Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Foundations checklist
that compression straps can be hooked
round them. This pin can be removed
after use and the hole plugged.
The above examples of foundation types
have all been used successfully with straw-
bale buildings in the UK and Ireland. It is also
possible to use these ideas in combination,
as long as you follow these basic principles.
•
Fix anchor bolts into the foundations
internally and externally to take comp-
ression straps. Ensure that they are fixed
close enough to the wall so that they
can be plastered in, or that they can be
removed later.
•
Raise
the bales off the ground by a
minimum of 300mm (12”) but preferably
450mm (18”), and by at least 25mm (1”)
higher than the finished floor level.
•
Drill holes in the baseplate large enough
to take the hooks of the straps, ensuring
that the walls are heavy enough to
prevent uplift.
•
Secure
the bales to the foundations,
usually with hazel stubs attached to a
timber baseplate.
Fixings for door frames, etc.
•
Protect
the bales from moisture from
above, below and outside by good
design and choice of material.
Anything that fixes directly to the foundation,
such as door frames, must have provision
made for it. Structural box frames on
buildings with solid foundations are usually
bolted into the foundation or fixed to the
timber baseplate. Fixing posts for windows
and doors are fastened securely into the
baseplate.
•
Make sure the
foundations are as insulated
as the straw walls above.
•
Make provision for
tie-down and comp-
ression straps
if required.
•
Use local and natural materials
as much
as possible, for the least environmental
impact.
