A low wall is a wall used to delimit space, and, therefore, land. It is generally less high than the wall of the house. The construction of this low wall begins with the laying of foundations with concrete reinforcing bars. For this, the right reinforcement should be chosen in order to have a well-built wall. This article explains the purpose of reinforcement and helps you to choose the right reinforcement for the foundation of a low wall. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to know about the construction of low walls.
Why should reinforcement be used in the foundation of a low wall?
Reinforcement is of great importance in the foundation of a wall. When erected as a fence, the wall must be strong enough to withstand the test of time. It is in this context that reinforcement comes into play to strengthen the tenacity of the concrete in the foundation of the wall. Indeed, concrete is known for its compressive strength, not its tensile strength. To help it hold in this sense, reinforcement is the right thing to do. You should also seek professional advice to take all the necessary steps to have a solidly erected wall. It is recommended in the safety standards for construction.
What are the different types of reinforcement?
Several types of reinforcement can be used in the foundation of a low wall. Firstly, there is fibre-reinforced concrete. This is characterised by its high strength and ease of pouring. Next, come the threaded footings with irons of a diameter varying between 6 and 40.
Twisted and dug irons are also used in the foundations of a low wall. Their assemblies give more performance to the concrete, especially to have a resistant wall. But the choice between these different types of reinforcement is based on several criteria.
How to choose the ideal reinforcement?
There are several criteria for choosing the ideal reinforcement for the foundation of a low wall. These include the wall’s height, the foundation’s thickness, the type of iron, and the brand of manufacture.
Depending on the height and thickness of the foundation
These are essential criteria to take into account when laying the reinforcement for the foundations of a low wall. Taking into account the height, the reinforcement varies in a specific way. For example, for a low wall:
- With a height of one metre, you can choose fibre-reinforced concrete with hollow or twisted iron
- For a height of 1.5 metres, a 3-bar threaded base with a diameter of 8 is perfectly suitable
- For a height of 1.7 and more, a 6-bar shoe with a diameter of 8 is required.
On the market, you can find ready-made soleplates. This is an option that makes construction easier but requires a lot of transport. On the other hand, you can also opt for concrete reinforcing bars and assemble them on-site. Speaking of thickness, it is important to note that the thicker the foundation, the stronger the reinforcement must be to hold. This is required in particular for safety and durability in the long term.
Depending on the type of iron and brand
The quality of the reinforcing bars on the market varies from brand to brand. So, to choose the iron for your low wall foundation, you need to find out what each brand offers. This leads you to know the performance of the iron, its strength and its durability. You will also have to check whether the design, quality and safety standards are really taken into account.
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