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Building RCC Footing Foundations for a Lasting Home Construction

If you're thinking of a construction project in the near future or simply curious about the building blocks of structures, this guide is your go-to resource for understanding and executing the installation of Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) footings.

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Key Takeaways

 

  Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) increases footing strength and reduces the structural load on the foundation.

 

 RCC Footings spread the building load to reduce pressure on the foundation.

 

  Key installation steps include accurate measurement, watertight formwork joints, and correct alignment as per the architect's plan.

 

•  The process involves preparing the area, creating a concrete bed, placing the reinforcement cage, applying slurry, pouring concrete, and curing.

 

•  Precision is vital in RCC footing installation; minor errors can lead to significant future issues.


To understand RCC footings, firstly, we should understand what the word RCC implies. RCC or Reinforced Cement Concrete is a type of concrete where steel bars, wires, or mesh are added to increase its strength. It is a composite material in which reinforcement with higher tensile strength or ductility is added to make up for the relatively low tensile strength and ductility of concrete.


What is  RCC Footing?

The part of the building that is in direct contact with the ground or soil is known as the footing. The purpose of a footing is to spread the load from the building across a wider area. When these footings are prepared using RCC, they are known as RCC footings. The whole weight is dispersed to the ground by the RCC footings, which ultimately lightens the structural burden on your home's RCC foundation.


Tips for RCC Footing



Any building structure's foundation is its fundamental core. A typical RCC foundation distributes the weight of the building from the structure to the ground and protects it from the earth's weight. The process of laying the foundation is essential. RCC column footings help in load-bearing constructions. A footing is a structure in contact with the ground and disperses load across a larger area.

 

Some essential tips should always be kept in mind while laying a solid RCC footing for your house, which are listed below:

 

1. Verify that the inner shuttering measurements (Length, Breadth, and Depth) match the size, shape, and specifications suggested by the structural and architectural engineers. Ensure the structural requirements are met for the footing.

 

2. Make sure the shuttering and formwork joints are watertight so that there are no water losses that could cause honeycombing or an unattractive finish. To fill any apparent gaps between shuttering panels, use shuttering tape, etc.

 

3. Using measuring tape and strings, preferably with a level, verify that the footing's alignment and location are per the centerline recommended by the architects. 

 

4. Count the distance between the footings from center to center.

 

5. Ensure that the shuttering attached to the RCC footings is solid enough to support a load of concrete.

 

6. Verify the formwork used for reinforcement is flawless and error-free. RCC footing that is smooth and level.

 

7. Verify that the bars' diameter, quantity, spacing, and placement are per the structural designs.

 

RCC foundations are essential as they support the weight of the structure. For the weight to be transmitted efficiently, it is important to align them so that they are upright. The column shuttering must be strong enough to withstand the weight of freshly laid, wet concrete and remain in place while concreting.


Also Read: A Guide To Different Foundation Materials Used In Construction

 

What are the Steps for Installing RCC Footings?



1) Prepare the Area

The first step to installing an RCC foundation is to prepare the area where the footing will be placed. This involves compacting the soil to make it firm and sturdy. This step is so vital because it provides a stable base for the footing.

 

2) Create the Concrete Bed

Once the ground is stable, pour a layer of concrete, about 160mm thick, over the area. This will serve as a solid base or a flat surface for the footing structure.

 

3) Place the Reinforcement Cage

The next step involves placing the reinforcement cage in the right position on the prepared concrete bed. The reinforcement cage, made of steel bars, gives additional strength to the footing. Ensure proper alignment of this cage as it plays a crucial role in giving stability to the footing.

 

4) Apply the Slurry Layer

Before you pour in the main concrete, apply a thin layer of cement slurry over the concrete bed. This layer acts as a binding agent for the upcoming concrete layer.

 

5) Pour the Concrete

Now, begin pouring the concrete over the slurry layer. The amount of concrete used will depend on the size of the footing. Make sure it fills all the gaps and completely covers the reinforcement cage.

 

6) Curing Process

The final step in the RCC footings installation is the curing process. After the footing has been laid and the concrete has dried, it's important to cure it. This process involves keeping the concrete moist and at a proper temperature to ensure that it achieves maximum strength. This is typically done by watering the concrete at regular intervals.

 

Remember, laying the footing is a crucial part of the construction process and needs to be done correctly to ensure a solid, stable, and safe RCC foundation. If you are unsure about any of these steps, always consult a professional.



Successfully laying your home's RCC foundation is a fundamental part of construction. Remember, even a minor mistake at this stage can cause significant issues down the line, as alterations to a foundation can be a complicated and daunting task. It is important to engage with professionals for more personalised advice on RCC construction details to ensure your RCC footing is robust, enduring, and resilient.



Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What is the main purpose of RCC footings?

RCC footings are used to disperse the weight of the structure above them, reducing the pressure on any one point on the ground by spreading it over a larger area.

 

2. Is it possible to alter RCC footings once they are installed?

Generally, altering RCC footings after installation is considered complex and challenging. Professional advice should be sought for such a course of action.

 

3. How long does it usually take for RCC footing to cure completely?

While initial curing takes around seven days, complete curing of RCC footing usually takes 28 days, ensuring optimal strength.

 

4. What measures can be taken to prevent water loss from RCC footings?

Ensuring that all shuttering and formwork joints are watertight can prevent water loss. Gaps between shuttering panels can be filled using shuttering tape to further prevent potential water loss.

 


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