When creating a durable foundation, it must be borne in mind that the quality of this design depends on many aspects, which at first glance can be non -obvious. Moreover, this applies to all concrete structures that are created under buildings and massive supports. If we do not take into account at least one factor, the entire volume of work can go around the drain.
Content
In this material, we will talk about one of these factors - about the choice of crushed stone. Despite the fact that the process of creating the foundation can be elementary, even the durability and general strength of the structure can depend on the choice of gravel. Crushed stone has many characteristics, which builders first of all pay attention to. Thus, if you are thinking about creating the foundation yourself, you should not use the first crushed stone that came across, since the consequences may be too serious.
In the article, we will also mention the main problematic details, which often arise when using inappropriate gravel, as well as ways to get out of an unfavorable situation. It is worth noting that based on the information presented in this article, you can save a lot.
The main features of the choice of crushed stone for the foundation
First you need to learn that it is necessary to choose crushed stone for the foundation only in cases where the structure that is built is indeed a responsible project. It can be a residential building, a warehouse or some kind of support. In the event that we are building a small shed or gazebo, you can use the crushed stone that is available or the cheapest in the market without unnecessary problems.
It is also necessary to keep in mind that many owners, for example, use various types of crushed stone in one construction. In this scenario, a considerable threat is also created for the future structure, since in some parts of the base, for example, deformations can occur, which jeopardize the entire structure.
We will talk in more detail about threats in this material.
Classification of crushed stone by origin
First you need to decide precisely on the classification of natural material by origin. Often the following types of crushed stone are used in construction:
- Granite. This is the most durable crushed stone, which is regularly used in the most important construction. When using this product, you can be sure that due to crushed stone, no problems with the base will certainly happen. But at the same time, it is worth keeping in mind that this resource is extremely rare, since the cost of granite gravel is very high. Not everyone is ready to overpay for a stone that can be replaced with an inexpensive option. Of course, in certain situations there is an acute need for granite material, and then you simply have to pay crazy money. If the foundation itself is small, then you can buy a granite stone, unless, of course, finances allow this.
- Gravel. This version of crushed stone is used much more often than granite. It does not have such high strength, however, for the construction of a small private house or a summer cottage, this is an excellent option. Accordingly, the price of gravel crushed stone is quite democratic. You can use a certain volume of granite and gravel crushed stone to increase strength, but there is no great need for this.
- Limestone. For the construction of houses and other responsible structures, such crushed stone is extremely rare. The thing is that the strength of limestone material is quite low, so in construction it is used in the creation of garages, arbors and the like. Of course, it is worth noting that the limestone material should not be used as a replacement of the above types of crushed stone. In extreme cases, it can be a small private house that will not create large loads on the base.
- Slag. This crushed stone is obtained by crushing metallurgical waste. Of course, the main advantage of this crushed stone is a low price. Most often, this resource is 20-30% cheaper than the stone crushed stone similar in terms of strength and other characteristics.
- Secondary. This type of crushed stone in construction is rarely used. The strength of this resource is very low, so it is better not to use it to build the foundation. If this happened, then from the base you can expect any surprises. Of course, there are exceptions to the rules, but the strength of the secondary crushed stone is really extremely low.
Separately, I would like to note that in conditions when groundwater lies shallowly, it makes sense to make a choice in favor of granite crushed stone. In such conditions, you can be sure that the foundation will be in an acceptable state for a long period of operation.
The main characteristics of crushed stone
It must be borne in mind that it is worth paying much more attention to the characteristics of crushed stone than the origin of the resource. The thing is that, based on the characteristics, we will definitely understand, a specific gravel is suitable for us to create a foundation, or it is better to abandon it.
Next, we will consider the main characteristics of the crushed stone:
- Frost resistance. This characteristic is especially important in cases where it comes to areas where during the winter period you can encounter extremely low temperatures. If the crushed stone has low frost resistance, then in the harsh cold the characteristics of the foundation will worsen significantly. The strength of the material will fall. First of all, frost resistance is determined on the basis of the cycles of freezing-tangling the product. For construction, it is better to use crushed stone with a value of 300 cycles (F300). If we are talking about tropical climate, then frost resistance does not matter.
- Strength. Of course, it is precisely the strength of crushed stone that people who want to create a durable foundation pay attention. As we have already said, the most durable gravel is granite. The stronger the material, the more loads can withstand the base of the house. Despite this, in certain conditions, granite material may have excessive strength, and overpaying money because of this is simply pointless. Thus, calculations or an approximate analysis of the future construction project will not interfere.
- Flying. This is another important characteristic that you need to pay attention to all people who thought to start construction. Flying is a characteristic of the flatness of the material. The most ordinary crushed stone is characterized by the presence of a large amount of plastic and needle grains. If the first grains are too much in stone, then the concrete mixture may be low -quality. In addition, it should be borne in mind that in this situation, numerous voids can form in concrete, so special attention should be paid to the compaction of the mixture. A cube -shaped crushed stone is the most practical solution, since in this case there should be no problems with voids in concrete. Accordingly, it is granite gravel that has a cube-shaped form, which is why it is the highest quality option for construction work.
- Radioactivity. Of course, the issue of the safety of using certain building resources is almost always very acute. Despite the fact that most of the market are occupied by manufacturers, you can often become a victim of poor -quality products. Sometimes a radioactive crushed stone can really get caught, which will make itself felt throughout the entire operation of the foundation. Fortunately, checking whether crushed stone is radioactive is quite simple. To do this, have a dosimeter. If there is at least a small hint of increased radiation, it is better to refuse such products.
- Crushed stone fraction. This aspect is also of great importance. Attention should be paid to the fact that today the numerous fractions of crushed stone are used in construction work, and it all depends directly on the scale of work, as well as on some other factors. For example, large material is often used at large construction sites, but with the same weight, small material would be much more effective, but there is simply no special need for this. Next, we will examine in detail the main details associated with the crushed stone faction.
It is important to remember that enterprises that are engaged in the sale of crushed stone have relevant documents and licenses. Thus, if everything is officially, then the manufacturer must provide a full description of his products. Based on this information, we have the opportunity to understand whether the specific crushed stone is suitable for our construction work. At the same time, you can become a victim and poor -quality products if you purchase crushed stone from unverified manufacturers involved in the sale of products without licenses and other basic documents. Unfortunately, there are a lot of such unverified sellers, and they often drop part of the price to attract more buyers. Ultimately, it turns out that the characteristics of crushed stone may not correspond to the work on the work, and this will extremely negatively affect the construction process.
Accordingly, experts advise overpaying extra money, just to be confident in the high quality of the purchased product.
Analysis of the crushed stone fraction
As we have already said, the crushed stone fraction is the most important characteristic on which the final quality of concrete structures largely depends. First of all, it is necessary to analyze the main fractions of the material.
Small fractions of crushed stone:
- 3x8 mm;
- 5x10 mm;
- 10 x 20;
- 5 x 20.
Based on small crushed stone, responsible construction work is carried out. We are talking about creating slabs, bridges, as well as other concrete structures. Of course, it is not necessary to use this fraction to create residential buildings, however, the quality of concrete structures will be unambiguously high. Small crushed stone is somewhat more expensive than the main fractions of this material, and this also needs to pay attention to the owners.
Medium fractions of crushed stone:
- 20x40 mm;
- 25:60 mm.
The average crushed stone fraction is often used for the production of concrete, the construction of roads, as well as elements of railway coverage. Also, this size of crushed stone will be a good solution for laying the foundation.
Large fraction of crushed stone:
- 20x70 mm;
- 40x70 mm.
Large crushed stone is used to create production structures, as well as large -scale concrete buildings of various types. Partially large fraction of crushed stone is also used in the creation of bridges.
There are also non -standard crushed stone fractions, but they are most often used to decorate various surfaces. It is worth saying that it is precisely the standard size of crushed stone that should be used directly in construction.
Recently, euro -shaped has gained great prevalence. These are certain sizes of the material that are in each of the above groups. Accordingly, you do not need to think for a long time about which material is best to purchase.
It must also be remembered that in similar construction work with different fractions you will need the same weight of crushed stone. Thus, if there is simply no need for a small fraction, it is better to make a choice in favor of large material.
As for directly creating the foundation, here the fraction plays not such a serious role. It is most important to make a choice in favor of quality material, which corresponds to a number of characteristics. When examining crushed stone of any fraction, you can easily establish whether the material is of high quality.
If the volume of construction work is minimal, you can use the granite crushed stone of a small fraction. This is an expensive material, but in high quality of the concrete structure you can be sure.
Well, in the end, I would like to note that using crushed stone of different fractions is still not recommended, since the strength of the foundation should be equal to the entire perimeter.
