Vocab
Excavation
Excavation is the process of digging into the ground to remove earth, rock, or other materials.
A wood foundation that is laid over a vapor barrier set on the earth
PWF (Permanent Wood Foundation)
This is the process of protecting a foundation from soil moisture
Dampproofing
At what point in the project is the foundation backfilled?
Once the foundation is fully installed and set
At least how many days after pouring should a concrete foundation be tested for stregnth?
28 days
Backfilling
The process of putting soil or other material back into an excavation after the foundation has been constructed.
A foundation made up of concrete blocks that are stacked on top of one another and held together with mortar joints
CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) Foundation
Name the 4 ingredients that make up concrete
Cement, sand (fine aggregate), water, and course aggregate (gravel)
Concrete is high in _____________ stregnth.
Compressive
Concrete is low in _______________ stregnth.
Tensile
Footing
The widened portion at the bottom of a foundation that spreads the building's load over a larger area of soil.
A foundation that consists of wood forms that liquid concrete is poured into. Once set, the concrete retains the shape of the forms even after removal.
Poured Concrete Foundation
This is the process of protecting the foundation from both soil moisture and liquid water
Waterproofing
What type of lot is a stepped footing used on?
Sloped lot
The chemical reaction that occurs when water is added to cement, causing the concrete mixture to harden over time, is called _______________.
Hydration
Stepped Footing
A footing constructed in a series of horizontal steps to follow the slope of a building site while keeping each section level.
Slab-On-Grade Foundation
You would set these up with wood & string to lay out wall lines, create corners, and ensure the foundation is square
Batter boards
Why must foundations in cold climates get dug & installed past the frost line?
Because if not installed sufficiently far down, the ground will heave the foundation upwards when it freezes.
Why is pressure treated wood (PT) used on wood foundations?
To resist rot & decay from moisture & insects. The treating process allows it to be safely exposed to certain levels of moisture.
Control Point
A fixed, accurately established point (usually the high point) used as a reference for determining elevations and locations during construction.
How do you test the workability and consistency of fresh concrete?
Slump Test
What is the process of leveling off the surface and removing excess water on the concrete called?
Screeding
Which concrete finishing technique offers the smoothest, densest finish?
Trowel-ing
How far deep is the frost line in Massachusetts?
4' (48") deep