Foundation made of pipes: we build with our own hands

One of the most important phases in any construction project is laying the foundation. Your structure will endure the test of time if it has a solid foundation. Although conventional concrete and stone foundations are widely used, a less complicated and more affordable alternative is the use of pipes as foundations.

Although it may seem unusual to use pipes as a foundation, this creative method has many benefits. It’s especially helpful for smaller buildings, such as garages, sheds, and even tiny homes. If you’re looking for a do-it-yourself project that doesn’t require specialized tools or heavy machinery, this method can be a great choice.

We’ll walk you through the steps of creating a pipe foundation by hand in this article. Everything will be covered, from choosing the appropriate materials to providing detailed installation instructions. By the time it’s all through, you’ll be equipped with the skills and self-assurance needed to take on this project independently, laying the groundwork for your next building project.

When it is appropriate to build a foundation from pipes?

Seventy percent of foundations in our nation are covered in clay soil. Since it is weaker than the others, more compaction is needed when constructing private homes. A pipe foundation has been a common "folk" solution to this issue for a number of decades. It lies beneath lightweight constructions, specifically:

• wooden, frame one-story houses;
• a house made of gas blocks and other lightweight building materials;
• auxiliary structures (gazebos, terraces, utility rooms, lightweight garages);
• tensile structures for industrial purposes.

There are also instances in which homes built of brick and cinder blocks with a pipe foundation are an exception. This includes situations where the building type and the load it places on the foundation are matched by the total area of the pillars as determined by the design calculation. On strong soils (hard clay, near hard rock, or coarse soil), they install a metal foundation from a pipe.

Additionally, there are instances where dense soils are found at a significant depth and soft soils, unfit for any kind of foundation, are found at the surface.

Deep-laid pillars are the only sensible option for effective construction in this situation. Keep in mind that information from geological surveys should be the sole factor considered when deciding whether to install a columnar foundation.

Advantages of a pipe foundation

Support-columnar foundations are the most suitable option for building small residential and non-residential buildings, as per construction practice. Among the benefits of the foundation, it is imperative to acknowledge:

• high installation speed, compared to most other types of foundations;
• reinforcement installation is carried out without the use of special equipment;
• the cost of building materials is half that of installing a strip foundation;
• no need to perform preliminary hydro- and thermal insulation;
• quick installation even on frozen soils;
• maintainability;
• long service life of the structure (80-100 years).

It is not without problems, though. As is well known, a metal foundation’s low load-bearing capacity makes it unsuitable for the construction of target buildings (the supporting foundations cannot withstand multi-story large-sized structures). The pillars become less stable and the building’s overall service life is shortened when this rule is broken and pipes are used in loose or moving soils.

What pipes to use for the foundation?

The type of material used to make the pipes determines their classification. They are typically placed where the walls intersect and at the corners of the house, which is where the biggest loads are found. In this instance, even the smallest departure from the pit’s alignment must be avoided to prevent cracks from forming. There should be no more than two meters between the pillars, and the depth should be less than two meters below freezing. It also depends on the future foundation’s qualities:

• stone, rubble concrete and brick foundations are laid using pipes: masonry is laid in a prepared well on mortar, driven out to the zero mark;
• precast concrete and reinforced concrete blocks are usually used in industrial construction;
• monolithic reinforced concrete blocks are often found in individual construction and involve welding reinforcement to obtain a cylinder. Then they are inserted into the concrete, the bottom is centered independently, and the top – with the help of pegs and stretchers.

There are many materials available in the current building materials market that are used to build a sturdy foundation, such as asbestos pipes, plastic, and metal.

Use of asbestos pipes for the foundation

Developers find the installation of such formwork to be highly popular. During installation, asbestos-cement pipes for the foundation form a single concrete structure, ensuring the foundation’s high strength. Experts also point out the material’s resistance to frost. Because asbestos is so rigid, the formwork does not flex when the concrete is poured; instead, the smooth exterior is preserved.

Its high cost is one of its drawbacks, but the material pays for itself after a few years of use. The types of asbestos pipes that are listed below include:

• non-pressure, designed for the installation of non-pressure sewerage/ventilation networks, where the medium is supplied without pressure;
• pressure pipes are stronger, they are used under conditions of increased pressure up to 9 atm.

For many do-it-yourselfers, building a foundation out of pipes is a useful and affordable solution. This technique entails building a solid and stable foundation for different structures using easily accessible materials. Even individuals with little construction experience can successfully finish this project by adhering to simple instructions and guidelines, guaranteeing a sturdy foundation that satisfies their needs. By providing important advice and common pitfalls to avoid, this article will guide you through the process and make building your own pipe foundation simple.

Metal pipes for the foundation

Iron pipe foundations are always dependable when constructed correctly. Not only are metal pipes more dependable than other materials, but they also work faster. Nevertheless, aligning the supports vertically and horizontally requires a great deal of time and work. Because metal structures used in installations are prone to corrosion, anti-corrosion treatments are required for them.

One benefit of using metal pipes is that there are multiple ways to set up the foundation:

• installation of supports below the place where the wells were drilled, then the pipes are filled with concrete mortar. The method involves the manufacture of a grillage for the foundation with a profile welded to the pipe;
• another method is with the arrangement of a sand and gravel cushion and the installation of a pipe with a diameter of up to 20 cm. The pipe should fit tightly to the well – then it is filled with a composition of cement and sand. If you plan to build a building more than one floor high, you should strengthen the foundation with reinforcement.

Foundation made of plastic pipes

PVC pipe manufacturers state that this material has a 50-year service life when used as a support. Such sturdy formwork withstands moisture, low temperatures, and the majority of harsh environments. The structure is very stiff and stable in spite of its light weight. Pipes come in a variety of sizes, with diameters ranging from 110 to 630 mm on the market.

Not to mention how reasonably priced plastic pipes are. Gray pipes are meant for internal sewerage; in the ground, they will last far longer than orange products. Keep this in mind when buying materials.

How to lay a foundation from metal pipes with your own hands?

The process of laying a columnar foundation is done in accordance with a planned layout. Determine the perimeter and insert the drive-in pegs at the support points while taking into account the building’s features, the type of foundation, and the geological features of the area. The next step is to level the surface and remove the layer of fertile soil. There are two types of methods for installing metal supports as a foundation: shallow and deep. These methods depend on the building’s overall weight and dimensions, the soil’s composition, and the depth of groundwater.

The laying depth on non-heaving, dry soils is no more than 80 cm. The supports are inserted into holes with a reduced diameter, filled with concrete mixture, and fastened with a metal channel up to 40 cm above the ground. In construction sites with unstable soil and a high water table, the pillars should be drilled down to a depth of up to 1.5 meters below the soil freezing line. The diameter of the wells should be greater than the permanent formwork’s dimensions. The next things that need to be done are as follows:

• fill the bottom of the pit with a cushion of coarse sand;
• insert the pipe, fill it with concrete – the solution impregnates the sand cushion, forming a stable base;
• the formwork is fixed vertically until the base is completely "set";

• in order to increase strength, a reinforcement rod is inserted into the pipe;
• the space around the pillar is tamped with a mixture of soil and sand.

Ensuring that the entire supporting system is at the same height is crucial; the supports shouldn’t be higher than 40–50 cm. Once the concrete has solidified completely, you can start building the grillage right away.

How much does a pipe foundation cost?

Cement serves as the foundation for all foundation types. For smaller buildings, a low-cost brand like M400 is fine, but larger structures should use cement that is at least M500 in quality. Purchases of crushed stone and sand are also required; the quantity of materials required depends on a few factors:

• the size of the future foundation;
• the depth and diameter of the wells;
• types of pipes;
• reinforcement and its diameter.

The most profitable pipes are thought to be made of plastic. Not only are they inexpensive, but you can save money on transportation by not using trucks. The cost of asbestos pipes will double. Keep in mind that ordering long pipes and cutting them into the necessary lengths will be more profitable. Their cost should be increased by the cost of reinforcement.

Although they are among the priciest, metal pipes are also the most dependable. The diameter and wall thickness affect their price. Even though reinforcement is not required in this situation, anti-corrosion agents will cost money. Purchasing pipes that have already undergone processing and are resistant to harsh conditions and elevated humidity levels can result in cost savings. You could also use old pipes.

Using pipes to build a foundation can be a useful and effective way to start a variety of construction projects. For those who are unfamiliar with do-it-yourself construction, this method offers a relatively easy-to-install base that is both sturdy and durable. With the right materials and techniques, you can build a sturdy foundation that will hold up your building for many years to come.

It is crucial to concentrate on planning and preparation at every stage of the procedure. The longevity of your foundation will be greatly impacted by making sure that your pipes are of the highest caliber and are appropriately treated for durability. Furthermore, spending the time to precisely measure and align the pipes will help to avoid problems down the road and give your building a solid foundation.

Remember the significance of appropriate drainage and soil factors. By taking care of these issues while the foundation is still being built, you can help stop soil erosion and water damage, which over time can weaken the foundation’s structural integrity. Long-term savings on time and costs associated with potential repairs can be achieved by making quality material investments and adopting the required safety measures.

In summary, installing a pipe foundation is a practical choice for a variety of building styles, providing a good mix of affordability, strength, and ease of use. You can confidently take on this project and create a strong foundation that will endure over time by paying attention to the instructions and advice given. Have fun constructing!

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