As a theater begins with a hanger, so any building begins with a foundation. The service life of the structure depends on its strength and reliability. When building a grandiose cottage, one cannot do without a heavy strip foundation, which requires large investments and labor. If you have become the proud owner of a summer cottage on soils that are periodically heated and frozen, then the best solution for building a country house would be a foundation made of asbestos pipes with your own hands. This foundation option is ideal for small buildings, besides, it is low-budget and easily built on its own, without the involvement of builders.
It looks like a country house on a foundation of asbestos pipes
This is a type of pile foundation, for the creation of which asbestos pipes are used, which are driven into the ground at a certain distance and serve as a reliable support for the construction. Concrete is poured inside each pipe, a reinforcing cage is installed. When the concrete in the structures hardens, the lower part of the frame of the future building is formed from above, most often it is a strapping of timber. When building a columnar foundation, you can use wooden piles and metal pipes, but this is much more expensive and not entirely rational. Metal quickly corrodes, and wood rots over time, especially in a humid environment. Therefore, asbestos pipes for the foundation are a cost-effective option, easy to install and durable to use. But there are other advantages of these pipes.
Advantages of asbestos pipes:
- resistant to aggressive environments, rotting and corrosion, therefore the foundation of them is recommended for the construction of houses in flood zones and on heaving soils;
- easy to process: you can cut, saw with a conventional tool without the involvement of specialists;
- the presence of a low coefficient of thermal expansion: when the temperature changes, asbestos pipes do not change their linear dimensions;
- during pouring of concrete, the formwork does not deform, a one-piece structure with high rigidity and a smooth outer surface is created.
Something like this will look like a foundation made of asbestos pipes in a section.
Do-it-yourself column foundation
Before starting construction on the site, you need to carefully study the features of the columnar foundation of asbestos pipes. The expression "cheap and cheerful" does not mean right, we must not forget about rationality and expediency. We write down and remember some features that are indispensable during construction.
- The foundation of asbestos pipes is suitable only for light structures: wooden arbors, verandas, frame houses, baths, small country houses.
- When erecting, it is necessary to take into account the type of soil, the depth of freezing and the level of groundwater, the weight of the building.
- The depth of the pipes will depend on the type of building.
- It would be appropriate to use asbestos pipes as a foundation on slopes, uneven areas.
- The laying of such a foundation can be done even in winter with slight frosts.
- Buildings on an asbestos foundation retain heat well, since contact with the ground is minimal. Dryness and comfort are guaranteed.
- To make calculations of the foundation and build it under the power of everyone, it is not necessary to contact specialists.
- It is better to use non-pressure asbestos pipes with a diameter of 150-250 mm for the foundation. The calculation is as follows: for light structures such as verandas, gazebos, pipes up to 200 mm in diameter can be used, but if the design is more complex and heavy, then a pipe of at least 250 mm in diameter is taken.
Asbestos pipes for the foundation are suitable for light buildings: gazebos, small country houses, verandas.
Necessary calculations
Proper planning of the future foundation is the key to successful construction. First you need to determine how many piles are needed and at what depth to dig them.
The number of columns will depend on the type of building. They are evenly distributed at the corners of the building, along the perimeter, in the center at the intersection of internal and external walls. Usually they are installed every two meters in length and width.
The depth will directly depend on the type of soil, the weight of the building. We will have to study the features of the site on which construction is planned, the occurrence of groundwater, the degree of soil freezing. Usually, the height of asbestos pipes above ground level is 30-50 cm. But it can be increased if there is a threat of floods and flooding.
The number of piles and their depth will depend on the type of structure, its size.
Preparatory work
They start by clearing the area. Before marking, garbage is removed, bushes, trees are writhing, a 20-cm layer of earth is removed. The boundaries of the extended area are outlined, for this it is enough to retreat from the main foundation 2 meters in all directions.
With the help of pegs and a cord, the places where asbestos pipes will be installed are marked. Pegs or metal rods are driven into the corners of the intersection of the ropes. Only then are the places marked where the intermediate pillars will be placed. Alignment is also carried out diagonally to avoid skewing the building in the future.
All irregularities in the area are covered with sand or gravel. Now it's time to start the main thing - the construction of the very foundation of asbestos-cement pipes with your own hands.
Foundation construction procedure
- Drilling
To install asbestos-cement pipes, you need to dig pits. For this, a garden drill or a drill is used, the diameter of which is slightly larger than the diameter (by 10-15 cm) of the pipe itself. If possible, automated equipment is used. The depth of the wells is always indicated in the project, but usually it is 20 cm more than the underground part of the pile. This is done for the device of a special sand cushion.
- sand cushion
At the bottom of the well, 20-30 cm of sand is poured, well tamped. There is an option when the sand cushion is filled with water, they wait until it is absorbed, and then roofing material is laid on the bottom, and pipes are already installed on top. Some craftsmen also use this method: the bottom of the well is made wider, a garbage bag is attached to the pipe with tape. The pipe is lowered into the pit, concrete is poured, it gets into the garbage bag through the pipe, the pipe is lifted up by 10-15 cm, this forms a broadening (“heel”), thanks to which it turns out not sand, but a bud pillow. This design is necessary if the groundwater level is high.
It looks like an asbestos pipe with an extension from the package.
- Pipe installation
Pipes are installed in finished wells, leveled and fixed with temporary wooden struts, if necessary, they waterproof the pipes with mastic, waiting for it to dry. Then the space around the pipe is covered with sand, compacted tightly.
Installing pipes with your own hands - saving money.
- Reinforcement
To increase the strength and reliability of the foundation of asbestos pipes, reinforcement should be used. To do this, 3-4 vertical reinforcement bars are installed in each pipe before pouring the concrete solution. They should protrude from the pipe by 20-30 cm, so that in the future it will be possible to connect the foundation with a wooden beam or beam.
Asbestos pipe formwork becomes stronger if it is reinforced.
- Pouring concrete
A solution for pouring is being prepared: cement and sand in a ratio of 1: 2 are mixed, diluted with water until the consistency of batter, 2 parts of fine gravel are added. Everything is well mixed and poured into the pipe in parts, constantly bayoneted with an ordinary metal rod to avoid the formation of air cavities. Often, to create a concrete base at the bottom of the pipe, they do this: pour cement on a third of the pipe, pull out the pipe by 15 cm and wait until the mortar hardens. Then fill the pipe completely. You can use ready-made concrete by ordering it at the concrete goods factory.
It is important that the top of all the pillars be in the same plane, because the timber strapping will be installed on it. It is fastened with an M16-400 stud, which is mounted in fresh concrete.
A strapping made of timber is easily attached to the asbestos foundation, which will become the basis of the future building.
Now the foundation of asbestos pipes is ready, it remains to cover the pillars with a film so that the concrete "ripens". It gains strength after 28 days. To extend the life of asbestos pipes, it is necessary to waterproof them with bitumen or other polymeric materials. It will be possible to start further construction of the house in about 15 days, because the formwork made of asbestos pipes is quite durable.
A simple and economical version of the foundation of asbestos pipes will allow you to build a cozy, warm and comfortable building on a site dominated by sandy soil, where there is a threat of frequent groundwater flooding. Good luck with your building decisions!
Video: how to cut an asbestos pipe
The foundation is considered to be the longest and most costly stage of construction. This process is especially difficult and expensive on difficult ground, where any structure needs a particularly reliable support. To simplify and reduce the cost of this stage, the equipment of supports made of asbestos pipes allows. When used correctly, this inexpensive material is able, saving the time and effort of the builder, to withstand groundwater, precipitation and soil movement, while maintaining the geometry of the house or outbuilding.
Asbestos or asbestos-cement pipes are building materials with a long history. They are made from Portland cement and asbestos fibers. Roofing material familiar to everyone - slate - is made from the same materials. Asbestos fibers form the frame of the product, giving it strength, which pure cement lacks.
The combination of these materials makes asbestos cement products durable, water, heat and fire resistant, chemically inert and resistant to corrosion.
Asbestos-cement pipes are produced in two versions:
- pressure pumps designed for installation of water disposal systems, industrial water supply, equipment for wells, protection of wells from soil shedding;
- non-pressure, used for the installation of smoke exhaust systems.
Note! For the construction of a columnar foundation, only pressure pipes are used, since non-pressure pipes will not withstand the internal pressure from the cement mortar poured into them and the external pressure of the soil.
What is the peculiarity of the foundation of asbestos pipes
From asbestos-cement pipes, a foundation of a columnar, or pile, type is erected, making peculiar legs for the future structure - pillars, or piles that go deep into the soil.
A feature of such a foundation is the installation of piles under the key points of the structure: corners, areas of intersection of walls.
A distinctive feature of the pile asbestos-cement foundation is the filling of hollow asbestos pipes with cement mortar with additional reinforcement. As a result, the pillars are strong and resistant to ground pressure and able to withstand the weight of the erected structure.
Such a structure of the supporting structure is relevant in cases where it is impossible or impractical to install a foundation of a slab or tape type:
- When erecting outbuildings, country houses and frame houses that do not have a cellar, baths. Lightweight buildings for various purposes do not need to equip a support tape around the perimeter, moreover, it is not advisable to pour a monolithic slab under them.
- On difficult terrain or in cold regions where excavation is costly. On unstable soil prone to shedding, digging a trench and installing a foundation is impossible without formwork equipment. In cold regions, where the ground does not thaw even in summer, as well as on rocky ground, the risk of shedding is lower, but the work itself is much more difficult.
- With a high level of groundwater or when the building is located near water bodies prone to spills. In wet soil, a strip and monolithic foundation will constantly be in contact with water, gradually collapsing and sinking into cavities washed out by underground flows.
In private construction, a foundation is often erected from asbestos-cement pipes. The arrangement of the foundation of a house of this type does not require the involvement of costly construction machines and mechanisms. Therefore, the foundation of asbestos pipes is erected with their own hands without much difficulty, significantly saving money on the construction of the facility.
The device of the foundation base from asbestos pipes
The construction industry manufactures asbestos pipes of various diameters and lengths. Pipe diameter ranges from 120 mm to 250 mm or more. The length of the pipe can be 6 and 12 meters.
Asbestos products are widely used. They are mainly used in the construction of pipelines for various purposes. Resistance to moisture, durability of the material in environments with low temperatures - all this attracts builders to use asbestos supports in the construction of piled foundations of buildings.
In fact, an asbestos-cement pipe filled with concrete can be considered both a pile shell and a columnar support at the same time.
Calculation of the foundation of asbestos pipes
Pipes must be placed at a distance of at least 1 m from each other
The length of the support is calculated based on the level of soil freezing. Data on this is taken from SNiP in accordance with the location of the construction site.
0.3-0.4 meters are added to the depth of soil freezing, plus the height of the pipe above the ground - this will be the design length of the supports in order to build a foundation of asbestos-cement pipes with your own hands.
Using reference material and SNiPs, you can determine the total weight of all structures and equipment of the future home. The number of supports is determined according to their placement along the entire perimeter of the building, in its corners and at the intersections of the supporting structures. Piles are installed at a distance of no more than one meter from each other.
For small buildings, a columnar foundation is laid from asbestos pipes with a diameter of 120 mm. You can use supports of a smaller diameter, but then you will need to increase their number.
The amount of concrete required for pouring pipes is determined based on the following consumption rates for one column 10 meters long:
- Diameter 10 cm - 0.1 m3;
- Diameter 20 cm - 0.5 m3;
- Diameter 30 cm - 1 m3.
Installation of asbestos supports
When sawing asbestos pipes, a margin of length is added to the calculated size for losses when leveling the ground height of the supports.
The pipe is fixed into the well, the bottom of which is previously filled with concrete. The marking of points for the installation of pillars is done with the help of twine and wooden pegs. The centers of the supports are placed in increments of not more than 1 meter. As a rule, the building under construction has a rectangular shape in plan. Therefore, the correct marking is confirmed by the equality of the lengths of the diagonals between the opposite corners of the pile field.
According to the established markings, pits of the design depth are drilled in the ground with a drill. The diameter of the drill must exceed the transverse dimension of the pipe by at least 50 mm.
The bottom of the well is poured with a concrete solution with a height of 200-300 mm. To achieve a broadening of the base of the column, the concrete is heavily rammed. A dense layer of filling squeezes the soil out to the sides, thereby forming a wide base. Foundation pillars made of asbestos-cement pipes are placed in the drilled wells. Asbestos supports in the pits are fixed at the top with wooden spacers made of timber.
When installing asbestos-cement pipes, it is necessary to carefully control the strict vertical position of the supports.
Reinforcement of columnar supports
After installing the piles on a concrete pad, the internal cavity of the pipe is reinforced. Inside each support, 2-3 pieces of reinforcement of a periodic profile with a diameter of 12 mm are inserted. Vertical rods are tied with smooth wire, creating a box-like structure.
The length of the vertical reinforcing bars should be such that their lower ends fit snugly into the base of the pit, and the upper parts protrude from the pile.
The protruding length of the reinforcing bars must be sufficient to connect the pile foundation to the grillage. Thus, the foundation of asbestos-cement pipes forms a rigid supporting structure with sufficient bearing capacity.
Concreting of asbestos-cement pipes
Concrete for pouring piles is prepared from a mixture of cement, sand, fine gravel in the following proportion: 1:2:2. The dry mixture is diluted with water until a homogeneous paste-like solution is obtained.
If the columnar foundation is erected without broadening the lower part of the base, then during the pouring of the first layer of the solution, the pipe is lifted up by 100-150 mm. In this position, the pile is left until the concrete mixture hardens. Then proceed to the reinforcement and complete concreting of the internal cavity of the support.
Each layer of concrete is carefully compacted. Due to the narrowness of the cross-section of the asbestos support, pieces of smooth reinforcement or similar rods are used to tamp the pouring layers.
The poured layer of the solution is compacted by the vertical forces of the reinforcement rod. The tamping of the mortar is considered complete when cement laitance appears on its surface.
Watch the video on how the asbestos base pipe is poured.
I fill the sinuses around the supports with sand. Sand is poured in layers with water and rammed. The columnar foundation of asbestos pipes, after pouring it with a concrete mixture, is left alone for three to four weeks. During this period, the foundation will acquire sufficient bearing capacity to continue further construction.
Economic feasibility of the foundation of asbestos pipes
Practice shows that the construction of the foundation of a house from asbestos-cement piles can reduce the cost of building a foundation from 30% to 40%. With all the economic advantages, it must be remembered that the columnar foundation of asbestos-cement pipes is not designed for heavy loads from heavy structures.
The foundation is the base of the structure. The life of the entire building will depend on the strength of this structure. In fact, this is the main element of any building, because in the event of its drawdown or movement, a number of negative factors may appear:
- swelling of the floors;
- impossibility of closing doors;
- general skew of the structure;
- house destruction.
Your attention is presented to the material on how to make a thoughtfully and reliably columnar foundation from asbestos pipes. 
- Ease of installation. Complete exclusion of special construction equipment.
- Democratic cost of materials.
- Work can be carried out in the shortest possible time.
- Possibility of construction even in flooded areas.
- Long service life.
- Reality of carrying out calculations independently.
Professionals unanimously argue that making a foundation from asbestos pipes with your own hands is not particularly difficult. However, it should be taken into account that during the construction of a pile foundation, the possibility of building a basement is lost. In addition, using this construction technique, it must be taken into account that the floors under the building need thorough insulation and wind protection.
It should also be noted that the pile foundation can show itself extremely negatively on moving soils. But such a moment can most often be manifested when asbestos pipes were installed contrary to current building codes.
Asbestos-cement foundation is very often used for buildings that have a frame, which are made of timber, wood, arbolite and other alternative light types of materials: baths, verandas, utility blocks, gazebos, change houses, etc. In addition, using a grillage, you can combine the material with a slab or concrete tape. The scope of the foundation of asbestos-cement pipes with their own hands is very extensive, it is erected in areas where flooding occurs, there are strongly heaving soils, and also where the soil can freeze by 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 the freezing of the soil, you can use the reference information. The relevant sources contain data on soil freezing without snow cover. In addition, if the level of snowfall is high enough, the figure given in the guide 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 the ground, by about 30 cm, however, with the risk of flooding, this figure can be increased by a few centimeters. 
Asbestos-cement pipes for the foundation 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 arbors, the diameter of pipes can be as low as 7 cm.
The load on the structure under construction will depend on the complexity of the structure of the structure and the material from which it will be made. To carry out calculations, it is necessary to take into account not only the walls, but also the roof, decoration and insulation.
The existing piles are placed along the perimeter of the structure, as well as at its corners and at the intersections of the bearing walls. Their distance should be no more than one meter. Approximate load per 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 reinforcement bars for each asbestos pipe. 
Foundation production step by step instructions
So, there is material, desire and willingness to make the foundation of asbestos-cement pipes with your own hands. Let's consider step by step how to build this structure correctly:
- Design. The construction of frame structures belongs to the group of simple works. So, the mass of a one-story cottage averages 8 tons. This means that for such a foundation it is necessary to use 10 supports, the cross section of which will be equal to 20 cm. Ready-made project documentation can be found on the vastness of the global network, however, as an alternative, it can be ordered from specialists. To date, the statistics of ongoing work on the construction of private houses shows that most customers want an individual construction project.
- Site preparation 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;
- retreat two meters from the possible boundary of the foundation being built and mark the area from which it will subsequently be necessary to remove fertile soil (more than 30 cm). Such manipulation is necessary so that later weeds do not germinate from under the building;
- remove the turf, level the site and fill it with sand and gravel. Tamp the site.
- Drilling wells for supports. In the case of independent work on the construction of a structure made of asbestos pipes, it is allowed to use an ordinary garden drill. It is common for teams of specialists from construction companies to use special equipment (automatic motor or pit drills). The diameter of the well for the support should exceed its volume by 10-12 cm. In turn, the depth should be 20 cm more than the intended pile height. This approach is necessary for the manufacture of a special foundation "cushion" from building materials of non-metallic rocks.
- Preparatory work on the construction of a columnar foundation from asbestos pipes and the installation of these pipes. The bottom of the prepared well is carefully covered with rubble and sand, methodically compacted and filled with water. The top layer is covered with waterproofing - it can be a film or roofing material. Supports are immersed in the pit and fixed with slats. The base is filled with sand. The length of the pillars should have a margin of length a little more than 10 cm; later, thanks to this technique, you can easily equalize the height of any support. If the soil has high humidity, it is recommended to treat all pipes with a special bituminous or polymer-based solution.
- Concreting and reinforcement. The prepared concrete mixture is poured into asbestos pipes by 30–40 cm. Further, the supports must be raised by 20 cm and fixed. In a similar way, we get a kind of concrete sole, through which the pillars will be more stable.
- Final stage. After the concrete layer has hardened, a reinforcing cage is installed in the pipe, which is connected by wire jumpers or transverse frames made of thin reinforcement. Next, the solution is poured to the required level. To remove the air bubbles that have appeared, you can use a wooden rail or a metal rod. The top layer is covered with a 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 to a limited extent 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 arranging a foundation. Today, a columnar foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes can be called a good compromise between low cost and high resistance to moisture and stress. Another indisputable advantage is that a do-it-yourself columnar foundation is made from asbestos pipes much easier and faster than any other type of columnar foundation.
Foundation of asbestos-cement pipes
The general design and manufacturing principle of such a foundation is not much different from other options for the manufacture of pile supports with pouring concrete into a prepared form. In our case, the frame and concrete mortar are poured into the asbestos-cement casing of a pipe immersed in a drilled well in the ground. The pile foundation on asbestos-cement supports is valued, first of all, for such moments:
- The speed of manufacturing such a foundation is much higher, and the labor intensity is much lower than any other bored supports, including TISE piles, frame poured piles, yielding in this indicator only to expensive screw and reinforced concrete options;
- High resistance of the asbestos-cement base of pipes to any moisture, while there is no loss of strength of the pile support, material degradation, corrosion;
- On piles of asbestos-cement pipes, it is possible to raise the basement of a building to a height of 30-40 and even 100 cm with the correct distribution of the load, which is not always possible in some cases for other types of pile structures.
Do-it-yourself foundation on asbestos-cement pipes
The foundation design with asbestos-cement pipe supports cannot be called ideal. It can be easily and quickly assembled and built within two days, with a concrete mixer, a hand drill for drilling holes, a grinder, a welding machine, concrete mortar and prepared steel reinforcement 8 mm thick. Before proceeding with the manufacture of such a foundation, it is necessary to pay attention to its shortcomings:
- The strength of asbestos-cement foundation supports is relatively low. The rigidity and 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, a large number of wells have to be drilled, and almost all work is done with a hand drill;
- Unlike their competitors - TISE flood piles, asbestos-cement piles do not have an “anchor” property, therefore, if the foundation manufacturing technology is violated, there may be cases of extrusion of supports 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 diameter of 100 or 150 mm are used for the manufacture of supports. A pipe of 200 mm is used much less often. It is mainly used in cases where it is necessary to repair the asbestos pipe of the columnar foundation. Accordingly, under the size of the asbestos-cement pipe, it is necessary to select the reach of the cutting edges of the hand drill. The hole diameter must be at least 10 mm larger than the outer diameter of the asbestos-cement support.
For example, for a “weave” - an asbestos-cement pipe of 100 mm, 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 diameter of the well should be 170 and 180 mm. This gap is indicated for a depth of 150 cm, if drilling is carried out for two or more meters, the gap must be increased by another 30%.
After a well of the required diameter and depth has been punched, a mixture of sand and screenings must be poured to the bottom to form a pillow with a thickness of at least 10 cm. 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 bituminous mastic, regardless of the level of groundwater. 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, slightly lift the pipe and settle it several times in order to level the filled layer of mortar on the surface of the pillow, 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 with wooden slats. Inside each asbestos-cement pipe we lay a package of three ten-millimeter reinforcement bars. Each rod must be equidistant from the walls of the pipe and other rods.
Pouring of asbestos-cement supports with concrete
The most important stage in building the 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 diameter of the support and the depth, at least 40 liters of concrete mix will be required for each pile. After pouring the first part, the concrete inside the support is carefully sifted with a thin rod for 10-15 minutes, after which the rest of the mortar is poured.
The sinuses between the pipe and the walls of the well must be sealed with the remnants of the solution to prevent rainwater from leaking inside. This will significantly increase the service life of the supporting elements. The upper end of the support can change its position as the concrete hardens and shrinks. The final alignment of the ends of asbestos-cement columns can be performed no earlier than two weeks after pouring the piles. If the work is carried out in hot summertime, it is better to cover the piles with polyethylene film bags in order to reduce moisture loss through 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 pour the grillage. The latter option is most often used for aerated concrete walls, wood concrete masonry, 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 section of 200 mm or channels, which makes it relatively easy to replace the pile or repair it if necessary. In any of the above options, it is necessary to provide methods for tying the reinforcement of asbestos-cement piles with the load-bearing elements of the frame.
Conclusion
Asbestos-cement piles are practically not susceptible to corrosion, even with 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 turn into caverns, especially if the waterproofing is damaged. To avoid problems of this kind, in the area of the transition of the outer part of the pile into the ground, sand is necessarily filled. Any other mixtures for these purposes are not recommended. Under such conditions, the pile foundation can freely stand for 30-40 years.
- We build a house from foam blocks with our own hands
- floating foundation
- Do-it-yourself formwork for the foundation
- The foundation for the stove in the bath
How to save on the cost of founding a house, but at the same time not lose its strength characteristics? One of the reliable structures is the foundation of asbestos pipes, which can be safely used in the construction of frame houses or any light buildings. How to correctly calculate, select materials and build such a foundation can be found 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, which will significantly reduce the life of the foundation. Such pipes are most often used for lighter structures (for example, gazebos). But you need to be prepared for the 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.
Acceptable cost is due to the fact that materials for work can be purchased at a lower price than, for example, for the construction of concrete blocks.
Ease of installation allows you to install pipes with your own hands. There is no need to hire specialized equipment. This is a big plus for those areas where the passage of cars is difficult. In addition, it is possible to erect a building on a columnar foundation in a week, unlike a monolithic one, which must be left to solidify for a month.
The special composition of asbestos pipes (dispersion-reinforced) makes the material resistant to the negative effects of the environment.
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 building a foundation from 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 the technology of building a foundation.
The work on the device should be divided into several stages:
- Carrying out calculations.
- Territory preparation.
- Foundation installation.
- The formation of the grillage.
Work begins with design. Installation cannot begin without preliminary calculations.
Base Calculation
The calculation of the base begins with determining the type of soil of the soil. For this, the depth of freezing of the earth is determined.
The length of the piles must exceed the depth of soil freezing.
The value of soil freezing varies in different regions. These indicators are determined by reference data. But it should be noted 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 about 150 cm. As for the diameter of the pipes, it differs depending on the load (for a frame house or a small veranda, these figures will be different).
For the correct calculation of the bases, you should use the instruction:
- 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 is as follows:
From this it follows that P is the weight of the building, kg,
R0 is the soil resistance, which is determined by calculation, kg/cm2.
For a safety margin, a factor of 1.3 is introduced into the formula.
Calculation example
Let's give an example: there is a frame house with wall dimensions of 6 × 7 m with a height of the first floor of 2.8 m, a pediment of 2.6 m.
The specific weight of frame walls is γс = 50 kg/m2.
The specific weight of the roof made of sheet steel γк = 30 kg/m2.
The specific weight of interfloor floors γп = 100 kg/m2.
The load of interfloor ceilings during operation γнп = 210 kg/m2.
The soil on which the house will be built is loam (R0 - 3.5 kg / cm2), which has a freezing depth of 1.2 m.
Calculation of the number of pipes
To calculate the required number and size 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 Sc = 89 m2. Based on this, the mass of walls is found:
Pс = Sс × γс = 89 × 50 = 4450 kg.
- Then the mass of floors between floors (on the ground floor and attic) is calculated.
How to insulate the roof of the attic read in
The floor area is found (Sp \u003d 84 m2). Floor mass:
Pp=Sp×γp=84×100=8400 kg.
At Sp=84 m
Pnp=Sp×γnp=84×210=17640 kg.
Learn more about concrete floor slabs
- The mass of the roof is determined.
The roof area is found: Sk = 50 m2. Roof weight:
Pk=Sk×γk=50×30=1500 kg.
- The preliminary mass of the foundation is calculated.
For this, the approximate number of pillars is taken, 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. Post length L = 1.9 m.
The volume of the column 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: 0.24 × 2500 = 600 kg.
The total weight of the pillars: 600 × 14 = 8400 kg.
Total weight of the house
To do this, all the obtained values \u200b\u200bare summed up (walls, ceilings, roofs, foundations) and the final number is 40390 kg.
- The minimum total area of the bases is calculated according to the formula given at the beginning of the section: S = 1.3 × 40390/3.5 = 11540 cm2.
- When calculating the area of the base of 1 column, the number 1250 cm2 is calculated. (S \u003d pr2 \u003d 3.14 × 0.22) The total number of columns is calculated: 11540/1250 \u003d 10 pieces.
It follows from this that with an increase in the diameter of the pillars, their number can be reduced and vice versa.
Only after such a calculation, it is possible to proceed with the purchase of material and the installation of the foundation.
Preparation for arrangement
Preparation of the territory for the arrangement of the foundation consists of preparing places for the installation of piles. To do this, the land is cleared of weeds and vegetation. Then the site is leveled, sprinkled with gravel. (You can read about the types of gravel, as well as its fractions and density here).
After that, pegs are placed in the places where the pipes are installed, between which the rope is pulled. It is necessary to accurately measure the installation site of the foundation.
Foundation from asbestos pipes. Step-by-step instruction
After preparation, the main work on the device begins:
- drilling of the wells;
- pipe installation;
- frame installation;
- fill.
- tying poles.
Well drilling is carried out at the places where the pegs are installed.
The diameter of the holes should be 10 cm larger than the diameter of the pipes.
Drilling is carried out mechanically or with the help of a hole drill. The depth of the pipes should be equal to the calculated value. After that, sand is poured into the well, filled with water and compacted.
Pipe installation is done as follows: a pipe is inserted into the prepared well, poured with concrete (⅓ part) and raised by 15 cm. foundation in winter and protect it from buckling. How to cut the pipe of the right size can be found in this video. A step-by-step instruction for cutting a pipe is presented.
It is necessary to constantly check the installed pipes for level. They must be perfectly level.
The next step is to install the frame. To do this, fittings are inserted into the pipe. Its rods should protrude 10 cm above the pipe. After that, 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.
When the pipes are completely filled with concrete, they must be left for a period of 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 reinforcement
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 qualitatively, following the instructions:
- On pipes, make formwork from boards.
- Fill the bottom of the formwork with sand.
- Install reinforcement on the sand, connecting it to the reinforcement that comes out of the pipes.
- Pour concrete mix.
- After the concrete has hardened, remove the formwork.
Step-by-step instructions, from drilling wells to forming a grillage, are presented in this video
Pro Tips
In order to get a quality result, you can use a few tips:
- For pouring pipes, use concrete grade M200 or M300.
- After pouring concrete, the pipes should be bayoneted with a metal rod. This will eliminate air pockets.
- For additional protection of the pillars from moisture, roofing material can be laid in the well on a layer of sand.
- The formwork must be without cracks.
The foundation of asbestos pipes can be made in a fairly short time. This will take a minimum amount of money and time. But keep in mind that this option is suitable for light buildings.
Do-it-yourself pile foundation from pipes
The foundation is the foundation of the 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 of the building structure, the floors begin to swell and the doors stop closing, and, in the worst case, the house can simply collapse . How to build an inexpensive and reliable columnar foundation from reliable asbestos pipes, we propose to consider in this article.
Diagram of a columnar foundation made of pipes
It should be noted that it is in recent years that this type of foundation of the house has become especially popular.
Advantages and disadvantages of a pile foundation
The foundation for a house made of asbestos-cement pipes is financially beneficial and reliable enough for the construction of light buildings and auxiliary structures such as log or frame houses, baths, 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 bars of corrugated reinforcement, sand and cement. Due to the complexity 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, protect against moisture
- compared to monolithic solutions, the foundation of asbestos-cement pipes for a house will cost half as much and require half the effort and time;
- digging a foundation pit for such a foundation is not necessary;
- a pile foundation made of asbestos-cement pipes is built very quickly, after completion of work, you can immediately start 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 showers and flooding, and if floods have ever occurred in the area, the piles can be raised even higher;
- on the foundation of asbestos-cement piles, it is much easier to bring communications to the house - water supply, sewerage, gas supply, and so on.
The application 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 the 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 arrange a basement;
- the foundation of a house from asbestos-cement piles is impossible in places with floating soils.
For these purposes, other materials, in particular metal or plastic products, are quite applicable. However, they also have inherent disadvantages. Metal pipes corrode and are more expensive, while plastic pipes have limits on the effect of 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 take a number of mandatory actions so that the work is not done in vain:
- Find out the quality of soils at the construction site in order to exclude falling on floating soils.
- Specify the depth of soil freezing in a given area, the depth of immersion of piles from 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, you need to increase the number of intermediate piles.
Calculation of a columnar foundation from pipes
Work order
The sequence of laying the columnar foundation
- Mark the plan of the house at the chosen place, mark the intersections of the load-bearing walls with pegs.
- Check the markings by measuring the overall dimensions along the markings diagonals. They must be the same.
- Mark the placement of intermediate piles under the 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 more than the freezing of the soil. The hole diameter is made at least 5 cm larger than the pile diameter. The work is easy to do by hand
- Backfill under the base of the asbestos-cement pipe with two layers of sand and gravel.
- Tamp the bedding and spill it with water.
- Mark and cut the pipe with your own hands using a grinder to the required length, taking into account the excess of the upper end above the ground by about 30 cm.
- The immersed end must be treated with a water-polymer waterproofing for the immersion length in accordance with the instructions on the packaging of the emulsion. The work is easily done by one person.
- Lower the pipe into the hole and unfasten it with wooden blocks.
- Also install the rest of the piles. Measure the diagonals again, if necessary, correct the location of the pipes.
- Using a level, check the horizontal position of the upper ends of the asbestos-cement piles, mark the level of pouring pipes with concrete. Cut off the protruding parts after the concrete has hardened.
- Pour the piles with concrete prepared according to the following recipe: 2 parts of M300 cement, two parts of sand, two parts of gravel of medium fraction, water. To check the consistency of concrete, make a ball with a diameter of about 10 cm from it. It should sag slightly under its own weight, but not crumble or blur.
- Outside the pile, install 3 - 4 bars of reinforcement, tying them with wire. Install reinforcing steel bars inside the pipe in the same way.
- After loading inside or outside the concrete mixing pipe, pierce the mass layer in several places with a bar and tamp it down to avoid the formation of air bubbles in the pouring mass.
- After that, take a break for 5 - 7 days in any work on the construction site to give the concrete time to harden.
- Check the horizontality of the upper ends of the piles, if necessary, shorten the protruding ones with your own hands.
Grill 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 laid on top of the vertical supports of the foundation.
Types of grillages
Execution types.
They can be:
Types of grillages
- High - the supporting element is located above the ground surface, it is used in areas with a high location of groundwater.
- Low - used for deep soil and in areas with a small depth of soil freezing.
- An elevated grillage is called a supporting element, located at ground level. It is carried out by making formwork, reinforcement and continuous pouring with concrete. The most durable foundation for low-rise and larger construction, as the support turns into a monolithic structure.
Types of grillages according to the materials used:
- Wooden - a grillage made of timber, used for the construction of houses made of wood, baths, outbuildings. Easy to do by hand. Needs high-quality protection of wood from rotting and pests.
- Steel - made of steel structures, bars and screw piles. It is used in lightweight construction, it is durable and stable. The disadvantage is susceptibility to corrosion.
- Monolithic - a system of elements from asbestos-cement piles and a cast concrete supporting surface that combines all the 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 methods described here. You will get a foundation of sufficient strength at low cost. I wish you success!
From asbestos pipes with their own hands for private construction. However, this type of foundation is suitable only for the construction of light buildings: houses made of wood (timbered or chopped), or structures. The construction of heavy brick buildings on this type of foundation is not recommended.
Do-it-yourself pipe foundation. Economy and simplicity.
Many builders see the disadvantage of this foundation from asbestos-cement pipes is that during its construction it is not possible to arrange a basement or underground. In fact, this allows a significant part of the budget and not to bury hundreds of thousands of rubles, or even millions, that you will spend on concrete to store potatoes in winter. Nowadays, this type of construction is popular, especially in areas with a risk of flooding.
In addition, many are captivated not only by the economic benefits of this foundation, but also by the extreme simplicity of its construction, which is important if you are building a house with your own hands.
In terms of strength and durability, the foundation of asbestos-cement pipes is not inferior to other types of structures.
Basic calculations of the foundation of asbestos-cement pipes
The calculations will be based on:
- the number of asbestos-cement pipes (1 for every 2.5-3 m.)
- the required length of the actual pipes (depends on the depth of soil freezing and the planned elevation above the ground),
- pipe diameter (according to the weight and dimensions of the building),
- the required volume of concrete for pouring (for pouring ten-meter supports with a diameter of 10 cm, 0.1 cubic meters of concrete will be required, for supports with a diameter of 30 cm - 1 cubic meter of concrete mix),
- the number of reinforcing bars (3-4 for each support).
Stages of building piles from pipes
- The construction site is cleared along the width of the future building with an indent from the outer edges of 2-3 m. The upper fertile layer of the earth is replaced with a sand mixture.
2. On the prepared site, the future foundation is marked. To do this, pegs are stuck into the ground and a rope or fishing line is pulled, which is leveled with a level. The task of this markup is to control the erected supports, which should stand exactly and on the same level.
3. Next, the process of installing asbestos-cement pipes begins. On the marked area, wells are drilled, which should be slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the pipes themselves. For work, you can use or ordinary construction.
4. Sand is poured at the bottom of the well, sometimes it is required to create a concrete pad wider than the diameter of the pipe. The sand at the bottom is compacted. If a concrete cushion was poured, it makes sense to wait for it to harden.
5. A waterproofing material is placed at the bottom of the well, which will be the concrete mixture from moisture loss.
Pouring concrete into an asbestos pipe through a sieve
When all these preparatory measures are completed, an asbestos-cement pipe is released into the hole. The support is fixed in a strictly vertical position and fixed with spacers.
How to fix an asbestos pipe for a foundation A metal frame is placed inside the pipe and concrete is poured in portions, the mixture is processed with a vibrating drill to remove air pockets.
Pouring concrete through a sieve into an asbestos-cement pipe
Ready time for a pile foundation made of pipes
The foundation of asbestos-cement pipes is gaining strength up to 28-30 days, however, installation work can be started 14 days after the last support has been poured.
After installing all the supports and gaining strength with cement, the top layer of the foundation of asbestos-cement pipes is checked using a laser level and, if necessary, the excess parts are cut off.
During construction, building materials such as wood, metal or concrete mix can be used. The most durable will be made of concrete. 
Conclusion on piles from pipes
This type of pipe foundation, which is made of asbestos cement, deserves special attention, because this is the cheapest type of foundation that you can make yourself. Do not forget that this type is suitable for light frame or, as well as small structures and baths.