 | Appropriate Building Materials: a Catalogue of Potential Solutions (SKAT, 1988, 430 p.) |
 |  | Examples of foundation materials |
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Natural stone foundations
KEYWORDS:
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Special properties |
Suitable where concrete is expansive |
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Economical aspects |
Low cost |
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Stability |
Good |
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Skills required |
Skilled labour |
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Equipment required |
Masonry equipment |
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Resistance to earthquake |
Medium to good; depends on overall design |
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Resistance to hurricane |
Good |
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Resistance to rain |
Good |
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Resistance to insects |
Very good |
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Climatic suitability |
All climates |
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Stage of experience |
Widely used |
SHORT DESCRIPTION:
· Stone foundations are made of rubble (undressed stone) or squared stone; similar construction is possible with broken brick and concrete from demolished buildings.
· The quality of mortar is of importance to achieve good strength. An example of a good mix is:
- 4 parts cement
- 1 part lime
- 12 parts clean sand
-
sufficient water to make a workable mix.
· Construction should start on firm, uniform strong subsoil. It should not be started on grass, black fertile soil, filled up materials or mud.
· Under the foundation there should be a layer of lean concrete (min. 5 cm) or tamped sand; minimum depth 40 cm.
· In earthquake areas, reinforcement with wire mesh or steel rods is required, but professional advice should be sought. Further information: Bibl. 01.01, 01.05, 01.06, 20.05.
Stone in Earth Mortar (from Vorhauer,
Bibl. 20.05); Stone in Cement Mortar (Bibl.
20.05)
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