The next process is
to install all the steel
reinforcing. The steel
helps the concrete
resist compression
and bending, as well
as increasing tensile
strength. The steel is
positioned where the
concrete beams are
situated.
We then place the large
polystyrene blocks around
the beams and place
more reinforcement above
the blocks to encase them.
These polystyrene blocks
are left inside as void
formers and to reduce the
amount of concrete that
is needed and provides
additional strength.
THE RAFT IS READY FOR THE CONCRETE.
Once the steel has been
inspected by the engineer,
the contractor is able to
pour the concrete. This will
basically cover up all the
steel and polystyrene. The
contractor uses a machine
to vibrate the concrete to
eliminate all the air pockets
and create a strong bond of
the concrete and steel.
So, now you know a little
more about raft foundations!
In the next newsletter, we
will have more information
about the beam and
block slabs used in this
development.
THE COMPLETED RAFT, ABOVE THE GROUND, IS READY FOR THE BRICK WALLS TO BE CONSTRUCTED.
10
ISSUE 36 - DECEMBER 2018