Advantages of permanent formwork for the foundation of expanded polystyrene , installation tips

material options for formwork lot.Someone raises it from the old boards, one of the OSB.This design is not always characterized by perfect geometry and strength, and its construction takes time.Excellent modern alternative - permanent formwork of polystyrene foam.

design and material

fixed timbering from expanded polystyrene represents blocks of different sizes and thicknesses, which are installed in a trench intended for the foundation.Interconnected such blocks form a loop which is determined in the armature cavity and then the concrete is poured.Along the edges of the blocks are arranged grooves which securely interlock the elements together.

Opposing plates interconnected bridge with a metal frame inside (some manufacturers of all-metal bridges), which gives the structure increased stiffness.Used polystyrene formwork, mainly for the construction of the tape foundation melkozaglublennogo.After hardening of the concrete elements are not removed but remain as a layer of insulation and protection of the base.

blocks usually marked in accordance layer of concrete, which is poured into them.Thus, labeling EOR 500 means that a foundation will have a thickness of 500mm.The height of the blocks can be different (from 10 to 50 cm) depending on the type of foundation and its penetration.Height increasing in using dobornyh blocks.

addition to the standard, the blocks are produced for internal and external angles in the form of a "tee" and also with openings for communications.It is necessary to give preference to blocks of expanded polystyrene (EPS), which can withstand higher loads, durable, chemically resistant, rot and is not subject to corrosion.

Various manufacturers are counting the cost of the formwork in blocks or as a general metric area.So, the price of a standard unit of about 170 rubles, and per square meter - from 500 rubles.Referring to the seller, you need to have on hand a project of the foundation, and, better yet, the entire house.

What are the advantages?

have formwork of polystyrene foam a lot of positive qualities.

• Simplicity and speed of assembly and installation thanks to the slot connection.
• not need props during construction.
• design turns out strong and virtually sealed from the bottom (when using the P-blocks), so there is no fear of leakage of concrete.
• Foundation turns regular geometric shape, and its carrying capacity is not impaired in any way.
• Through the holes provided in the blocks, just to lay pipes.
• ease - all the work can be carried out alone.
• Decking will continue to serve as a layer of insulation on the basement insulation is not necessary to carry out activities.
• is an excellent waterproofing, as the polystyrene does not get wet.
• Despite the higher price in comparison to the familiar boards of EPS formwork pays for itself due to a quick and easy installation, simplifying filling and further savings on insulation.

As with any technology, from construction formwork of this type have a number of limitations:

• Such formwork is better not to be used in regions with annual average temperatures below 0 and strongly freezing through ground.
• If polystyrene is too thin or poor quality, there is a risk of freezing.
• Faulty EPS 20 years from now will become worthless, the insulation has to be updated, and the bearing capacity of the foundation deteriorates.

Installing formwork

Preparation for construction formwork begins, as usual, with the preparation of the soil, road marking the foundation of the future.By marking dug a trench width of a little more than the units of permanent formwork, on their bottom poured sand cushion thickness of 10-15 cm and compacted.If necessary, drainage works performed.

in prepared trench shuttering blocks stacked and engage jumpers.As the valve can use the same rod and the same methods of knitting, as in the traditional foundation casting technology, but the bars are mounted in grooves inside the formwork elements (well proven composite rebar. For the reinforcement of large weight may require additional racks. Then the interior space

poured concrete, which is a layer-by-layer is leveled and compacted. as with any new product, particularly in such an important matter as the pouring of the foundation, permanent formwork of polystyrene foam is causing issues for some artists. in particular, how to behave in the material after a fewdecades of service.

weigh all the "pros" and "cons", and to take a decision should be based on the specific project at home, climate and soil, as well as the time and money allocated for construction.