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Building Guidelines

Access Building guidelines for Your House from the Substructure to Roof Level.

Building guidelines offering expert advice and detailed instructions for every stage of your construction projects.

Substructure

General

Pre-DiggingGreat care should be taken to ensure foundations are constructed correctly as they are the most important structural element of any building. Outlined is guidance which should be followed t

Trench Support

The locations of all underground pipes and services should be established prior to digging. The general rule for any excavation greater than 1.25m (subject to actual ground conditions) is that it must

Concrete - Testing and Mixes

Cube Test OutlinedIn a cube test, special moulds which are laboratory tested are used to create cubes from samples of fresh concrete. These cubes are then tested to determine the compressive strength.

Requirements for Foundations & Rising Walls

FoundationsStrip FoundationsFoundations to be provided for all brick and block walls, chimneys and load bearing partitions including load bearing stud partitions. All internal foundations are to be th

Tanking

Introduction to TankingTanking should be provided wherever a floor level is below ground level. In a case where the floor is wholly below ground level, as is the case in a basement, all walls should b

Underfloor Ventilation - Suspended Timber Floors

Purpose & InstallationIn order to prevent an excessive build-up of moist air in the underfloor space in a suspended timber floor, underfloor ventilation is necessary.An even distribution of vents will

Suspended Timber Floors

Suspended Timber Floors with Tassel WallsWhen fill depth is less than 900mm it is acceptable to build a suspended timber floor supported by tassel walls built off the oversite concrete. Diagram B47 -

Granular Fill

Material For Use Under Concrete FloorsIt is important that all granular fill material is fit for the purpose it is intended. The recommendations are as follows:The hardcore bed should be a minimum of

Concrete Floors, Slabs

Ground Floor Slab Types1. Solid Floating Concrete Ground Floor SlabA solid floating concrete ground floor slab should only be used if the depth of granular fill is less than 900mm.Diagram B51 - Typica