Seinämäperustus

Seinämäperustus, often translated as wall foundation or load-bearing wall foundation, is a common type of building foundation system. It consists of continuous walls, typically made of concrete, masonry, or stone, that run along the perimeter of a building and also support interior load-bearing walls. These walls distribute the weight of the structure above evenly to the soil beneath.

The construction of a seinämäperustus involves excavating trenches to the required depth, which must extend below the frost line to prevent damage from freezing and thawing. Formwork is then erected within these trenches, and reinforcement, usually steel rebar, is placed. Concrete is poured into the formwork to create the foundation walls. In some cases, a footing, a wider base of concrete, is poured first to further spread the load over a larger area of soil.

Seinämäperustukset are suitable for a variety of soil conditions and building types. They can be designed to accommodate basements or crawl spaces, providing accessible areas for utilities and storage. The continuous nature of the foundation walls offers good stability and resistance to lateral forces. Maintenance typically involves inspecting for cracks or signs of settlement, and ensuring proper drainage around the foundation to prevent water infiltration.