Everyone wants to build a strong foundation. A strong foundation is a primary objective for any building. Strength is a crucial aspect of the construction process that should not be overlooked. There are several reasons why a building needs to be strong. Because of the recent natural calamities, it became necessary for buildings to have high strength and stability to prevent collapsing. It is also very crucial for the people who are using or living in those buildings. A strong foundation ensures the durability of the building or structure. A weak property causes many losses, including structural damage, moisture lock, mould and mildew growth, and cracks and dusting. That is why it is important to build a strong foundation that includes strength and stability, which elongates the lifespan of any building. A building with a strong foundation is more desirable and attractive to buyers. It enhances the property value.
A strong foundation requires many factors for its construction. For building safety, stability, longevity, and strength, it is necessary to use good quality materials or components in construction. It is essential to use components that can support the weight of the building and ensure its stability. Good quality material satisfies the specific guidelines that are given by the legal authorities as building codes to prevent legal issues. Low-quality components are more likely to deteriorate and require frequent repairs or replacements, resulting in higher maintenance costs over time. But using the best gives you the best results, enhancing the appearance and increasing the demand for the property. A building needs the best quality of cement, concrete, stones, gravel, and sand.
One of the most important materials in construction is cement. It is a base material used as a binding agent in the mixture on which the major part of the construction depends. It is a dry, fine-particle, greyish powder used to hold other materials together. It is a composite mixture of chemicals like calcium oxide (CaO), silica (SiO2), alumina (Al2O3), iron (Fe2O3), and gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O). Cement is a versatile material. It is used for various reasons like binding, strength, durability, and sustainability. It is important to use it in its definite proportion for a desirable structure and quality of the building. It is crucial to mix the cement properly for better results. If the cement does not mix uniformly, it may form lumps and clumps, which leads to the weakening of the building in some spots. The uniform mixing of cement ensures a building’s stability, strength, and longevity. It is essential to mix cement with water in a definite proportion to get a proper mixture. It should not be too thick or too thin, as this may cause adhesion issues that affect the finished structure. It also allows the mixture to set and harden properly. A poorly mixed mixture can result in the cement setting too quickly or too slowly, which can affect the structure’s integrity. A good mixture gives your project a desirable appearance as well as high value and a strong foundation.
Here are the steps to follow when mixing cement for a strong foundation:
Step 1: Gathering the best quality materials
- Cement
- Sand
- Gravel
- Water
- Measuring tools (bucket, shovel)
- Mixing container
- Safety equipment (gloves, masks, goggles)
Step 2: Measure the amount of cement that will be used.
- First, you have to calculate the dimensions of the desired building structure. You should start by measuring the height, length, and width of the land or desired foundation. Then, you should calculate the volume with the measurements. You just have to multiply all three units to get volume. And finally, for the total amount of cement you require, you multiply 1.5 by the volume of the foundation. Keep in mind to purchase the best-quality cement.
Step 3: Prepare a mixture of cement, sand, and gravel.
- After calculating and getting the desired amount of materials according to the dimensions of the foundation, You should mix the sand and gravel in the mixer. Take the proportion of 1:2 for sand and gravel, respectively. Mix them properly, and then add cement to the mixture with the help of a shovel. Do wear gloves and a helmet to prevent any kind of injury. Mix the cement with the mixture of sand and gravel in the proportion of 1:2:3. And wait till the mixture mixes properly and forms a proper dry composition.
Step 4: Add the water to the mixture.
- When the mixture becomes ready, add water gradually. The addition of water to the mixture should be done slowly to avoid the formation of lumps. Slowing motion helps to get the required proportion of the mixture. It prevents the mixture from getting too wet or lumpy. The water and the mixture must be added in a ratio of 1:2. Then, let the mixing material stay in the mixture till you get a consistent and uniform result.
Step 5: Mixture Testing
- Test the mixture before direct use. It is important to check that the mixture is ready to use because it affects the strength of the building. To check the mixture, take a handful of it with gloves on. Make a sphere out of it. Then, throw it to the ground from 3–4 feet away. If it breaks, it shows your mixture is dry and lacking strength. You should add some water to it. And If the sphere is not formed before throwing it, your mixture is too thin and may cause adhesion problems. The test will be successful if the sphere forms properly and does not break at waist height.
Step 6: Apply the mixture.
- Once you are sure that the mixture is workable, Then, start to apply it to build your dream project. Start from the corners at the basal areas and potentially apply it across the building to get a strong foundation.
In conclusion, nowadays, buildings and structures are the most important barriers that stand against many crises and natural disasters to protect us. Hence, its foundation must be strong. It is critical to use the best materials and methods to build any structure that is strong and stable. In this blog, we learn about a method that indicates how to make a good mixture of one of the most important base materials, cement, to build a strong foundation.
