cost you less than a monolith and even a strip version by about 30-40%.

Do-it-yourself foundation installation on asbestos-cement pipes

The strength of asbestos-cement foundation supports is relatively low. The rigidity and load-bearing capacity of pile elements is sufficient for the construction of a frame, log or aerated concrete building, provided that the construction is carried out on dense and heavy soils;
Drilling work must be carried out to a depth of at least 150-180 cm; due to the low strength of the piles, it is necessary to drill a large number of wells, and almost all the work must be done with a hand drill;
Unlike their competitors - TISE cast-in-place piles, asbestos-cement piles do not have an “anchor” property, therefore, if the foundation manufacturing technology is violated, there may be cases of supports being squeezed out by heaving soils.

For your information! As a rule, a building on a foundation with asbestos-cement supports is built with a “solid” base, without the arrangement of basements.