Sålefundamenter

Sålefundamenter, often translated as strip foundations or wall footings, are a common type of shallow foundation used in building construction. They are designed to support load-bearing walls by distributing the weight of the building over a wider area of soil. This type of foundation typically consists of a continuous strip of concrete that runs beneath the entire length of a load-bearing wall.

The primary function of a sålefundament is to prevent differential settlement, which is uneven sinking of parts of the building. By spreading the load over a larger footprint, the pressure exerted on the underlying soil is reduced, making it more stable. They are particularly well-suited for buildings with uniformly distributed loads along their walls, such as residential houses.

The construction process usually involves excavating a trench to a specific depth and width, depending on the soil conditions and the expected loads. Reinforcement, typically steel rebar, is then placed within the trench to provide tensile strength to the concrete. Finally, concrete is poured into the trench, forming a continuous footing. The width of the sålefundament is generally at least twice the width of the wall it supports. In some cases, a layer of gravel or sand may be placed at the bottom of the trench for drainage and to provide a stable base.