What is a plinth and what is it for?

We explore the fundamentals of construction and materials at "All about concrete." The plinth is one such element that is necessary for both residential and commercial buildings. So what is a plinth exactly, and what function does it serve?

A plinth is a structure’s base, usually located at ground level. Although it has several uses, its main purpose is to give the building above it a sturdy foundation. This base ensures stability and keeps the structure from settling or moving over time by helping to distribute the weight of the structure evenly. To put it another way, picture it as the solid base upon which everything else is constructed.

The plinth has aesthetic value in addition to its architectural function. It serves as a visual break between a building’s walls and foundation. To add to the overall appeal of the structure, the plinth may be emphasized in some designs to create a clear boundary between the building and the ground.

The plinth serves as a functional barrier to keep out moisture from the ground. It assists in keeping water out of the structure, which is important to preserving the integrity of the materials used to construct the structure above it. By using the right waterproofing materials and techniques, this moisture barrier can be strengthened, guaranteeing the construction’s longevity and durability.

Furthermore, the plinth frequently helps shield the structure from outside elements like flooding and heavy rain. It lowers the chance of water damage to walls and interiors by raising the structure just a little above ground. This feature is especially crucial in places where there is a high water table or where flooding is common.

Ultimately, despite the plinth’s apparent simplicity as an architectural element, its significance cannot be emphasized. It adds aesthetic appeal, stability to the structure, and defense against moisture and other environmental elements. Anyone interested in the built environment or working in construction must understand the function of the plinth.

What is a plinth

Firstly, allow me to define a plinth. Rising above the foundation, this is the lower portion of the structure. This step is often designed to be visually distinct from the rest of the house.

The following make a building’s plinth stand out:

  • decorative cladding;
  • protrusion relative to the surface of the facades of the house.

The plinth is the top portion of a strip foundation; in a columnar foundation, it is the wall in between the pillars.

The foundation’s device and the plinth of a private home are comparable. It shouldn’t deviate from the walls’ overall design on the outside. The following factors may have an impact on the plinth’s features:

  • the overall dimensions of the house;
  • terrain features;
  • climate.

The base shouldn’t interfere with the overall appearance or proportions of the house; rather, it should blend in perfectly with the structure. A recessed base in relation to the walls is becoming more and more popular among designers. Such a base eliminates the need to install an additional drain and offers effective rainwater drainage as well as protection against moisture buildup on the house’s walls.

If the building is multi-story, it might be necessary to construct a basement floor, which should not be higher than half the height of an ordinary floor above the ground.

Why do you need a basement

The base carries out several crucial tasks, including:

  • Moisture protection. Ensures the correct direction of water flows formed during precipitation. Thanks to the cladding, it protects the underlying material from moisture remaining after rain or coming from the ground.
  • Thermal insulation. The base, including thanks to the finishing, helps to reduce heat loss, which is very important in winter.
  • Creating a base for the walls. Performs a load-bearing function.
  • Ensuring architectural unity of all parts of the structure.

Adherence to the designated attributes necessitates meticulous deliberation regarding plinth type, production material, and cladding.

Types of plinth

The plinth is separated into three categories according to the proportions of the wall surface and the plinth:

  • flush;
  • recessed;
  • protruding.

A protruding plinth is built wider than the level of the walls, a recessed plinth is situated deeper than the plane of the facade, and a flush plinth does not extend beyond the walls.

A projecting plinth is a feature of classically designed homes. It provides the building with visual stability and is the most aesthetically pleasing option. The drawback is that if you don’t install an additional water drain, moisture will start to build up above the plinth.

A plinth that is level with the walls makes providing superior moisture protection more difficult. Buildings with this kind of base look like boxes and lack aesthetic elegance.

Among the many benefits of the recessed base is its dependable resistance to moisture. But in the eyes of those who are used to classical architecture, it falls short in terms of design. Visually, the entire structure appears unstable due to the base-to-wall ratio.

How to make a base yourself

It is advisable to become familiar with the precise design plans of structures that are similar to the one you are going to make before starting to build the base yourself.

Prior to beginning construction, the following parameters must be determined:

  • type of base;
  • types and quantity of necessary materials;
  • facing material;
  • insulation and waterproofing.

How to choose the type of base

Several pointers about the kind of basement in the house:

  • Of all the types of base, construction experts recommend giving preference to the recessed one, since it provides the best protection from moisture.
  • It is advisable to refrain from planning a basement flush with the wall. In this case, the boundary between the wall and the base remains open and unprotected.
  • A protruding base is preferable only if the owners of the house are not ready to abandon traditional architectural forms.

The base’s height can range from 50 to 75 cm on average. In the event that a basement floor is required, the base’s dimensions will need to be increased, and additional building supplies will be needed.

Selection of material for the base

When choosing a building material for the base, you ought to consider options that are strong and resistant to frost:

  • A monolithic concrete base is the best option. Concrete meets all the necessary parameters of base materials. Before building such a plinth, it is necessary to make formwork, which consists of several sheets of shield material (plywood, plastic), folded in such a way as to form a container for liquid concrete. The solution is poured after the metal reinforcement has been laid. It is advisable to pour concrete over the entire area of ​​the base so that there are no joints. After the formwork is removed, you can continue working.
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  • Concrete blocks. They are used less often, since the disadvantage of this material is the likelihood of voids forming due to the presence of non-multiple blocks. These voids can be filled with cement, but the homogeneity of the entire structure will be violated. A reliable solution for laying should be chosen.
  • Natural or artificial stone. Used when laying a base on top of a strip foundation. The stone is laid on a bonding solution. This material is quite difficult to work with, so laying such a base should be done by a person with experience working with natural stone. Natural or artificial stone looks very impressive, a building with such a base will stand out against the background of simpler structures.
  • Brick. The advantage of brick is the relative ease of working with it. It is better to use solid brick made of fired clay. A brick plinth retains heat well enough and tolerates low temperatures. In particular, brick is recommended for laying plinths in areas where the temperature drops below 20 degrees. It is good to lay in 1.5–2 bricks.

When 0.5 bricks are laid in 1 sq. m of plinth, the number of bricks per 1 sq. m is equal to 1 sq. m times the height and length of the bricks.

Plinth waterproofing

The plinth needs to be waterproofed to keep out moisture buildup from rain or snow as well as groundwater. Moisture should be kept off the surface from both the vertical and horizontal directions. Insulating materials are used between the exterior of the plinth and the foundation as part of the horizontal waterproofing process. The exterior of the walls and basement are coated with a protective material to complete the vertical waterproofing process.

The best materials for horizontal waterproofing are tar paper or roofing felt. The basement and walls are consistently kept dry by the roofing felt, which also offers the room’s occupants comfortable operating conditions.

The subsequent coatings are suitable for providing vertical water protection:

  • bitumen mastics;
  • protective varnishes;
  • polymer resins;
  • roll materials.

The purpose of the building (i.e., what will be inside the premises) and the surrounding environmental factors (climate) determine the type of material.

Thermal insulation

It is necessary to have trustworthy thermal insulation when there are unheated basements. If not, the environment and moisture, which build up in areas with inadequate thermal insulation, could destroy the basement and foundation.

For someone who can build a basement on their own, installing thermal insulation material with their hands is not difficult. Selecting the appropriate material is the most crucial step. Bulk thermal insulators should not be chosen because they can absorb moisture. They lose their ability to insulate against heat when they become wet.

The porous, extruded polystyrene slabs are one of the most moisture-resistant materials available. The polystyrene needs to be faced with a plaster mass on a specific mesh after installation.

A plinth is an essential foundation element in architecture and construction that uplifts and supports objects such as statues, columns, and even entire buildings. It offers stability and keeps the structure above and the ground below from coming into direct contact by essentially serving as a stable base. In addition to providing structural stability, plinths serve aesthetic functions as well. By elevating monuments or artwork to eye level and increasing their visibility and accessibility, they frequently improve the visual appeal of the piece. It is easier to appreciate a plinth’s dual purpose of providing both artistic presentation and practical support in a variety of architectural and artistic contexts when one is aware of its role.

Facing the base

The following materials can be utilized as facings:

  • concrete;
  • Plaster masses or paints and varnishes;
  • tiles or artificial cobblestone;
  • siding. Finishing the base with siding has many advantages, since it is the most resistant to climate influences.
What is a Plinth? Purpose of a Plinth
A plinth is the lower part of a building"s exterior wall, located between the ground and the wall"s main structure. The plinth protects the building from water, dirt, and damage, and can improve insulation and stability.

In construction, a plinth is an important component that is frequently disregarded despite playing a vital role in supporting structures. It acts as a platform or base for a building or column, distributing the weight of the structure to the earth beneath it. In essence, it ensures stability and equally distributes the load by serving as a buffer between the superstructure and the foundation.

Elevating the main structure above ground level serves as one of a plinth’s main purposes in shielding it from moisture and dampness. The plinth assists in preventing water from slowly leaking into the foundation and causing structural damage by erecting this barrier. This is especially crucial in places where there is a high risk of flooding or groundwater inflow.

In addition to its functional uses, a plinth in architecture has aesthetic purposes. As a transitional element between the building’s visible components and foundation, it enhances the building’s overall aesthetic appeal. Plastons are frequently used imaginatively by architects to improve the design, either by adding ornamental elements or by arranging them in a way that balances the scale of the building.

Anyone working in construction or architecture needs to know the importance of a plinth. It contributes to a building’s longevity and lower maintenance costs in addition to maintaining its structural integrity. The plinth is a fundamental component that unites design and functionality in both classic and modern architecture, making it a mainstay of building technique.

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Andrey Ivanov

Experienced civil engineer with more than 20 years of experience. Specializing in the construction of industrial and civil facilities. Author of many publications in professional journals.

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