A TRADITIONAL FOUNDATION

There are many different ways to make a foundation. One of the ways is one that we, as a team, are more familiar with. “Sand Foundation” …that’s what we would term it.

Now most of you would wonder how a foundation can be made of sand. Well, the logic behind it is to use as little concrete as possible and yet attain maximum strength and stability.

What you will need :

1. Boulders (around 2’ x 2’ roughly , large flat surfaces and a 9” edge at least)

2. A good amount of sand (around one lorry load, 560 cft) – this quantity is ascertained for a plot size of 50’ x 60’.- sand quantity variable

3. Around 4 tankers of water. (quantity of water is variable depending on the extent of the foundation)

4. An earth rammer - optional.

5. Anti-termite treatment - optional

Method :

1. Dig a trench of approximately 2’6”depth (depth of foundation varies depending on the soil condition. If the soil has more organic content in the top layer then a deeper foundation of say 5’ would be required.) Width of the trench can be assumed at 2’. Excavation costs range between 5-7 rupees per cubic feet.

2. Spray anti termite liquid on all the surfaces of the trench and allow resting for a day. (Osolin is what we are familiar with. It is supposed to be a herbal product. Costs around 6,000 rupees for a 25 litre drum)

3. Initially put a 9” layer of sand in all the trenches. Then add a layer of stone with the flat surface facing downwards. The spaces in between the large stones should be completely packed with smaller pieces of stone.

4. Then add a thick layer of sand to cover the stones.

5. Flood the trench with water to allow the sand to settle down and percolate into the gaps and seal them.

6. Repeat with 2 - 3 layers of sand and stone (flooding of water too) until you reach the ground level.

7. Allow foundation to rest and then construct a 1’ foot high stone plinth sealed with concrete to add the finishing touch. Make sure to cure (pouring water over the surface of the structure) the foundation over a period of 5-7 days. Curing ensures firmness.

Note: In a sand foundation, the building seated atop it is not attached to the foundation by any form of mortar. The building has a plinth beam running at the base of the walls that ties the entire building together and therefore if there is an earthquake or the likes, the building slides over the surface of the foundation as one unit and thus prevents the formation of cracks.