brabus:
Damp proof membrane
T - Nylon, Tarpaulin or PVC Sheet to cover the fdn - N90,000.00 (what does that protect if the groundwater level is high?)

bugmenot: Thanks for the comments, Brabus & Spyder. Below is the much I know, hopefully it will be enough for you guys to give me some good advice.

1) How deep is the foundation?
[color=#990000] Foundation will be 1 metre deep, it will be a three board raft foundation.

2) What is the groundwater table?
I no sabi o.... The much I know is that it's dry land. With all the recent rains in that area, it's remained dry. That not withstanding, the soil is the typical sandy soil found in that area.

3) What kind of soil characteristics?
I don't have technical details, but I know for sure that the soil is sandy.

4) What is the depth of the foundation?
see (1) above

5) What is the expected load?
The foundation is for a 4 B/R duplex.

6) Was that the geotechnical design recommendation or presumed bearing resistance?
Again, I no sabi o...

[/color]

brabus:

See pic below.

NOTE: 4 coaches block work after 4 board raft and 8in thick slab.

bugmenot:




It's in Ogombo.

I'm with you on the technical lingo - I honestly don't understand it all, I've asked the guy for a breakdown of the materials needed for each line item. I'll share that with you guys when I get it.

?? I don't see the picture you mentioned in your post...

One other question - what do you guys think about "chaining"? For the same building, someone suggested doing a one-board raft, and supporting it with chaining? Here again, my understanding is limited to that of a layman. :-)

spyder880:

Chaining is a term used to denote a method of linking all beams in a particular level with a reinforced concrete mix. All the rods are supposed to link up with each other in a chin like arrangement.

bugmenot:


Brabus, If I understand your question, I'm guessing that there will be need for sand-filling. As far as I know, that is not the case. Does it make sense to build without sand-filling in places where the groundwater level is high? What's the best material for the Damp Proof Membrane?

Thanks again for your professional opinion, please keep the comments coming.

brabus:

You're not getting me. Sandfilling is OK and the Damproof Membrane but that doesn't solve anything if you don't keep water away from your foundation.
You've only solved 50% of the problem.

That's why I say, Pitch the foundation and drain the water outside with a gentle slope. Lo ba tan!

bugmenot:



Thanks Spyder.

What is the advantage? I hear it prevents cracking... Does it aid the building in settling into the soil in any way? The soil here is sandy, and my (layman) guess is that the building will over time adjust and readjust itself into the soil.

bodeface: Great Nairalanders Builders (sorry to jump in),

Please I needed proffessional advice in closing / putting a slab over a void over the sitting room in the duplex I am putting together, the positioning and the size of the void has defeat it purpose and evrybody seeing the void has been complaining about the void not decent.

The size of the void is 1.8m X 1.6m, during the iron structure for the slab (decking) there were beams surrounding the void, a serious iron weaving was done around the void, hence we intended to support the slab (decking) around the void, break up the slab till we reach the iron beams / iron weaving around the void, then using combination of 16mm and 12mm rod attached to the exposed iron rods make iron weaving / structure over the void and slab (deck) it out.

What is your professional opinion on this, do you think this will come out right with this measure we want to take if not please share your opinion on what you think will be the best approach to close up the void as we just have to find solution as the owner wants.

Thanking you for all the advice in advance.

Bodeface

spyder880:

1.8m X1.6m seems like a small void, this is possible but before we continue with the advice, a physical inspection by a competent professional is most recommended. I fear that the outer walls on the beams may have to go down before you can do a good job linking the rods with the beams.

shollymata: @Spyder/Brabus: Great builders, i have loved this thread even though i just saw it. The way you guys have provided answers has been very enriching, thanks. @Spyder - I did not really understand the color chart you posted. Is it a chart of possible roof colors only, or a chart of how to match a roof color to a house color? I also want to find out if a black stone coated roofing material (which i love so much and want to use) will mean more heat in my home in the long run. Secondly, whats the major difference in terms of reliability (leaks etc) and durability between a long span aluminium roof and a stone coated roof material and which would you recommend based on your experiences.

oladele007: Oga Spyder nothing is happen here ooo, whatz up? students are waiting for u

Junapril: It comes with a thickness of 5-6inches, with reinforcement and the colour adners are all imported with the sealant that gives a shining and protective surface.Price is 6,000/m2 all materials and labour inclusive (Lagos only) Transportation would be considered for a differenct location.
It might just be afffordable to some selected few.

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Deebabe: Hello everyone.... Guessing the rains have slowed down our projects as the thread hasnt been as bubbly?when I first appeared here, I was a kindergarten student in building, now, am in primary school....... My hussy and I started our project, ( four flats of 3bed) and we first spent about 500k to fill the ground, 1.5m for raft foundation, 650k to fill the raft, 1m for German floor.... Then we used 7,500 blocks for block setting to decking (is this reasonable? We used 6000 blocks tolintel and 1,500 from lintel to decking). That was @ a cost of 2.1m. Lintel and pillar set us back by about 950k. Now we r @ decking and the developer is quoting 2.9m. Please help critique our spend to date, I can provide breakdown if necessary, but tell us if we should start looking for a new developer?
Note project is in sangotedo, lekki and on swampy land.

spyder880:

Welcome, please what is the cost per square meter, materials and installation.

Deebabe: its a block of 4 flats of 3 bedrooms. 2 up and 2 down