How to make a rubble (from rubble stone) foundation with your own hands

Establishing a strong base is essential for any building endeavor. A rubble foundation composed of rubble stone can be the best option if you’re searching for something strong and durable. Many do-it-yourselfers choose this kind of foundation because of its reputation for strength and affordability.

Although building a rubble foundation may seem difficult, it is possible to complete on your own with the correct assistance and some work. This age-old technique entails constructing a sturdy foundation for your building out of natural stones or debris. It’s a great way to make use of materials that are readily available locally, saving you money and giving you a solid foundation.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the process of creating a rubble foundation by hand in this article. You will discover all the information you require to get started, from choosing the appropriate stones to properly arranging them. Regardless of the size of the structure you’re building, this guide will assist you in laying a solid and dependable foundation.

Types of rubble stone foundations

Prior to constructing a rubble stone foundation by hand, you must decide on the kind of foundation that satisfies the specifications and will give the future building the required dimensions and characteristics.

The primary kinds of foundations made of rubble:

1. Strip type – used most often, relevant for buildings with several floors, a basement, built from any building materials (including heavy ones)
2. Columnar type – more suitable for wooden one-story buildings: usually rubble pillars are mounted at the corners of the walls, at the joints of the external and internal walls

Rubble foundation: pros and cons

Taking into account the rubble strip foundation, it is important to remember that this is the best choice for creating a foundation for a range of homes. Prior to anything else, you should research the design’s primary benefits and drawbacks.

Strip foundation made of cobblestones – advantages:

• Excellent strength indicators – any rocks in terms of wear resistance will give odds to other building materials
• Resistance to moisture – the stone from which the foundation is built is constantly exposed to moisture and water in nature, but retains its properties and physical characteristics
• Environmental friendliness – which many types of other building materials (especially modern ones) cannot boast of
• Long service life, equal to about 150 years

Foundation made of cobblestones – disadvantages:

• A foundation made of rubble stone takes a long time to create – to lay a row of masonry, you will have to spend a lot of time
• If it is necessary to involve workers, their services will not be cheap, taking into account the type of work
• The bottle is expensive – about 1500 rubles./T
• Before starting construction work, it is imperative to perform correct calculations

Features of working with rubble base

There are some subtleties to keep in mind when building rubble foundations. With a chisel and hammer, the cobblestones are adjusted before the first layer of rubble is laid out, made of only the right shape of stone. The strip base with the rubble is installed with stones that are the right shape at the corners for reinforcement. Consequently, it is necessary to buy a large quantity of cobblestones with parallel edges at first.

When laying a base using a cement and crushed stone mortar, the masonry work needs to be done in layers. It is recommended to make the steps parallel and cover each layer of stone with a layer of cement. Wire with a 12-millimeter cross-section must be used for reinforcement when laying a combined strip foundation, which uses blocks or bricks in addition to the rubble.

Precise calculations, careful consideration of the placement of the ventilation ducts, and proper installation are essential during the foundation design process.

Strip foundation made of rubble: device and calculation

The maximum minus indications and the topographical features are taken into consideration when calculating the foundation’s depth. The deeper the rubble foundation should be laid, the stronger and deeper the soil freezes in the winter months with lower temperatures.

It is sufficient to build a foundation as deep as 50 centimeters for a one-story house composed of lightweight materials (frame, wooden houses), as much as one meter for buildings with three or more stories, and 1.5 to 2 meters for heavier structures.

Strip foundations have widths of 50 centimeters for the inner wall and 20 centimeters for the outer wall. The volume of stone needed is determined by taking into account the future building’s perimeter, wall width, and laying depth. In the event that the foundation is constructed on dry soil, a 1:5 ratio of clay solution is used; in the case of wet soil, a 1:1:9 ratio of cement to clay (cement: clay: sand) is required.

How to make a rubble foundation with your own hands

Many people doubt that all of the work can be done independently when learning about a rubble strip foundation (what it is, what it is for, and how to do it), but it is quite possible. The most important thing is to research and consider all options.

How to lay a rubble foundation in its major stages:

• Digging a trench
• Filling a cushion on the bottom of the trench from several layers – sand, crushed stone, a layer of waterproofing
• Installation of formwork
• Laying rubble stone on a cushion with subsequent filling with mortar

Bore piles are typically used to reinforce rubble foundations. They are placed into pre-drilled holes and mortared. The wells have to be inserted 45 degrees apart.

Choosing cobblestones for the foundation

To ensure good adherence of the material with the mortar, small stones free of dirt and cracks are selected for the rubble foundation. The stones are moistened prior to laying in order to improve adhesion and prevent moisture loss from the solution.

It’s best to give the stones a hammer test to see how strong they are; cobbles that are ready for laying should ring out loud and clear.

When installing rubble foundations, the stones listed below are utilized:

• Industrial – usually the stone is produced in special complexes for the production of crushed stone, used in the process of strengthening hydraulic structures or railway tracks.
• Round – formed naturally.
• Bed – irregular in shape, can be used for the foundation or basement decoration, when implementing landscape design.

Excavation work

Everything that could obstruct the work is carefully removed from the area where the foundation will be installed. After that, the depth of groundwater is ascertained by looking at the soil. After the site’s soft soil layer is removed, meticulous markings are put in place. They dig a trench and fill it with a cushion made of sand, crushed stone, and waterproofing material in line with the markings.

Laying the first layer of rubble stone in the trench

Backfilling the cushion is followed by the installation of formwork for the future foundation and the pouring in of a starting solution intended to prevent the entire structure from being crushed by falling debris or cracking the masonry. The first layer of stone is only laid after the solution has had time to dry.

It is best to begin laying with a sizable piece of parallel-edged rubble. Typically, the first layer is placed along the trench, with no more than five centimeters separating any two stones. On top of the first layer, cement mortar (which must be pressed) is applied, making sure that it consistently fills in all of the cracks. The cement mortar layer can range in thickness from 15 to 25 centimeters, depending on the height of the stones.

Laying out new layers

Applying the dressing principle guides the process of laying the second layer of rubble foundation. The rows are evenly spaced and parallel. The trench is lined with the second row, the third, and so forth. Use only perfectly flat cobblestones to lay the grillage, or outer portion of the foundation. The grillage is installed using the same methodology as the other layers, with a 30 centimeter maximum thickness.

Beautiful and appropriate stones are chosen when laying a rubble stone plinth on a strip foundation because they won’t require plastering or other finishing touches later on, and the stone looks great anyhow.

Doing your own rubble foundation construction can be a worthwhile and economical endeavor. You can build a solid foundation that endures over time by using locally sourced rubble stone. Using this method not only saves costs but also gives your construction a distinctive, organic appearance.

Well thought out preparation and planning are essential to success. A solid formwork structure should be constructed, the ground should be dug out and leveled, and the concrete should be mixed properly. Make sure the stones are firmly packed and well-embedded by paying attention to their placement. To make sure the foundation is stable and intact, take your time with each step.

In order to stop water damage, don’t forget to install appropriate drainage systems around the foundation. Sufficient drainage can prolong the lifespan of your foundation and shield your building from possible moisture-related problems. Early problem detection and resolution can also be facilitated by routine inspections and maintenance.

Ultimately, building a rubble foundation by hand involves more than just creating a foundation for your building—it involves making an investment in strength and longevity. You can create a strong foundation that will support your building for many years to come with patience and attention to detail. Have fun constructing!

For many construction projects, building a rubble stone foundation yourself is a cost-effective and long-lasting solution. You can build a solid and sturdy foundation for your structure by utilizing materials that are sourced locally. The process entails meticulous planning, appropriate excavation, and methodical stone placement to guarantee stability and durability. Without having to pay a fortune for contractors, you can have a foundation of professional caliber with the correct tools and a little perseverance. With this guide, even novices will be able to handle the project as it will take you step-by-step.

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