While constructing your home or a building, you will surely want to choose the best from every perspective. Whether it’s about choosing between different commercial or residential foundation types or making a choice between steel beams or composite beams, you want to pick the best. If you are looking for the right type of beam for your home, ground beams can surely be a good choice to make.
Let’s find out more about these.
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What are Ground Beams
Ground Beams are the beam types that provide extra support and have more load-bearing capacity. Ground beams are designed in such a way that they divide the weight of the structure equally which ultimately reduces the overall stress.
The stability and longevity of a building are greatly affected by the foundation type. The usage of ground beams is becoming more prevalent as an option. These horizontal supports are a great option for many different types of construction projects because of the multiple benefits they provide.
Ground Beams Installation
In addition to being supported by concrete piles or pad foundations, reinforced concrete ground beams can also be installed directly on the ground under them. Following are the steps involved in ground beam installation.
- In line with the construction designs, once the site excavation and pile or pad foundations have been set up, the ground beam area is surrounded by formwork that is set up to enclose the entire ground beam area.
- Now it’s time to make sure that the structure is of an appropriate size, is straight, and is waterproof.
- The subsequent step involves positioning and tying in the concrete reinforcement in harmony with the construction design. This is the stage in which the structure is coated with pre-mixed concrete in a manner that is both uniform and comprehensive.
- It is necessary to ensure that the concrete is compacted and that the top surface is finished appropriately. The formwork can be removed once the concrete has had at least 24 hours to harden before it can be removed.
Now it’s time to utilize the ground beam. For this, they are first transported to the location in their completed form, and then a crane is used to lower them into position. By connecting these beams, you can expand the surface area, and by linking them to the pile or pad foundations, you may connect them to the foundations.
9 Benefits of Using Ground Beams
Following are some of the benefits of using the ground beams in construction work.
1. Durable
Ground beams receive their tremendous strength from the fact that they are consistent and long-lasting. Because of the solid materials that are utilized to create them, such as concrete or steel, they can function properly for extended periods and can support considerable weight.
2. Flexible Design
Ground beams are notable for their adaptability in design. Their versatility makes them easy to adjust to varying site circumstances and load demands. Designers and engineers can personalize their solutions to the unique requirements of each building project because of this flexibility.
3. Time-Efficient
Through the utilization of ground beams, it is possible to accomplish a more efficient construction procedure. Simply because of how simple they are and how easy it is to install them, they make it possible to complete work in a shorter amount of time. When there are strict time limits, these time-saving tactics are very important because they let you save time.
4. Enhanced Load Distribution
The effective distribution of loads is one of the most significant benefits that ground beams offer. Through the process of distributing the weight of the building across a larger surface area, ground beams lessen the likelihood of the building settling. Through the process of enhancing the distribution of loads, the foundation is allowed to become more solid and secure.
5. Cost-Effective Alternate
The use of ground beams is a cost-effective alternative for foundations. The construction of ground beams is more labor and cost-efficient than the construction of deep foundations such as piles. The initial costs of the project are reduced as a result of this, and the overall cost of the project is also reduced as a contributing factor.
6. Versatility to Soil Types
There is a wide range of soil conditions that ground beams can be utilized, making them quite adaptable. It is feasible to construct ground beams in such a way that they provide the best possible support in locations that have clayey, sandy, or a combination of soil types. The foundation selection process is accelerated as a result of this flexibility, which applies to construction projects that are located in various parts of the world.
7. Environment-Friendly Option
When it comes to foundations, ground beams offer an environmentally friendly alternative in today’s world, when sustainability is becoming an increasingly significant concern. It is typically necessary to do less excavation to build them, which results in less harm to the environment in the surrounding area. Environment-friendly building practices are becoming increasingly popular due to their minimal impact on the environment.
8. Compatible with Various Structures
Ground beams are beneficial to a wide variety of buildings, including residential structures, commercial establishments, and public works projects. Because of their versatility, they are an excellent option for a substantial number of construction projects.
9. Flawless Outlook
The flawless surface of the precast concrete beams will bring another level of refinement to the overall appearance of your project. It is important to exercise caution because if the beams are not even, the structure will appear to be rough and uneven. On the other hand, this will be effectively countered by the preplanned consistency and efficient procedures that are utilized in the production of these products.
Ground Beam – An Excellent Beam Choice for Construction
Ground beams are an excellent and long-lasting option for construction projects due to their numerous advantages. Builders seeking a balance between economic and structural factors will find them to be an appealing choice due to their cost-effectiveness, variety in design, and time efficiency.
Their versatility and improved load distribution characteristics make them a reliable choice for secure foundations in a variety of soil types. By utilizing ground beams, professionals find a balance between being innovative and reliable, which ultimately leads to the creation of long-lasting structures.
Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see that ground beams are here to stay as a smart and long-term option for building projects that prioritize stability, affordability, and sustainability.
