Good morning dear forum,
I had a small mishap while making a foundation: the foundation ended up slightly uneven (1-2mm).
Initial situation:
Unfortunately, after the first drying overnight, the foundation became slightly uneven – more precisely, it slopes slightly forward and along the edges. This might be visible in the photo.
As a result, the double T-beam would not rest flat.
The height at the back is correct, but at the front and sides it is about 1–2mm (0.04–0.08 inches) too low. The foundation was formed with rather dry concrete at the bottom (compacted), and the top few centimeters I poured with wetter concrete, hoping for a better leveling effect.
My question to you:
I think this cannot be corrected afterward because the concrete is too coarse-grained to compensate for 1-2mm (0.04–0.08 inches). Then I considered removing a few centimeters from the top and rebuilding it, but I’m unsure if that would provide the required stability.
It’s frustrating, and I also think that the advice I received to work with wetter concrete on top was not very helpful for me as a private builder. I tamped each layer of concrete, but now I’m not sure if it was sufficient.
Well, here I am at a loss.
I would appreciate your advice and already wish you a successful and pleasant week.
Best regards,
Hans
I had a small mishap while making a foundation: the foundation ended up slightly uneven (1-2mm).
Initial situation:
- Creating a foundation for a double T-beam to support a ceiling, after partially removing a section of wall.
- Everything executed according to the engineer’s specifications (foundation height, etc.)
- Foundation dimensions: width 24cm (9.5 inches), length 30cm (12 inches), height 18cm (7 inches), with appropriate reinforcing steel.
- Distance from foundation to ceiling: approx. 14.4cm (5.7 inches)
Unfortunately, after the first drying overnight, the foundation became slightly uneven – more precisely, it slopes slightly forward and along the edges. This might be visible in the photo.
As a result, the double T-beam would not rest flat.
The height at the back is correct, but at the front and sides it is about 1–2mm (0.04–0.08 inches) too low. The foundation was formed with rather dry concrete at the bottom (compacted), and the top few centimeters I poured with wetter concrete, hoping for a better leveling effect.
My question to you:
- How can I now achieve a proper level?
I think this cannot be corrected afterward because the concrete is too coarse-grained to compensate for 1-2mm (0.04–0.08 inches). Then I considered removing a few centimeters from the top and rebuilding it, but I’m unsure if that would provide the required stability.
It’s frustrating, and I also think that the advice I received to work with wetter concrete on top was not very helpful for me as a private builder. I tamped each layer of concrete, but now I’m not sure if it was sufficient.
Well, here I am at a loss.
I would appreciate your advice and already wish you a successful and pleasant week.
Best regards,
Hans
In der Ruine18 Sep 2023 10:40The concrete is still fresh and can (carefully) be smoothed well. Sanding is an option, or a trowel. Once it hardens, use an angle grinder with the appropriate disc.
S
Simon-18918 Sep 2023 13:43Hello,
don’t stress more than necessary at this point. Nothing serious has happened yet.
From the picture, it definitely doesn’t look worse than what contractors usually do with those concrete pads.
First, I have a few questions:
1. Which steel profile is planned here? IPE 140, HEB 140, HEA 140, or something with some extra clearance?
2. Have you already received the steel profile? Warning: 90% of the time, these arrive quite warped, meaning flanges are not parallel and sometimes the web is offset.
3. Is the underside of the ceiling very level, or is there some sagging?
4. What is planned for the opening once the beam is installed? Plaster carrier boards, concrete filling, or some kind of drywall attached?
Sanding or grinding with an angle grinder and sanding disc is very easy but creates a lot of dust! Be sure to tape off the openings to the adjacent rooms.
don’t stress more than necessary at this point. Nothing serious has happened yet.
From the picture, it definitely doesn’t look worse than what contractors usually do with those concrete pads.
First, I have a few questions:
1. Which steel profile is planned here? IPE 140, HEB 140, HEA 140, or something with some extra clearance?
2. Have you already received the steel profile? Warning: 90% of the time, these arrive quite warped, meaning flanges are not parallel and sometimes the web is offset.
3. Is the underside of the ceiling very level, or is there some sagging?
4. What is planned for the opening once the beam is installed? Plaster carrier boards, concrete filling, or some kind of drywall attached?
Sanding or grinding with an angle grinder and sanding disc is very easy but creates a lot of dust! Be sure to tape off the openings to the adjacent rooms.
HaMuc47 schrieb:
The foundation ended up slightly uneven (1-2mm).If the millimeters aren’t a typo, I don’t understand your problem. I’ve never heard of such a tiny tolerance in construction before. Are you a watchmaker or some other kind of precision metalworker?https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Similar topics