Forming, Rebar and Concrete Foundation Construction
The video begins by showing a foundation that has already been built with anchor bolts. The anchor bolts are spaced six feet on center, and within twelve inches of any breaks in the framing plates. The video then shows what the footings look like after they have been dug. The footings are about fifteen to eighteen inches deep. In some places, the footing is lower because there is a stairwell there.
Next, the video shows how to form the foundation. The forms are made out of wood and are staked into the ground. The stakes are placed four feet on center. It is important to leave some space between the form and the dirt so that the stakes can be driven in easily.
Once the forms are in place, rebar is placed inside the form. The rebar is bent at a 90-degree angle and has a twenty times the diameter lap. Rebar is used to tie all of the concrete together. In some places, two layers of rebar are needed.
Once the rebar is in place, the concrete is poured. The concrete slab is usually sloped about an eighth of an inch per foot. After the concrete has cured, the forms can be stripped away.
This video is the second in a series on building a two-story open floor plan house. The next video in the series will focus on framing the walls.
