Construction of the basement floor from monolithic concrete

Monolithic concrete basement floor construction is a strong, long-lasting option with lots of advantages. Concrete is poured into a mold using this technique to produce a seamless, sturdy structure. It is a well-liked option because of its strength and insect and water resistance, which makes it perfect for foundation work in both residential and commercial buildings.

Careful planning and preparation are necessary before building a monolithic concrete basement floor can be completed. In order to avoid water buildup, this entails digging the site down to the necessary depth and putting in a drainage system. In order to improve drainage and give the concrete a stable base, gravel is frequently spread out at the bottom.

After that, formwork is erected to give the concrete shape and to keep it there while it cures. To improve the structural integrity of the concrete, reinforcement is added to the formwork, such as steel rebar or mesh. After that, the concrete is combined and evenly poured into the forms, making sure to fill all nooks and crannies. For the surface to be level and smooth, this step is essential.

Concrete requires time to cure and harden after pouring. Depending on the mix that is being used and the weather, this process may take several days. It’s critical to maintain the concrete’s moisture content during this period to stop cracking and guarantee that it reaches its maximum strength. The formwork is taken down once it has cured, and any last details—like waterproofing or sealing—are added.

The process of constructing a monolithic concrete basement floor is painstaking and demands correct technique and attention to detail. But the end product is a strong, resilient foundation that can hold up the entire building above it. For your basement floor, monolithic concrete is a dependable option whether you’re building a new house or remodeling an old one.

Monolithic concrete basement floors are a wise choice for builders and homeowners seeking long-term performance, stability, and durability. By pouring the concrete into a single, continuous slab, this technique gets rid of joints and seams that can deteriorate over time. The excellent resistance of monolithic concrete floors to soil pressure and water lowers the likelihood of leaks and cracks. They also provide a level, smooth surface that is easily finished or left unfinished for an elegant, industrial appearance. You can be sure of a sturdy foundation that will endure by selecting monolithic concrete.

Advantages of the basement floor

When a building is installed on a steep slope, for example, window and door openings should be placed appropriately to avoid disrupting the partially recessed structure’s solid format. Given that the foundation will be fully buried on one side and exposed on the other, the basement floor is the only appropriate option for these types of landscapes. Basement floors have excellent strength, durability, and resistance to water thanks to their nearly hermetic installation.

The only factor affecting construction time is how long it takes for the concrete to solidify. An additional space that can be used for a bathroom, garage, boiler room, swimming pool, workshop, etc. is a dry, warm, and ventilated basement floor. The cost of heating the building is decreased by completely deepening the basement monolith (on dry soils). Even on moist, mobile soils, where it is impractical to erect a multi-story building, the strength and tightness of the monolithic base will prevent buildings from deforming. The basement structure’s ideal height guarantees that the building is elevated above the landscape.

How to build?

There are numerous steps involved in creating a plinth from a concrete monolith. These include the following: setting up a reinforced concrete floor over a "pie" made of sand and gravel, digging a pit, and taking waterproofing precautions. After that, the plinth’s monolithic walls are constructed.

Preparatory measures

The site’s groundwater depth is measured; 1.5 meters and below is the best option. A house project featuring a single, monolithic plinth is chosen, and measurements for the walls’ width and depth are taken. The dimensions of the foundation sole and the thickness of the monolithic walls depend on the height of the subterranean chambers and the plinth’s depth in the earth (information is shown in Table 1).

A ceiling height of 250 cm is regarded as the upper limit. Due to the high water content and quicksand content, it will be necessary to build a successful drainage system, drain water from the future pit site, and then provide dependable hydraulic protection for the foundation.

Digging a pit

There is a mark on the ground where the pit should be. Its depth should be 0.5–0.6 meters below the basement’s zero floor mark and lower than the soil’s freezing point, which is established for a specific area and ensures temperature stability. Uniform deepening creates a mechanized soil passage. To maintain the soil’s natural density for the gravel-sand "pillow," the final 50 centimeters of the depths are hand-selected. In any other case, the basement floor slab’s monolith may distort as a result of potential soil pouring.

It is best to rule out the possibility of water in the pit. A ten-centimeter layer of gravel (fraction of 50 mm) and a layer of sand, measuring between 100 and 150 mm in height, cover the pit’s level surface. The "pie’s" surface is leveled, flattened beneath the level, packed, and generously doused with water twice or three times.

It will take 12 to 20 days to reach its final state of readiness (up to 7 days in dry weather). After that, the base is poured to a height of roughly 50 mm beneath the basement’s concrete floor (concrete grade ranging from M50 to M100). Roll waterproofing materials are added to this structural waterproofing after it has reached 70% strength. These materials are attached to the mastic or applied via the floating method. To create a sealed coating, it is best to lay the sheets in two to three crosswise layers.

Creation of formwork

The installation of formwork around the outside will enable the basement’s floor to be poured in one piece, serving as a foundation for the subsequent building of wall structures. The permanent formwork measures between 150 and 200 mm in height. Boards and wood with a minimum thickness of 25 mm are used in the creation. Self-tapping screws are used to secure the assembly of the structure at the corners, and reinforcing struts are positioned all the way around. The heavy concrete load must be guaranteed by the form’s dependability.

Strengthening the foundation and waterproofing

An additional layer of reinforcement for the foundation is the installation of permanent formwork for floor pouring. The inner surface of the formwork can be covered with geotextile to strengthen it and provide a water barrier for the concrete mixture. Polystyrene foam sheets, roll materials, coatings, and penetrating materials are used for both internal and external waterproofing. The amount of groundwater determines the selection and arrangement of materials.

Usually, two layers of waterproofing are applied. It covers the basement floor’s horizontal and vertical surfaces that come into contact with the earth hermetically. Inside the base, penetrating compounds are employed. They alter the internal structure of the stone when applied to a monolithic base, maintaining the ability of concrete to "breathe" (vapor exchange).

Polystyrene foam slabs are used for exterior insulation; self-tapping screws and umbra dowels are used to attach them. Bitumen coating compositions are sprayed while hot onto monolithic surfaces. Roll waterproofing materials are joined using a fusion process or adhesive to bitumen mastics.

Reinforcement

The rods of the metal reinforcement are laid in the longitudinal and transverse directions (at an angle of ninety degrees) to form the upper and lower edges of a two-level volumetric frame. 200 mm apart, stack reinforcing rods in both directions. The reinforcement frame is positioned in the formwork at a distance of two to three centimeters from both the base and the level where the future slab will be poured. There are transverse and longitudinal notches on the surface of the rods.

The rods range in diameter from 100 to 160 mm, and it is possible to calculate the necessary diameter. The knitting wire tied at the intersections of the rods, which are positioned on special guides, gives reinforced concrete its elasticity. Vertical reinforcement outlets are fabricated in the formwork sections where the construction of internal and external walls is anticipated. These outlets will link the reinforced basement floor slab to the formwork.

Pouring concrete

Pouring the concrete mixture all at once ensures the grade strength of basement floors. It is recommended to use a grade M300 ready-made solution that is made at the plant and has a high mixing quality. Concrete performance characteristics will be reduced by portioning the concrete (cracks may occur). It is preferable to create joints between floor pieces along the house’s long side if this cannot be avoided.

Layer pouring should be done in intervals of three to four days, depending on how long the previous layer took to set. On the other hand, the presence of functional joints does not enhance the stone’s necessary strength. There is roughly 200 mm of pouring height. Vibration compacting of the solution is required. After 28 days, the concrete will be able to regain roughly 70% of its grade strength with the right maintenance.

Installation of monolithic walls

After the floor is poured, formwork for the basement walls can begin four to five days later. Permanent foam polypropylene panels are used to form it as insulation, and temporary supports are used for reinforcement. It instantly provides for window and door openings, as well as technical holes, if needed. The formwork spans multiple levels or the entire height between floors.

While pouring it all at once is ideal, it can also be done in belts, or in stages, with three to four day intervals between each to allow the concrete to solidify. The latter will shield the lower layer’s concrete, which hasn’t strengthened, from being destroyed by the weight of the pour’s subsequent portions. Using heavy concrete grades of M300 and above is recommended. When the concrete has hardened, it is easier to remove the inoperable formwork by using threaded studs to tighten the formwork for strength.

The logical placement of the internal partitions that surround the monolithic base reinforces the design of its exterior. Up to 300 mm of step is used for both horizontal and vertical reinforcement. Rods that extend vertically from the floor are used to connect with the wall reinforcement.

Instead of being welded, the reinforcement is tied to give the surfaces elasticity. Two reinforcement belts, upper and lower, are mounted at a base height of 2.5 meters; additional reinforcement belts are permitted. After the mixture, on average, reaches grade strength in up to 28 days, slabs from above are placed on the base. Slabs of polyurethane foam and mastic are applied continuously to waterproof the outside of the building.

Insulation is provided by slabs fastened to umbrella dowels on the portion of the basement floor that will be in contact with the ground. The earth that has been dug out fills the lower portion of the floor. Its components shouldn’t, however, compromise the waterproofing and external heat. Sand is therefore the preferred material.

Monolithic concrete basement floor construction is a sturdy and dependable technique that guarantees stability and longevity. This method is great at keeping water out, which makes it perfect for making dry, functional spaces beneath the surface. A monolithic concrete basement can increase the overall utility of your property by providing extra living space or storage with careful design and construction.

The seamless nature of monolithic concrete construction is one of its main advantages. In contrast to conventional techniques that require several parts, monolithic concrete creates a single, cohesive structure. This lessens the possibility of leaks and cracks, guaranteeing the basement’s long-term stability and waterproofness. Furthermore, concrete’s inherent strength allows it to support heavy loads, giving the building’s foundation a solid base.

Working with seasoned experts who are familiar with the nuances of concrete pouring and curing is essential to getting the best results. The process requires careful finishing, precise mixing, and appropriate site preparation. Long-term benefits include a sturdy and useful basement floor, which can be achieved by investing in high-quality supplies and knowledgeable labor.

For those looking for longevity and practicality, building a basement floor out of monolithic concrete is generally a smart decision. It guarantees a solid base, reduces maintenance issues, and offers a flexible area that can change to meet your requirements. You can build a basement that endures over time by putting quality and skill first during construction.

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