Basement Walls

Construction Field series Episode 4 – R.C.C Basement walls (Retaining walls)

In this episode our technical staff will explain proceedings after following steps discussed in last episode:
-Toe wall
-Vapor barrier
-Reinforcement
-Water stopper PVC for joint protection
-Concrete pouring for basement bed

Next to be discussed: R.C.C Retaining walls that will include brief tutorials about:

Starter for layout

After complete R.C.C basement bed, next step is to make R.C.C retaining walls for which first objective is to mark layout of walls in form of a concrete starter. Starter also serves the purpose of reference line for shuttering that is to be done for holding concrete of retaining walls during pouring process.

Reinforcement for Retaining walls

Reinforcement is carried out as per structural drawings for basement R.C.C retaining walls provided by the structural engineer. There should be no compromise in reinforcement of walls, as it has to hold the weight of earth fill surrounding it.

Electrical conduit

After completing reinforcement and before shuttering process, electrical conduit is placed within steel mesh. Conduit is placed as per electrical drawings or as required on site.

Shuttering process

Shuttering is done to hold concrete of retaining walls during pouring process. Shuttering can be done in multiple methods such as using wooden planks, steel plates and palai sheets etc.

Concrete pouring 1:2:4 M15

M15 concrete pouring is composed of 1 ratio of cement to 2 ratio of sand to 4 ratio of crush aggregate and mixed with 24 to 25 litres water. Concrete should always be vibrated using steel rods so that the mixture blends together. Better blending means more strength. Admixtures can also be used for making concrete more water proof and less honeycombing. After concrete pouring, it should be cured for at least 10 days to gain comprehensive strength.

RCC(Reinforced cement concrete) structure have a higher cost, and basements are constructed in RCC structures. Financially it is out of budget for most of us to afford basements. However it has many benefits e.g. extra living space, controlled temperatures in summers and winters both, safe from outside pollutions such as noise and dust etc. Basements can be designed for complete and partial accommodations. A complete accommodation includes master bedrooms with washrooms along with other divisions such as living area, store, servant room etc., whereas partial accommodation only includes later divisions. Partial accommodations are recommended more since it does not have wet areas such as washrooms & kitchens hence not requiring installation and maintenance of septic/liquid waste disposal systems.

Field series Episode 4