Today’s article will be extremely helpful for anyone planning to build their own home or currently in the process of construction. It is particularly important for homeowners whose construction is underway, especially as they prepare for the installation of the plinth beam. Despite following the process closely, many contractors still make significant mistakes during the plinth beam installation, even when they think they are doing everything right.
What is Plinth Beam in Building Construction?
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What is a plinth beam?
Measurement tape I use : Stanley.
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A plinth beam is a horizontal structure element or beam element that are constructed between the wall and the foundation. The plinth beams distribute the load coming from the walls constructed above evenly to the below foundation elements.
Types of Plinth Beams :-
In construction of building, based on the load coming on the structure, mainly two types of beams are provided :
1). Reinforced Concrete Plinth Beams :-
- RCC plinth beam are majorly used in the area where the earthquake forces are acting. They are provided at the periphery of the building and sometimes within the interior to support load bearing structure.
2.) Masonry Plinth Beams :-
- Masonry plinth beam are provided in the everywhere connecting each component of the building to support the load bearing structure. Majority of the G + 3 building have a masonry plinth beam as they do not exceed complex heavy loads.
Typical dimensions :-
There is no standard available for the plinth beam but designing it considers many factors such as building type, types of load, soil conditions etc. However, most architect designing the P-beam recommend to provide nominal size. In India, 9″ and 14″ wall are provided, so we provide minimum size of P-beam of 230 mm and height is 230 mm. Generally 450 mm height is provided.
For reinforcement, at the bottom, the plinth beam contains two 12 mm-diameter bars. In addition to it, another two 10 mm diameters bars are placed above. Stirrups are placed at a distance of 150 mm and have a minimum diameter of 8 mm. M2O concrete grade is provided in plinth beams.
Importance of Plinth Beam in Building Construction :-
- Provides structural support to walls and columns.
- Distributes the load of the structure evenly.
- Protects against uneven settlement and soil movement.
- Gives stability to the structure.
- Form a barrier against moisture and protect the building from water seepage, dampness, and mould growth.
- Resist lateral forces such as wind or seismic loads by connecting columns or piles.
Construction Process of a Plinth Beam :-
1. Excavation and foundation preparation :-The plinth beam level is slightly higher than the ground level. First we level the ground for an avarage depth and than PCC to the base which helps to provide a good level based.
2. Reinforcement placement :- As per design, the reinforcement is provided. If there is no consultant than as we mentioned above, 12 mm and 10 mm dia of rebars are connected at a ends of 8 mm of stirrups which can be placed at 100 or 150 mm centre to centre distance.
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Calculating Quantity of Steel Using Unit Weight of Steel: A Step-by-Step Guide.
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3. Formwork installation :- As per design, depth and breadth, the formwork of wood or steel is covered with the whole length in a line and level.
4. Concrete pouring and curing :- After all the checks, M20 or M25 grade of concrete can be poured in beam to give the strength. The beams are cured for a minimum period of 7 to days as per the climate conditions.
Click on a below link to use concrete calculator for the quantity of cement, sand and aggregate :-
Common Issues with Plinth Beams :-
A issue in construction can be natural or man-made, mostly the man made issue leads to a major causes because of the poor workmanship and improper checking by site engineer.
- Improper reinforcement leading to structural weakness.
- Poor quality of concrete mix or curing issues.
- Impact of uneven soil conditions.
- Improper position of pile cap and column.
- Poor quality of material used.
- Uneven ground surface for PCC.
At the end, if the proper checking and all the requirements of the beam from proper designing based on soil conditions to reinforcement with a good quality of workmanship lead a good building components. Providing plinth beam helps a building to last long, stable and protect form a natural disaster.
