How the formwork is placed. How to make do-it-yourself foundation formwork: step-by-step instructions. Water based products

The construction of a house, a summer residence, a bathhouse, an outbuilding, a massive fence and other structures always begins with the construction of the foundation. He is the main pillar of the entire structure.

Types of foundations

The base of the building can be:

  • tiled;
  • stone;
  • columnar;
  • blocky;
  • tape.

The most common and most reliable is a cast strip foundation, which can be used both for building a house, and for a bathhouse, garage or fence. It is filled with formwork.

Concrete pouring device

Formwork is a structure of a certain shape that is used for casting. It is needed to build a foundation above the earth's surface. They build it from various materials, there are many options.

Formwork is of two main types:

  • removable - designed for repeated use;
  • non-removable - which are not removed after the concrete has hardened and remain inside the base, giving it additional heat, waterproofing and strengthening properties.

How to make the foundation formwork correctly

In the manufacture of any type of structure, it is necessary to adhere to the following requirements:

  • it should be made only of quality materials;
  • its frame must be strong, rigid, well fixed so that the given geometric shape does not change when pouring;
  • all elements must be precisely aligned and fit to each other;
  • removable formwork must be impregnated with special means that exclude adhesion to concrete, or from the inside upholstered with plastic wrap or roofing material:
  • the structure should be easily and quickly mounted and dismantled.

What factors are important to consider during construction

When constructing the formwork, in addition to the strength and reliability of the material of manufacture, it is important to take into account external factors affecting the work. These are the features of the climate in the area where the construction will be carried out, seismic activity, as well as seasonality. It is better to start the construction of structures in the spring and finish in the fall.

How to make a formwork for a foundation, taking into account a very important factor - the accuracy of the structure? When manufacturing, you must use a water level. The smallest errors in calculations can lead to distortions of the walls, cracks.

The wood intended for the construction of the formwork must be free of knots and have a smooth outer side. There should be no gaps or holes between the boards. All these factors affect the strength of the foundation, its processing and finishing.

The height of the walls of the formwork must be higher than the height of the fill. This makes it possible to minimize production losses, because then the concrete will not pour out of the structure.

Materials used for manufacturing

Any builder should know how to make high-quality formwork for the foundation. For the construction of the structure, you can use wood. This material is durable and environmentally friendly. The most reliable formwork is made of hardwood, which has all the strength characteristics. In this case, it is necessary that the board is at least 40 mm thick. You should know - the wider it is, the greater the likelihood of cracking. If gaps of up to 3 mm are found between the boards of the panels, they must be moistened with water before installation. When the shields swell, the cracks will disappear. Fill in gaps up to 10 mm with tow, and for holes larger than 10 mm use wooden battens. Dry materials should not be used for the construction of formwork. They will absorb water too quickly, causing the concrete to lose its strength.

In addition to boards, you can use plywood sheets. This is also a good design option. How to make plywood foundation formwork is a question that is often of interest to future home owners. It can be built independently, since the construction does not require special technologies. Adhering to the required dimensions, the plywood sheets are fastened together with steel corners using self-tapping screws. This structure is easily deformed, therefore, it must be fixed with ties, installing them after 55 cm, 25 cm from the top. For reliability, it should be strengthened with a metal frame.

The highest quality is formwork, the material for the manufacture of the frame of which is aluminum or steel. It has a high level of strength, thanks to which it can be used repeatedly. The structure is easy to assemble and dismantle.

How to make a formwork for the foundation of a house from expanded polystyrene? This modern material is used for the construction of a non-removable structure, which is an integral part of the base of the house. Expanded polystyrene is convenient for building a circuit, as it can have various shapes, retains heat well, and is resistant to moisture. Due to the qualities of this material, the foundation built from it has a flat surface, protected from condensation and mold.

Preparatory work before construction

How to make a formwork for the foundation, which is the base of the house? To do this, it is necessary to correctly install the structure. Since in most cases, removable wooden fixtures are used in the construction of individual residential buildings, we give an example of how to make formwork for a foundation from planks.

Before manufacturing it is necessary:

  • prepare a place to establish:
  • to clear the territory of all unnecessary;
  • remove the top layer of soil from the site;
  • to mark the territory for construction;
  • excavate soil from a foundation pit or trench to the appropriate depth indicated in the drawings.

Formwork production begins with the preparation of the site where construction is planned. The area needs to be cleared and leveled. After the clearing has been carried out, you should start marking the site. To do everything right, you should mark the site using wooden pegs and a rope. Then you need to dig a trench for the future foundation. Its width should be slightly larger than the size of the future structure. The bottom of the trench is covered with sand and gravel, leveling and tamping them.

Installation technology

After completing all the preparatory work, the question arises of how to make the formwork for the foundation. Construction begins with the manufacture of a shield, which should be above the line of concrete pouring. The formwork must exactly match the outlines of the future base of the building. To assemble the shield you need:

  • prepare boards of the required size;
  • fold the canvas of the desired height;
  • nail the boards from the inside to the vertically installed beams.

Thus, shields are made for the entire foundation. Then they need to be tied around the perimeter with a frame. Prepared beams with a section of 5x5 cm are attached with nails parallel to the fabricated canvas. To do this, you need to make the lower and upper frame belts. The lower belt, which serves as a stop, is fixed from the ground at a distance of 10 cm. The upper one is intended for props and is mounted 40 cm from the ground. Props are installed every meter.

The entire structure must be installed perfectly precisely, without various deviations. After completing all these stages of work, you can pour concrete into the prepared frame.

The basis for outbuildings

The owners of land plots for the construction of a house or summer cottage want to mark the boundaries of the property with a good, beautiful fence, but not everyone knows how to make formwork for the foundation under the fence. For manufacturing, you can use coniferous boards or sheets of film faced plywood. Its height should be 30 cm from the surface of the earth.

How to make a formwork for a bathhouse foundation? It’s very simple. Manufacturing and installation are carried out according to the technology for tape bases. The height of the structure is made 10 cm above the level of concrete placement.

It is not a very difficult process to make and carry out the installation of formwork for any structure. The main thing is to adhere to the necessary rules and stages of work.

Formwork for strip foundations is a special form designed to be filled with concrete. Its installation is carried out immediately after the completion of the trench and the site for the foundation of the building. If desired, it is easy to do it yourself.

Basic information about formwork - why is it needed, and what is it?

During the construction of various structures and houses, it is impossible to do without formwork - a structural form-building element in which the concrete mixture solidifies. With its competent design, you can minimize the cost of erecting a strip foundation and at the same time get a truly reliable and durable underground foundation for any building, from a fence to a residential building.

The formwork is manufactured in two types. It can be removable and non-removable. Removable is most often used in suburban construction for the construction of private houses on a strip foundation. It is easy to make it with your own hands from almost any wooden blocks and boards. The construction of more complex bored columnar foundations involves the use of permanent formwork. Such a structure, as its name implies, forever remains part of the base of the building; it is not removed after the concrete has set.

Nowadays, fixed-type formwork made of expanded polystyrene is in demand (including in private construction). It, firstly, provides the required form for the concrete solution poured into the foundation, and secondly, it performs the function of a high-quality and effective heat insulator.

These days, ready-made formwork is sold in construction stores. They have a number of undoubted advantages:

  • high strength;
  • absence of errors and inconsistencies of individual parts;
  • the ability to choose the material from which they are made (wood, expanded polystyrene, metal).

But ready-made kits cost a lot of money. Therefore, private construction usually uses formwork, which can be done with your own hands at low cost. Such an event is quite laborious. In this case, you will only need to stock up on boards (plywood), ordinary nails and wooden planks in order to build a reliable mold for pouring concrete.

Formwork materials - minimum required

For a strip foundation at home, it is recommended to make the shape of interest to us for the concrete composition from plywood or boards. It is made in the form of shields, fixed on a base of wooden blocks. The resulting shields are assembled into one structure by means of clamps, slopes and simple ties, and then mounted in a trench for. Here it is important to ensure that the inside surface of the panel structure is as even and smooth as possible.

The "uneven" side with all the elements for fixing individual parts of the formwork is brought out to the outside. To make a collapsible form for concrete with their own hands, they use plywood sheets of birch or an edged board (it is allowed to work with second-grade material) with a thickness of 2.4 to 3.6 cm. , clamps and so on) - from the remnants of wood materials. You just need to ensure that they are firmly fixed. After using the formwork, take it out.

Subsequently, you can use this form many more times. . To make the process of dismantling it quick and convenient, it is recommended to line the formwork that you made with your own hands with plastic wrap.

How to make a simple removable structure yourself?

In practice, the construction of a foundation mold is as follows. First, cut the bars into equal-sized pieces and sharpen one of their sides. Then you need to cut plywood or boards as accurately and correctly as possible - so that they correspond to the geometric parameters of the boards. It is important to tightly fit the elements of the panel structure, trying not to leave even the slightest gaps between them. With due diligence, this stage of do-it-yourself work is quite simple.

  • spread the bars on a flat surface, keeping a distance of about 100 cm between them;
  • align them carefully along the top edge;
  • put plywood (boards) on the bars and fix them with self-tapping screws (fasteners can also be made with ordinary nails).

Pay attention - the hats of the hardware must be inside a self-made panel structure for the strip foundation. If you do the opposite, the points of screws or nails will not allow you to easily remove the formwork after the concrete has set. If you need to make a foundation that has a certain expansion in its lower part, the shields must be resting against the board (it will be the supporting one), and the bars must be cut to the width of the frame. The latter is allowed not to deepen into the ground.

We continue to make the formwork with our own hands according to the following scheme:

  • we stretch a string of nylon between the bars driven into the ground in order to correctly mark the site;
  • we dig according to the marking of the ditch of the required depth (it is advisable to fill the trench with a mixture of gravel and sand);
  • we put, if necessary, a support board, and then a panel structure (at this stage it is necessary to use a level and a plumb line, which will allow the panels to be placed correctly and evenly).

With low stability of the shields for the strip foundation, they can be made more reliable. It is not difficult to strengthen the structure with special struts made of cuttings on the outside and bars on the inside. The cut is the same block cut at a 45-degree angle. It is mounted by a bulge between the shield frame and the ground. In fact, you have already managed to build the simplest formwork with your own hands. It is only necessary to put a polyethylene dense film on its walls and bottom (such protection will not allow the cement mixture to evaporate and eliminate the risk of the concrete solution seeping out).

Then, the installation of the bar reinforcement for the strip foundation is carried out, the filling of the made form with concrete and the leveling of its surface. There is nothing else to do. It is required to wait for the moment when the concrete mix sets. Dismantling of the formwork is carried out when a small gap appears between the concrete base and the boards. For strip foundations with a minimum of effort, tap with a rubber mallet on the outside of the panel frame.

First of all, you need to dismantle the clamps, slopes and screeds. And only after that, remove all the shields that make up the structure (this must be done in turn - one part of the frame, then the second, and so on). We hope that the installation of the formwork will take place at your place, thanks to our advice, simply and quickly. And you will get a really solid foundation "for the ages."

The most important part of any structure is the foundation. occurs only after the arrangement of the formwork. Such a structure is mounted in case of compliance with all rules and regulations. Before starting construction work, study the types of formwork and read the instructions for their installation.

Types, device, materials, requirements

For beginners in construction, the question arises: "What is formwork for the foundation?" This is a metal or wooden structure that helps to give the desired parameters (shape, position, structure) to concrete or primer solutions. It consists of form-building elements, fasteners and supporting materials.

There are two main types of formwork: removable, which must be removed after the poured mixture hardens, and non-removable, which remains part of the structure. By structure, frame, beam and tunnel systems are distinguished.

Before installing the formwork, it is worth checking it for compliance with the requirements:

  • the dimensions of the structure must be strictly calculated;
  • it is obligatory to check for cracks and cracks in order to avoid getting the solution into them;
  • the formwork must be resistant and strong to withstand concrete of any weight;
  • the correct choice of fasteners is important, they will help to carry out easy installation and dismantling.

Various materials are used for foundation formwork, the most popular of which is wood. The main requirement is that any material must create a flat surface.

Removable formwork

Removable formwork allows you to apply it to walls, ceilings, for casting columns or reinforced concrete elements. Experts distinguish modular, inventory structures made of metal, which have a high accuracy of element compatibility, reliability and a large number of cycles of use. Used in monolithic construction.

From planks

This option is the most common. To equip the formwork, sheet plywood is used either. The main advantages of this material are low price, ease of use. A negative factor is the need to use additional tools that help to strengthen the structure. For beginners in construction, it is best to use do-it-yourself plank formwork to avoid further problems with pouring the foundation.


Plank formwork

Plywood, chipboard, OSB

Formwork made of such materials is suitable only for small buildings. Its main advantage is its low cost, the disadvantages are the complexity of use, the danger of solution leakage, the use of additional supports and low bearing capacity.

Fixed formwork

The main characteristic of permanent formwork is that after the concrete has hardened, it remains in the foundation forever. Such a structure is assembled from scrap materials, from fiberboard and particle board, installation is much faster and more economical. If it is necessary to increase the strength of the base, materials such as metal hollow pipes are used for formwork.

Made of metal

The most expensive formwork material. Steel sheets with a thickness of 2 mm are used. This type of formwork is suitable for equipping strip and monolithic foundations. The reinforcement is nailed precisely to the sheets, and the sheets themselves are bent under the shape of the concrete base. The main disadvantage of this material is its high cost.

From expanded polystyrene

Is a quality and practical choice. It is easy to install and takes any shape. But the material also has a number of disadvantages - a rather high price and difficulties in the selection of elements.


Fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene

From reinforced concrete blocks

An expensive form of formwork is the use of concrete slabs. By increasing the thickness of the formwork, the amount of concrete base required can be reduced, which can save construction costs without compromising the quality of the building. But at the same time, due to the large weight, you will need to install additional props, which will also require certain funds.

How to make do-it-yourself formwork?

How to make a do-it-yourself foundation formwork? There are several ways to mount the structure.

The first way

Do-it-yourself fixed formwork for the foundation is installed according to the following instructions:

  • dig a trench according to the size of the future foundation, according to the drawn up project;
  • there should be a gap of 2 centimeters between the formwork and the ground for ease of installation;
  • after wedging, the gap is covered with earth;
  • cover the bottom layer of the pit with sand and gravel, tamping each layer;
  • install a reinforcing mesh on the embankment to increase strength;
  • choose the fastening methods yourself, paying attention to the features of the selected material;
  • pour concrete and let it harden for about 28 days, after which continue construction.

DIY foundation formwork

Second way

Installation of removable formwork is performed in the same way:

  • we mount the fixed structure to the corner of the foundation;
  • drown out with shields;
  • pour concrete mortar into the reinforced formwork;
  • expect hardening;
  • untwist the structure;
  • move and fix it in a different place.

Stops (spacers) and braces

In order to avoid the destruction of the formwork under the weight of the base, it should be carefully secured with braces from the outside. They should be no more than one meter apart. On both sides, stops are placed in the corners where the greatest load is. If the height of the shield is more than 2 meters, then it is worth building two levels of spacers. Stabilization of the distance between the two panels is carried out using 10 mm studs, nuts or metal spacers. Hairpins 10-15 centimeters long. The assembly of the structure is carried out in the following sequence:

  • holes are made on the shields;
  • a pipe section is mounted between them;

Spacers on the formwork for the foundation
  • a hairpin is held;
  • the installation of metal plates is in progress;
  • the nuts are tightened.

During the removal of the formwork, the nuts are unscrewed and the studs are removed, then the shields are removed.

DIY polystyrene foundation assembly

Polystyrene formwork avoids dampness and insulates the structure. First, check the surface of the foundation and level it if necessary. We carry out the markup, select the corners and other important elements. Connect the blocks along the perimeter of the building, especially in the corners. Check all markings and installation with a spirit level. Next, the stage of installing reinforcement and pouring concrete is coming.

How to spend less?

When installing the formwork, it is really a good idea to save money. One of the ways is to pour the formwork within a few days, this is especially true with a great depth of the foundation. This will not harm the strength of the fill in any way. You can split concrete horizontally and vertically.

It is important to calculate this process according to the plan. If the depth of the foundation is 1.5 meters, it is enough to divide the pouring into three stages of 50 cm each. Follow these instructions:

  • tie the reinforcement for the entire volume of the formwork;
  • pour concrete in height;

Filling the foundation with layers
  • after 7 hours, remove the top layer of cement laitance on the surface. It should be removed, as this layer becomes very fragile when hardened. After removal, the surface will become rough, which will increase the adhesion to the next layer;
  • after three days, lift the structure and set it to a higher level. Leave the pipes in the concrete;
  • refill the exposed formwork.

Vertical division

Splitting the plan vertically is another fill method. The joints must be placed at a certain distance when dividing the foundation into several parts. There are a few things to do:

  • Formwork in those parts of the building where the part to be installed ends.
  • Knit a reinforcing cage.
  • Reinforcement rods must extend beyond 50 diameters.
  • Pour concrete over the area.
  • After 7 hours, peel off the top layer vertically.
  • Apply another layer.

You will find many useful materials on our website:

  • ? It should be borne in mind that waterproofing cellars is an important element of the arrangement of buried premises. The main task is to prevent the penetration of water into the basement and to ensure its dryness. Examine the depth of the waters carefully and select the correct insulating material. The right approach to business will help avoid problems with food storage.

  • Before making a screed with expanded clay, study all the subtleties of the expanded clay material itself and the technology for making such a screed. It is advisable to heed the advice of professionals and pour a concrete layer 3 cm thick. Then the floor will not crack and will eliminate all irregularities.
  • How ? This is a very laborious process, which depends on many factors: what type of house (wood or stone), what soils, etc. Thanks to the correct selection of tools and materials, you can provide yourself with a reliable foundation for your house.
  • To answer the question is it possible, compare all the pros and cons. Do not forget to take into account the properties of aerated concrete blocks: it is economical and fast, but the stay in the bath will be uncomfortable because of the non-breathing walls.
  • He plays an important role in the durability of any building with his own hands, the main goal of which is to create a stable and even platform for the foundation and ensure less settlement. With proper pillow placement, the structure will last for hundreds of years.
  • - a fashionable trend and an indicator of the quality of the practicality of the work, their speed. The main thing is to develop the correct project before starting such events and be sure to take into account the analysis of the soil on the site.
  • The question is often asked: "What?" There is a wide variety of materials and technologies used, but be sure to remember that outdoor decoration must conduct steam well. Then the moisture from the house will be removed naturally.

Outcomes

Formwork installation is a process that requires special care, because further construction, strength and reliability of the foundation depend on it. If you follow the advice described in the material, then the foundation laid will serve you for more than a dozen years.

The foundation of a house is its foundation, its reliability and durability. Correct implementation of the foundation is a guarantee that the house will not need repairs for a long time. Errors in the implementation of the foundation mean skewed walls, cracks both in the finishing coatings and in the wall massifs themselves, sloped floors, a basement flooded with water and much more, not counting the already such wonderful bonus as the need for regular repairs, or even bringing it under the finished one. the house of a new foundation, otherwise the house may completely collapse.

Formwork when pouring the foundation is one of the main factors that ensure the correct arrangement of the base of the house. If we are talking about the fact that the formwork for the foundation should be made with our own hands, then before starting work, you need to familiarize yourself with some of the rules and regulations that the formwork must comply with, as well as the varieties of this structure. Formwork is not just a collection of planks or other materials that keep grout out of shape. There is much more to it. In fact, the formwork is the foundation of the foundation. Therefore, first you should familiarize yourself with how to make the formwork for the foundation with your own hands, and then buy the necessary materials and start doing the work. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the work of creating the formwork and foundations to professionals - it will cost less than the possible rework of already completed ones - and quite expensive! - works.

What is the formwork for the foundation made of?

Foundation formwork can be made of various materials. The only condition is the strength of these materials. They must be able to withstand the concrete pressure and not change configuration. Typically, the following materials are used for the manufacture of formwork:

  • metal;
  • reinforced concrete;
  • expanded polystyrene;
  • wood;
  • various materials at hand.

The use of this or that material depends on whether the formwork will be removable or non-removable, what type and type of foundation is required to be built, what structure will be erected on this foundation, and so on.

Metal formwork can be used for the construction of foundations of any type and type, it is strong and reliable, made of steel sheets with a thickness of 1-2 mm. Do-it-yourself metal formwork for a strip foundation is considered the best, as well as for arranging a monolithic foundation. In addition, the reinforcing rods are welded directly to the formwork, and this increases the rigidity and strength of the foundation, its resistance to various external influences, temperature drops, soil swelling, high humidity, and so on.

The advantages of metal formwork include not only its strength, but also the convenience of processing - metal sheets can be easily shaped without the use of specific equipment, they simply bend to obtain the required structure. The main disadvantage of metal formwork is its far from democratic price - this is the most expensive formwork option. However, if we are talking about building your own house, and finances allow, then you can spend money on this kind of formwork - based on considerations of reliability and durability.

Reinforced concrete formwork also belongs to the category of expensive options that are not suitable for every builder and not for every house. It is made of concrete slabs of various thicknesses, while the consumption of the concrete mixture when pouring the foundation depends on the thickness of the slabs.

It is believed that in this way it is possible to reduce costs, which are initially high due to the cost of formwork - with thick slabs, much less mixture for pouring the foundation is required, and the operational characteristics of the structure do not change.

However, do-it-yourself reinforced concrete formwork is a problematic option. Reinforced concrete slabs are very massive and in order to install them in place, special equipment is required, which further increases the construction estimate. In addition, working with such material requires certain knowledge and skills that not everyone has. For a beginner, it is better not to use reinforced concrete slabs as a material for making formwork, but to pay attention to simpler materials, work with which does not require special skills.

Another problem with such formwork: not always standard slabs can completely cover the perimeter of the foundation, in these cases additional spacers are required to be installed, and this is an additional cost, and the construction estimate increases right before our eyes.

Note that reinforced concrete formwork is not a vital necessity for any construction. For example, when building a small country house, such formwork is an extra expense of money, nothing more. Where you can get by with more budgetary and simple options, it is better to pay attention to them, and not to erect light buildings on massive foundations with solid formwork.

Formwork made of expanded polystyrene is considered to be of high quality and durable. For its device, ready-made blocks of polystyrene foam are required. The formwork is easy to assemble and does not require the involvement of specialists, all the work can be done independently. But as in all cases, when it comes to ready-made blocks, difficulties may arise with the closure of the entire perimeter of the foundation. The pluses of expanded polystyrene include the fact that it is easily processed, and you can solve the problem on a fairly budgetary basis. However, the blocks themselves are not cheap, and this is the most significant disadvantage of this type of formwork.

If we are talking about the foundation for a small structure “country house, barn, bathhouse, and so on”, then for assembling the formwork, you can use a variety of materials at hand - this significantly reduces the cost of arranging the foundation. The following are suitable materials for the manufacture of formwork:

  • slate;
  • professional sheets;
  • boards;
  • other handy materials available on the farm.

The main advantage of this type of formwork is its low cost. In fact, it is assembled from the remnants of various materials, for which you no longer need to pay, and you have to buy mainly fasteners, and even then not always. However, there are a number of disadvantages that you should remember when deciding to perform formwork from scrap materials:

  • it is rather difficult to assemble it, since it is necessary to ensure smooth walls and the absence of cracks through which concrete mortar could seep;
  • even with high-quality assembly, there is a possibility that the concrete solution will seep out of the formwork - to prevent this, various waterproofing materials "for example, polyethylene film" are usually used, which cover the inside of the formwork, which is in direct contact with concrete;
  • low bearing capacity;
  • with such formwork, splints and supports become a necessity.

Most often, formwork is made from wood, using sheet plywood and boards.

The main advantages of this formwork are:

  • quite low price for the required materials;
  • ease of installation of the formwork itself;
  • ease of material processing;
  • the ability to perform all the work independently without the involvement of specialists or the use of special equipment.

The main disadvantages include the need in some cases for additional elements to make the structure more rigid. But even under such conditions, wooden formwork is the simplest, and it is this type of formwork that can be safely recommended in order to carry out all the work on the construction of the foundation with your own hands.

In addition, for processing the source material, you do not have to purchase additional equipment or tools, usually a set, which is available in almost every farm, is sufficient.


When calculating the formwork, the dimensions of the raw materials must be taken into account. If the formwork is planned to be made of boards, then their standard dimensions are usually as follows:

  • length - 600 cm;
  • thickness - 2.5 cm or more;
  • width - about 10-15 cm.

To determine how many boards are required, a simple calculation is required: the perimeter of the foundation is divided by the length of the board. Then the height of the foundation needs to be divided by the width of the board - this way we find out how many boards need to be laid in height. Both values ​​are multiplied, the result is the number of planks required to construct the formwork. That is:

  • N = (P / l) × (H / s),
  • where N is the required number of boards required for the construction of the formwork;
  • P is the perimeter of the foundation of the future structure;
  • H is the height of the foundation of the future structure;
  • l is the length of the board;
  • s - board width.

Usually, 40-65 boards are required per 1 m3, the amount depends on the width and length of the boards. The quantity given here refers to prefabricated planks, but custom-sized “home” planks can also be used to construct the formwork.

In addition to boards for the construction of formwork, a beam will be required, the purpose of which is to fix the main elements. Also, spacers are made of timber, giving the structure additional rigidity and strength. The cost of additional materials can be up to 50% of the cost of the boards.

In addition, you will need reinforcement - for reinforcing the foundation, if necessary, various fasteners for assembling the formwork and, possibly, some tools required for the work.

The calculation should be done as carefully as possible, taking into account everything that may be required to design the formwork, from the hammer to the last screw. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the cost of work will begin to increase rapidly during their implementation, when it will no longer be possible to change the type of formwork, the type of materials from which it is made, and so on. Therefore, all questions must be decided in advance.

Note that it is not recommended to use low-quality materials for the construction of the formwork. For example, a low-quality board or timber. It happens that in order to save on formwork, half-rotted or skewed, twisted boards and so on are launched. But such savings are unambiguously detrimental. The quality of the foundation depends on the quality of the starting material, and, consequently, the strength and durability of the entire structure.

If the cost of the formwork turns out to be too high, then you can rent the formwork.

Removable formwork is widely used at various construction sites and is rented at a very reasonable price. It should be noted that the use of such rented formwork is almost always cheaper than the independent manufacture of the structure. In addition, time is also saved, which takes the selection of materials and the further construction of the formwork with your own hands.


Permanent formwork is a fairly popular option in construction. The fact is that such a formwork is much simpler than a removable one - after all, it is made for one time, and not for multiple use, and its installation takes much less time than the installation of a removable formwork. That is why this type of formwork is recommended for those who wish to do the work with their own hands. In addition, if we are talking about a one-time use of formwork during construction, then fixed formwork is the optimum - only for professional builders who move from site to site, removable formwork is of interest, since it can be used repeatedly at various sites.

For permanent formwork, it is optimal to use available materials - this significantly reduces the cost of the structure. In addition to the materials indicated above, the use of DSP and fiberboard is allowed, and for a columnar foundation, metal or asbestos pipes are used. The advantages of permanent formwork include the fact that additional support elements are not required to make the structure more rigid. Often, fixed formwork is used in the construction of various outbuildings that require a foundation, when the main house on the site has already been erected. In this case, after the completion of construction, various scrap materials remain, ranging from roofing "for example, slate, hydro and vapor barrier" and ending with various boards, blocks and others, which can be used for the construction of formwork from scrap materials.

True, it should be borne in mind that the savings on fixed formwork can be apparent - if it is necessary to erect several buildings, and for each of them it can be very, very expensive to acquire materials for the construction of fixed formwork. Before deciding on such a formwork option, a careful calculation should be made in order to determine the financial side of the issue - whether permanent formwork will really be more economical.

For the construction of permanent formwork, the following steps are required:

  • earthworks - foundation pit, pit, trench "depending on the type of foundation";
  • at the bottom of the pit, a sand-crushed stone pillow is arranged, which is carefully tamped, moreover, each laid layer should be tamped - the tighter the pillow is tamped, the better the quality of the foundation;
  • a reinforcing mesh is placed on the pillow to give greater strength to the finished foundation - not all buildings require foundation reinforcement, but if we are talking about a residential building, even a small one, or a country house, it is better to play it safe and not spare money for a reinforcing network;
  • the formwork is assembled, the assembly is carried out depending on the materials used.

It should be noted that a small gap "up to 3 cm" should remain between the ground and the formwork.

After the formwork is wedged, the gap is filled with soil.

Then, when the formwork is completely ready, concrete mixture is poured into it. The hardening time of the concrete mixture is about a month. Depending on the weather conditions “temperature, humidity, and so on,” this can be from 3 to 5 weeks. Until the concrete has reached the required strength, no other construction work is possible.


Removable plank formwork is quite a budget option available to everyone. Such formwork can be used when performing work independently in the event that it is required to erect more than one building, but several. For example, a residential building, a barn, a bathhouse, a garage, and so on - each of these buildings requires a foundation, and, consequently, the use of formwork. To reduce financial costs, it is recommended to use removable formwork from boards - the material is affordable, easy to process and quite cheap. In this case, one formwork can serve for all buildings on the site. Of course, with the appropriate adjustment to the dimensions of the specific foundation.

For the construction of removable formwork from boards, you should:

  • clear the site from debris, weeds and foreign objects;
  • mark the site in accordance with the construction project;
  • into the corners of the site, as well as along the perimeter with a step of 60-80 cm, drive in the support "bars", to which the main elements of the formwork will subsequently be attached, while the supports should be located so that then, when assembling the formwork, they would be outside, and not inside;
  • wooden shields are attached to the supports with nails or screws;
  • the verticality of the walls of the formwork is checked using the building level, in the absence of verticality, changes should be made to the design "additional screeds, spacers, and so on" in such a way as to achieve absolute verticality - the strength and durability of the future foundation depends on this;
  • to give the formwork additional rigidity and strength, the walls are fastened with studs - this measure is required if we are talking about a large foundation, using a large amount of concrete mixture;
  • all gaps and slots through which the concrete mixture can seep must be sealed, no slots larger than 3 mm must be left;
  • to the inner side of the formwork, a polyethylene film or other material is attached that can prevent the leakage of the concrete mixture through the existing cracks.

Formwork is a peculiar form for a cement-sand mixture, which allows you to form the correct geometry of the walls. Builders use both removable / temporary and permanent / permanent formwork for the foundation. The second option allows you to save time and effort on dismantling work, as well as insulate and / or strengthen walls, so it is increasingly used not only in industrial, but also in private construction.

Basic requirements for permanent formwork for foundations

Let's consider what properties the fixed formwork should have.

  • Moisture resistance of the material and the tightness of the seams. In the absence of this characteristic, the formwork will allow concrete to pass through, which will lead to an overrun of the mixture and make it impossible to build a wall.
  • Structural strength. This is necessary for the formwork to withstand the pressure of the concrete mixture from the inside and the ground from the outside (at the level of the foundation) without deformation and cracking.
  • Correct geometry of elements. Blocks of different thicknesses or irregular angles would have been impossible to build even walls and 90-degree joints between them.
  • Long period of operation. The longer the formwork is potentially able to exist, the higher the likelihood of a long life for the whole house. If the formwork collapses quickly, the unsupported walls may not be able to withstand the structural loads. In cases where the formwork does not have load-bearing properties, its destruction will lead to a deterioration in appearance due to delamination of the decorative finishing of the facade.

Permanent formwork is an essential element of an energy-efficient home

Table: advantages and disadvantages of fixed formwork

AdvantagesMinuses
Ease of construction, the final result depends less on the skill of the workers (in comparison with self-made removable formwork).In houses with permanent formwork, high humidity is often observed, which makes it necessary to equip a powerful ventilation system.
Good heat and sound insulation (in comparison with buildings made of bricks and reinforced concrete slabs).Impossibility of construction in the cold season, since a large mass of concrete hardens poorly at low temperatures.
Ease of finishing work due to the flat formwork surface without cracks and differences in wall thickness.The need for additional moisture in the concrete during a hot period in order to prevent cracking of the walls.
Reduced construction period compared to houses made of brick, stone, gas blocks.Buildings with a metal reinforcement cage must be grounded as quickly as possible so as not to expose people to the risk of lightning.
The durability of buildings with reinforced concrete formwork is 300 years or more.The complexity of dismantling during alteration and reconstruction, especially if the pouring reinforcement with metal rods was used.
The technology is suitable for the construction of buildings of any size and number of storeys, from summer houses to shopping malls.In the event of a fire, the formwork material can emit harmful substances.
Minimization of construction waste (compared to construction technology with removable formwork).In case of insufficient or improper external processing of polystyrene foam blocks, water, insects, small rodents can get into the walls.

Fixed metal formwork

To ensure a uniform wall thickness, the sheets of metal formwork are connected with metal studs

Metal formwork is one of the most expensive, therefore it is used mainly in industrial construction. It is made of sheets of aluminum or steel with a thickness of 1–2 mm on a metal frame and is connected with anchors, overlays or locks. The type and number of fasteners are calculated in such a way that when the concrete is poured and hardened, the sheets do not bend either inward or outward.

When the formwork is made to order for a specific building, the craftsmen of the manufacturer's company themselves carry out the verification assembly of the structure and only after confirming the suitability and completeness of all the parts, the order is sent to the buyer.

The metal formwork has the most precise geometry. The permissible deviation in the parallelism of the edges of the sheet is no more than 2 mm for 1 m of the length of the product.

In order to prevent premature oxidation and destruction of the metal due to contact with concrete and groundwater, the sheets of the future formwork are carefully coated with paint and grease in production. Often, galvanized steel is also used, or the powder coating method is used, which forms a dense polymer film on the sheet. But if welding is used during installation (welding of sheets to the frame or reinforcement to sheets), it will be necessary to reapply a protective compound (grease, mastic, paint) to the places damaged by temperature.

Powder coating of metal sheets is one of the most effective methods of protecting them against corrosion.

Metal is well suited for buildings with complex geometry, since thin sheets are easy to bend at any desired angle, to make a rounding or an arch. The finished walls are very neat and smooth; if desired, they can be left without decorative trim. Architects recommend using metal formwork in areas with difficult loose soil.

In order to prevent the flow of concrete, the joints of the metal formwork are connected especially carefully

But experts also note some of the disadvantages of metal formwork:

  • significant weight of steel sheets, which requires the use of special equipment;
  • the need for additional thermal insulation of walls and foundations;
  • the grease on the sheets is easily erased and stains the workers.

Installation of aluminum sheets for wall formwork by a couple of workers

Sheets made of aluminum with the addition of silicon, which weigh much less than steel and do not require protection from the external environment, will help to minimize the labor costs of transporting and installing metal formwork.

Permanent formwork made of reinforced concrete blocks

Reinforced concrete formwork blocks are recommended for large construction projects, at least for a three-story private house. Since they have increased strength characteristics, in smaller buildings, such a safety margin will be excessive. Thin-walled blocks are excellent for arranging the foundation of a capital fence.

Reinforced concrete formwork blocks are installed with an offset

Reinforced concrete formwork blocks have the following advantages:

  • allow you to save cement-sand mortar, due to the significant wall thickness;
  • suitable for the construction of basements of any depth, as well as intermediate floors;
  • mounted with a minimum joint width;
  • provide a building service life of several hundred years.

The best formwork is obtained from reinforced concrete blocks with indicators F75 (frost resistance), W4 (water permeability), 6% (water absorption), 350 kg / cm 2 (mechanical strength).

An example of the arrangement of reinforcement in the formwork of reinforced concrete blocks designed for two rods

Among the disadvantages of reinforced concrete blocks are:

  • large weight (a block 510x400x235 mm weighs 30 kg), because of which it is transported only by trucks, and only workers with a crane are installed;
  • high price - about 500 rubles per unit.

Ceramsite concrete blocks do not have such disadvantages. Providing the high strength of the walls, these analogs of reinforced concrete blocks also do not require insulation of the house, since they already contain insulation - expanded clay.

Permanent plywood formwork

For formwork, moisture resistant plywood is most often used, but even then this material is usually used to create a temporary form. After all, the service life and weather resistance of a laminated plywood sheet is an order of magnitude lower than the same parameters of a concrete wall.

Permanent plywood formwork is acceptable in the following cases:

  • in the manufacture of a temporary structure (for example, a small house in which the owner lives during the construction of the main house);
  • when constructing non-residential buildings (chicken coop, shed, wood warehouse);
  • when it is necessary to save as much as possible on construction;
  • if the walls and foundation are insulated along the outer contour and the plywood is completely protected from external influences.

In addition to questionable durability and strength, plywood formwork will require a lot of labor and careful handling. Since the sheets do not have a groove-ridge system and special joints, you will have to assemble the structure with self-tapping screws, additionally seal each joint and make an external crate with supports (so that the plywood does not bend). In addition, non-waterproof plywood swells and exfoliates from water, and laminated plywood repels the concrete mixture and never forms a monolithic wall with it, so it is very important to find a waterproof material with good adhesion.

Technoblock - an example of the successful use of plywood in formwork

Designation in the picture:

  • 1 - decorative facing layer;
  • 2 - a layer of insulation;
  • 3 - plastic supports for fittings;
  • 4 - concrete pouring (a cavity is provided for it in the block);
  • 5 - plywood sheet.

As a result, despite the low cost and environmental friendliness of plywood, experts recommend using it only for temporary formwork. For a permanent one, it is better to use a technoblock - a composite product with an inner plywood layer.

Fixed wood concrete formwork

Arbolit is a relatively new, but time-tested material. Formwork blocks made of concrete and wood chips began to be made recently, but such a mixture was used to insulate floors back in Soviet times. Arbolite blocks are much cheaper and lighter than reinforced concrete ones, so they are actively used for individual low-rise construction.

In some models of wood concrete blocks, a layer of insulation is provided - stone wool or polyurethane foam

Compared to other types of fixed formwork, wood concrete blocks:

  • can be easily cut with tools for working with wood, which allows them to be adjusted on site to the required parameters: cut corners, make arched roundings, cut out fragments for better adhesion of walls at the corners of a building, reduce height / length;
  • mounted quickly and without special equipment (1 m 2 of the wall is only 8 blocks);
  • provide high strength, sound absorption and thermal insulation with a smaller wall thickness (compared to brick and expanded polystyrene);
  • safe for the health of others, waste can be processed industrially;
  • strong enough for fastening gutter clamps and loaded elements of facade systems (guides for hanging siding, etc.);
  • are not afraid of fires (withstands up to 90 minutes of open fire);
  • frost-resistant, suitable for regions with harsh climates.

The disadvantage of wood concrete is its water permeability, therefore it is recommended to use it for the construction of walls on a ready-made waterproof tape or slab foundation. The use of wood concrete for arranging the foundation is undesirable, since it will need to be very carefully protected from moisture.

An example of arranging wood concrete and brick formwork

Arbolite is produced in the form of hollow blocks and panels. In the second case, the panel serves only as the inner contour of the wall, and the outer one must be equipped with bricks. The cavity between the materials is poured with concrete and reinforced, as when using other types of formwork. This option is more difficult to install, but the finished house turns out to be warm (wood concrete), beautiful (brick) and durable (fusion of the strength characteristics of three materials).

When buying blocks and slabs made of wood concrete, pay attention to eco-labeling, as some manufacturers use binders that are harmful to health (phenol, naphthalene). Be careful, plasticizer toxins can be released from the material even at room temperature.

Manufacturers of wood concrete formwork blocks offer options for both high-rise buildings and small buildings. Be sure to consult with a consultant so as not to spend extra money on concrete for pouring thin-walled blocks or mistakenly take blocks with too small voids.

Permanent formwork made of cement-bonded particle board

DSP (cement particle board) or sawdust concrete is another variation of a mixture of cement and crushed wood. It differs from wood concrete by the type of binder and the addition of sand. Therefore, CBPB is a denser, stronger and heavier material, and its thermal insulation is worse than that of wood concrete.

Cement particle boards can be used as a finishing material when coated with decorative mineral chips

Among the advantages of wood concrete formwork:

  • the material breathes, so there is no need to equip forced ventilation in the house and fight the greenhouse effect in other ways;
  • DSP is able to withstand fires, its fire resistance is confirmed by laboratory tests;
  • the plate consists of natural materials, therefore it does not harm nature and health;
  • gives the house high strength: with a thickness of 25 cm, the wall is able to withstand three times more loads than a brick wall of the same thickness;
  • DSP is resistant to sudden changes in temperature, therefore it is suitable for regions with a sharply continental climate;
  • the material has sufficient stability and geometric stability so that the distance between the floors could be 2.8–3 m;
  • it is possible to build houses using cement-bonded particle boards even in winter, until the temperature drops below -20 ° C;
  • DSP requires minimal finishing, inside the house it can be painted or pasted over with wallpaper without putty.

An example of creating a reinforced formwork for a foundation made of cement-particle boards

European builders have been using cement concrete formwork for more than 25 years, so there are many houses that confirm the durability and reliability of this material. Cement particle boards are well suited for both individual and multi-storey buildings, even in the harsh northern climate.

Fixed formwork made of profiled sheet

Profiled sheet, profiled sheet or corrugated board has found its use as a permanent formwork, although it is much more often used for the manufacture of fences, roofs, outbuildings. Important: the profiled sheet is only suitable for arranging composite floor slabs and, with large spans (from 5 m), requires additional temporary supports. For the construction of walls, this material is not used due to its small thickness, which reduces its resistance to mechanical stress in an upright position.

An example of a floor structure with a base of profiled sheet

Formwork from this material attracts builders with such features:

  • the metal is fully protected by galvanizing and / or a polymer layer, therefore it does not rust;
  • in industrial buildings, the material can be left without decorative trim, the ceiling is visually pleasing and practical;
  • profiled sheet performs not only the function of a form for concrete, but also serves as sheet reinforcement;
  • the corrugated board transfers the load to the metal frame of the building, so the internal walls do not bear heavy loads and it becomes possible to save money by building them from lightweight materials (aerated concrete, sandwich panels);
  • sheets of small thickness are simply cut with metal scissors, from which formwork of any shape can be created.

To ensure good adhesion to concrete, choose special corrugated sheets with teeth for formwork.

It looks like an interfloor flooring based on corrugated board from the inside of the building

Fixed formwork made of profiled sheet is used mainly in industrial construction, as it requires the construction of a metal frame of the building and metal floor beams. It is not suitable for an individual house, as it will be unreasonably expensive.

Fixed formwork made of expanded polystyrene

Expanded polystyrene / polystyrene is the most popular material for permanent formwork. Its relevance is explained by such factors as:

  • low weight, which makes it easy to transport;
  • tongue-and-groove connection system for the most simple installation;
  • speed of laying (foam blocks of permanent formwork are larger than concrete ones, so the work is progressing faster);
  • variety of types (reinforced, with protective impregnations);
  • thermal insulation properties, thanks to which the house does not need additional insulation;
  • soundproofing;
  • biological inertness preventing the development of mold, moss, etc.

Examples of polyurethane foam formwork blocks of different configurations

Opponents of expanded polystyrene formwork indicate its danger in case of fire and a low degree of environmental friendliness. Even if you buy materials labeled eco, this does not guarantee that the formwork will not harm your health or nature.

It is also important to keep in mind that foam formwork will be a good choice for buildings of a simple shape, since the range of corner and rounded blocks does not yet satisfy all consumer needs.

Permanent formwork made of magnesite glass

Magnesia glass sheets or LSUs have been used as permanent formwork since the middle of the 20th century for the construction of insulated houses. The material consists of a mixture of magnesium oxide and chloride, perlite, sawdust, fiberglass and polypropylene fabric. Not all components of glass magnesite are natural, but the finished composition is completely safe for people.

Various options for glass-magnesite sheets with decorative finishing

LSU is an excellent option for building or renovating a house with a weak foundation... Since the sheets themselves and the lightweight concrete mixtures used for pouring weigh much less than bricks, reinforced concrete blocks and other traditional materials, they do not load the building structure so much.

Among the advantages of glass magnesite:

  • multifunctionality: it is suitable for creating foundations, walls, floors, fences, etc.;
  • high thermal insulation, which is associated not only with the properties of the formwork itself, but also with the advantages of the aggregate (fiber-reinforced concrete of the D250-D320 brand, concrete with expanded polystyrene balls M300);
  • fire resistance;
  • complete moisture resistance, which makes the material suitable for the construction of baths and saunas, for use in areas with a humid climate and in wetlands;
  • small thickness of walls with LSU formwork will save space inside the house;
  • the rough surface of the sheets can be easily revetted with clinker tiles, decorative plaster or any other finishing material;
  • the sheet can be slightly bent if necessary for the construction of a semi-tower or other home decoration (radius of curvature - 3 m).

If you plan to cut LSU slabs on site, purchase replacement jigsaw blades. This material wears out nail files several times faster than wood concrete and plywood.

Magnesite glass sheets will come to the yard at all stages of building a house

Magnesite glass sheets, like wood concrete, often form only the inner contour of the formwork, while the outer one is most often built from decorative bricks. As a result, external finishing is unnecessary, and inside there will be a fairly thin layer of putty. The technology is suitable for the construction of houses up to 5 floors on a ready-made strip / slab foundation... In addition, it requires more time and effort than the use of formwork made of expanded polystyrene or DSP (excluding decorative finishes).

Magnesite glass sheets are so far produced only in China and Korea; LSU quality control is also carried out there. There are no domestic analogues for this material.

Instructions for the assembly of pre-fabricated formwork

We will consider the technology of constructing a foundation from ready-made hollow blocks using the example of lightweight concrete products. Unlike reinforced concrete blocks for high-rise buildings, these "bricks" can be installed by hand without a crane and manipulator.

  1. Prepare a pillow under the block foundation by filling and compacting layers of sand and fine gravel. A thin screed should be poured over the pad to simplify the further laying of the blocks, as well as to avoid concrete leakage when pouring the foundation.

    Sand and gravel cushion must be spilled with a thin layer of concrete before installation

  2. Stretch the thread along the trench and lay the first layer of blocks on the pillow, being careful not to deviate from this guide. It must be mounted so that the gap between the elements is minimal. If the gap increases significantly along the trench, the reason may lie in the unevenness of the pillow. In this case, the row needs to be disassembled and a smoother base made.

    Due to the correct geometry of the blocks, the foundation tape is even and clear

  3. Connections between walls should be provided with special blocks of slightly longer length. If there are none, a recess should be made in the universal blocks, as in the picture. This will ensure a secure adhesion of the perpendicular foundation strips.

    Special corner blocks must be placed at the joints of the inner and outer walls.

  4. Place metal or fiberglass reinforcement in the slots of the blocks. For low-rise construction, two parallel rods are enough, but if necessary, you can arrange three.

    The blocks have special grooves for reinforcing rods

  5. At the junction of the walls, the rods should overlap so that the length of the free end is at least 2 cm.

    Pay attention to the location of the upper and lower rods in relation to each other, they should form a regular square

  6. When the length of the rod is not enough, it can be extended by tying a new rod with a special thin wire. It is advisable to make 2-3 dressings in different areas of the overlap.

    Tie the reinforcement with an overlap of 15-20 cm

  7. Place the second row of concrete blocks exactly on top of the first. Do not allow even small deviations, if necessary, adjust the position of the block with a mallet.

    Place the second row of hollow blocks on top of the first

  8. Pour the prepared formwork with liquid cement-sand mortar so that the concrete level does not reach the grooves for the reinforcement.

    The concrete level should be slightly above the middle of the top row of blocks

  9. Before the concrete begins to dry, try to expel excess air by piercing the space inside the formwork with a reinforcing bar from top to bottom. After that, place the reinforcement vertically, especially carefully reinforcing the outer corners and joints of the walls.

    Vertical reinforcing bars can be installed individually at a distance of 1.5 m from each other

  10. After the concrete has dried, start building up the foundation. Install and tie up the reinforcement, assemble two new rows of blocks and fill the formwork with concrete. Continue this way until the foundation reaches the height you want.

    New reinforcement is installed on top of the concrete screed

  11. The last row of foundation blocks is poured until a flat horizontal surface is formed. Until the concrete is dry, it can be trimmed with a small board or long plastering trowel.

    The foundation is ready for the construction of the walls of the future home

A foundation of concrete hollow blocks for a private house according to the described technology is assembled by two workers in 2-3 days, taking into account the time for setting the concrete of the first layers.

Comparison of the costs of creating a foundation from full and hollow reinforced concrete blocks and monolithic with temporary formwork

The comparison shows that a foundation made of hollow concrete blocks is 18% cheaper than that of solid concrete blocks and 36% cheaper than a strip monolith cast using temporary wooden formwork. This is achieved by saving on the amount of reinforcement, reducing labor costs, the amount of concrete, etc. But it will be too expensive to build walls from reinforced concrete blocks (compared to polyurethane foam, arbolite), it is better to use it only for the foundation.

Making permanent formwork with your own hands

Let us consider the process of creating a permanent formwork from sheet materials with independent cutting using the example of EPS (extruded polystyrene foam).

  1. Fold the sheets into pieces corresponding to the width and length of the tamped trench. From the remains, cut out strips for the sides with a height of 20-25 cm. The total length of the sides should correspond to the double perimeter of the trench + 20% for overlapping at the corner points.

    It is possible to cut sheets of expanded polystyrene not only with power tools, but also with a hand hacksaw

  2. Place the sheets in the trench so that the sides are on the XPS layer and not touching the ground. Fasten the sheets in the corners by piercing the material with the plastic ties of the SVT system.

    When laying EPS sheets in a trench, try to minimize gaps

  3. Place the halves of the plastic ties between the vertical sheets and fasten them together. If the system does not snap tight enough, tighten the connections with pliers.

    Plastic ties are easy to install by hand

  4. Install reinforcing bars above and below the horizontal braces. To keep the metal in the thickness of the concrete, place pieces of expanded polystyrene under the rods. Special grooves on plastic ties will help maintain the same distance between the reinforcement bars throughout the entire foundation.

    Both metal and fiberglass reinforcement rods are suitable for reinforcement.

  5. Tie the rods together with a thin wire folded 2-3 times. In the same way, the reinforcement can be tied to plastic ties.

    Installed reinforcing rods must be tied with thin wire, welding is not allowed

  6. Build up the foundation with whole sheets of EPS, having previously attached narrow strips of the same material to them using plastic clips. Place the prepared sheets as shown in the figure. When installing, pay attention to the location of the grooves and ridges on the sheet.

    We begin to increase the height of the foundation

  7. Attach vertical sheets to each other with ties, install and tie the reinforcement using the technology described above. You should get at least two plastic-reinforcing belts, approximately at a distance of 10 cm from the upper and lower edges of the sheet.

    Plastic spacers between the plates are installed in the same way

  8. Attach the locking plate to the sharp ends of the plastic ties and cut off the ends that remain free.

    The protruding tails of the screeds are easy to cut with pliers

  9. Fill the reinforced formwork with cement-sand mortar. You can use your own concrete mixer to prepare concrete, but you will need a lot of mortar. If you doubt that you can fill the entire foundation in a day, it is better to use the services of an industrial concrete mixer tank.

    Fill the finished foundation with concrete

  10. Remove air bubbles with a construction vibrator and level the concrete surface. In this case, it is impossible to expel air with a reinforcing bar, since the metal will damage the formwork, easily piercing the EPSP sheet.

    The upper plane of the concrete layer must be at the level of the outer formwork layer

After the concrete of the foundation has completely solidified, you can continue pouring the walls using the same technology, but such a foundation can be used with other materials.

Video: technology for building a house with permanent formwork from chip blocks

When giving preference to one of the options for permanent formwork, consider not only your financial capabilities and labor costs, but also the purpose. For example, in areas with swampy soil, blocks based on wood chips should not be used, and in cold regions, you should pay attention to a material with a minimum coefficient of thermal conductivity. In this case, you can quickly build a warm house without unnecessary financial costs.