02-20-2015, 10:35 AM
Foundation Materials
Foundations are subject to attack by moisture, rodents, termites, wind. The moisture may come from rain, surface water or ground water. So its important to use a foundation material that will not be damaged by water or the lateral force created by saturated soil on the outside of the wall.
Stones
Stones are suitable for low piers and curtain walls. But it is difficult to protect building from termites with stone foundations because of the passages between the stones.
Earth
Earth is a material with low cost and availability. It is suitable only in very dry climates.
Poured Concrete
Concrete is one of the best foundation materials because it is hard, durable and strong in compression. It is not damaged by moisture and may be made nearly watertight for basement walls. It is easily cast into the unique shapes required for each foundation. But high cost of the cement required to make the concrete is a barrier.
Concrete Blocks
Concrete blocks may be used to construct attractive and durable foundation walls. The forms required for poured concrete walls are unnecessary and because of their large size, concrete blocks will lay up faster than bricks. A block wall is more difficult to make watertight than a concrete wall and does not resist lateral forces as well as a poured concrete wall.
Bricks
Bricks are suitable only in very dry areas and even there they need protection from moisture. Bricks easily damage by water or ground moisture to be used for foundations. Locally made, burnt bricks can often be obtained at low cost, but only the best quality bricks are satisfactory for use in moist conditions.
http://www.fao.org/
Foundations are subject to attack by moisture, rodents, termites, wind. The moisture may come from rain, surface water or ground water. So its important to use a foundation material that will not be damaged by water or the lateral force created by saturated soil on the outside of the wall.
Stones
Stones are suitable for low piers and curtain walls. But it is difficult to protect building from termites with stone foundations because of the passages between the stones.
Earth
Earth is a material with low cost and availability. It is suitable only in very dry climates.
Poured Concrete
Concrete is one of the best foundation materials because it is hard, durable and strong in compression. It is not damaged by moisture and may be made nearly watertight for basement walls. It is easily cast into the unique shapes required for each foundation. But high cost of the cement required to make the concrete is a barrier.
Concrete Blocks
Concrete blocks may be used to construct attractive and durable foundation walls. The forms required for poured concrete walls are unnecessary and because of their large size, concrete blocks will lay up faster than bricks. A block wall is more difficult to make watertight than a concrete wall and does not resist lateral forces as well as a poured concrete wall.
Bricks
Bricks are suitable only in very dry areas and even there they need protection from moisture. Bricks easily damage by water or ground moisture to be used for foundations. Locally made, burnt bricks can often be obtained at low cost, but only the best quality bricks are satisfactory for use in moist conditions.
http://www.fao.org/