Regardless of what kind of foundation design you decide to give preference, there will be a choice: which brand of concrete to choose? Its correct selection will affect the properties and quality of the foundation, as well as the durability of the construction itself.
In order not to make a mistake in this important issue, you need to understand what criteria affect the choice of a particular brand.
one. The estimated weight of the future building and the load on the foundation itself. This factor can be called the most important that will affect the life of the future structure. One simple rule is valid here – the greater the weight of the structure, the higher the brand of concrete will need it. For example, a fairly lightweight prefabricated house does not require the purchase of a mixture of a high brand. In this case, concrete M200 is quite suitable.
Houses made of logs or timber have slightly larger weight, so it is better for them to choose concrete mixtures of brands M250 m300. The last brand is also suitable for buildings made of foam block and expanded clay concrete.
Brick and stone buildings, as well as reinforced concrete and other heavy, requires the highest brands, starting from M300, and ending with M500. This is due to the expected high loads.
2. Geological influence is also quite significant. Among geological factors, the type of soil itself and the level of groundwater can be distinguished.
If the site on which the construction is carried out is sandy or rocky, then you can safely buy concrete of low brands (M200, M250). But this is quite rare.
Most often you can find clay soils or loam. Their main drawback is the ability to increase in volumes with a drop in temperature. As a result, in winter, the foundation can rise by several centimeters. But this is not the danger, but the fact that the rise can be uneven and the design is deformed. To avoid this, it is necessary to lay up at a lower depth. It is also recommended not to save and choose a higher -class concrete. The price is not too different, but the quality is noticeable. It will be more frost -resistant and waterproof, and in addition, have a longer service life.
3. The presence of a basement or underground floor, basement. The choice of water resistance of the concrete mixture depends on this factor. This property is designated as a W, the value of which grows with the height of the brand. Therefore, if it is planned to build a basement, you need to choose concrete, starting from the M350 brand. You can also additionally use waterproofing. But in any case, first you need to determine the level of groundwater.
Having decided on the necessary brand of concrete mixture, you can start buying. The choice of the manufacturer at the same time plays a huge role. It is best to buy concrete immediately from the factory, for example, this is in Kharkov. Buying concrete without intermediary companies, you can provide yourself from unnecessary overpayment and be sure of this building material.