Concrete base construction

When working on a ‘green field’ site of undisturbed ground, not backfilled:–  Scrape off surface vegetation, dig into ground to lay 100 – 150mm of compacted hardcore. Then pour a minimum of 100mm of concrete. It is not considered necessary to add reinforcement in this construction. Concrete can, if you wish have a slight fall to the front or rear, say 12mm over 3.6 meters (1/2″ over 12′ 0″) and should be tamped from front to back to encourage any drainage in that direction. When laying bricks leave half brick gaps for any fluids to drain out of stables. It is important that the brick course is laid level and square. Check across the diagonals of the largest area of brickwork possible, when perfectly square the diagonal dimensions will be the same. Any front concrete forecourt or pathway must fall away from the buildings slightly to avoid ponding or during heavy rain, water running back towards buildings. It is not considered practical to build drains or gulleys within the building footprint, or to use a damp proof course on top of the brickwork. A bitumen paint on top of the bricks can be applied to eliminate the possibility of any rising damp, which at best is minimal. To control water away from the edge of the concrete base, a trench filled with pea-shingle and a perforated land drain works very well at little cost. The above is meant as a practical guide to help customers construct bases themselves. Larger bases are normally undertaken by contractors who may choose to consult ourselves to check any details. Conditions may well require a higher specification base, check with a reputable contractor. A full dimensional brick base plan is sent to all customers upon receipt of order/deposit.