Manufacturer of stables, mobile shelters, field shelters,
ancillary buildings and other larger style timber buildings

Concrete base construction

Stables and ancillary buildings are normally erected on a concrete slab with a single course of semi engineering bricks for all of the new walls to sit upon.

Whilst it may not be possible or desirable to lay a perfectly flat concrete slab, the brickwork can be adjusted to offer the ideal, accurate, and level base for the building.

Suggestions

'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.

Finally, when bricks are completed don't be suprised if your stables or barns look smaller than you had hoped – I guarantee that when buildings are erected that the size magically increases – honest!

UBM HIRE
Stable bases, drainage and roadways.
Contact Gary Forsdick 01293 862775; Mobile 07973 722189

PLEASE NOTE
We accept no responsibility whatsoever for any referrals or suggestions made regarding base construction. It is the responsibility of the customer to seek professional advice or engage a suitable contractor who specialises in groundworks. Any information we give is offered in good faith. Ground conditions vary and there is no one acceptable construction suited for all contracts.