Common questions

What is a trench footing?

What is a trench footing?

Footings are an important part of foundation construction. They are typically made of concrete with rebar reinforcement that has been poured into an excavated trench. The purpose of footings is to support the foundation and prevent settling. Footings are especially important in areas with troublesome soils.

How do you insulate footings?

Pouring a concrete slab on top of a thick layer of rigid foam is an effective way to create a super-insulated foundation. Some types of foundations can lose heat through concrete footings. Fortunately, heat loss through footings is usually minor, so it’s perfectly reasonable for most builders to ignore the issue.

What is a trench filled foundation?

Trench fill foundations are a type of shallow foundation that avoids bricklaying below ground by instead almost completely filling the trench excavation with concrete. Typically, concrete is poured to within 150 mm of the surface ground level.

What are the three types of footing?

Types of footings:

  • Wall footing/strip footing.
  • Spread Footings.
  • Isolated footings.
  • Stepped footings.
  • Combined footings.
  • Sloped footings.
  • Mat or raft foundation.
  • Strapped footings.

Where is trench foundation used?

The Trenchfill foundation is used when soil is loose or in areas with a high water table. In areas with heavy clay and in the presence of trees, Trenchfill foundations may be taken deeper, to a level where the moisture content of the subsoil is unaffected.

What is foundation insulation?

Foundation insulation panels are installed over exposed concrete foundations to protect against energy loss and control moisture. These panels are available in a variety of textures and colors to add value and curb appeal to your home by covering up your exposed concrete foundation.

What is a stepped footing used for?

For houses on a level building lot the footings are very simple and end up all at one elevation. However, for more complicated designs the footings end up changing elevations and therefore require a “step” in the grade. Stepped Footings allow depth of footings to transition from one elevation to another.

What is a stepped foundation?

Definition of stepped footing : a footing in which the desired width is secured by a series of steps in about the proportion of one unit of horizontal dimension to two units of vertical dimension.

How deep is a trench foundation?

The trench depth is variable but in most cases should be at least 1m with a width of 600mm. The concrete should have a minimum depth of 225mm. Trenchfill foundations fill the excavation, almost to the top, with concrete.

What is the difference between an excavation and a trench?

OSHA defines an excavation as any man-made cut, cavity, trench, or depression in the Earth’s surface formed by earth removal. A trench is defined as a narrow excavation (in relation to its length) made below the surface of the ground. In general, the depth of a trench is greater than its width, but the width of a trench

What is the purpose of footings in construction?

Footings are an important part of foundation construction. They are typically made of concrete with rebar reinforcement that has been poured into an excavated trench. The purpose of footings is to support the foundation and prevent settling.

What angle does the load spread out in a trench?

The load spreads out at a 45-degree angle within the footing and spreads out in the soil at a steeper angle of 60-degrees. It is important to compact the soil directly under the footing because it takes the greatest load. Contractors use specialized equipment while compacting the trench bottom.

What are concrete footings made of?

Concrete Footing Fundamentals. They are typically made of concrete with rebar reinforcement that has been poured into an excavated trench. The purpose of footings is to support the foundation and prevent settling. Footings are especially important in areas with troublesome soils. The construction of footings is best left to the pros…