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Log Cabin Special -- Introduction; Building Foundation and Footing From "Special Presentation" episode BLC-S

(Continued from page 1)

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

The fundamental steps described in this section are critical since proper construction of the footer and concrete-block foundation will help prevent problems in later phases of the construction.

Before breaking ground, a wooden framework is built to ensure accuracy as the backhoe operator begins to dig (figure A). Once the location for the cabin has been determined, the framework can be built quickly. Because the framework is temporary, it doesn't have to be built to last; scrap lumber is perfectly suitable for this. The critical factor is that the framework be located precisely and be perfectly square.

Another step to help keep the backhoe operator on track is the use of spray paint to mark the outline for the excavation (figure B). Now that the guesswork is eliminated, the backhoe operator knows exactly where to dig.

It's critical that the foundation trench be the same depth all the way around. As the excavation moves ahead, it's important to check the depth and location of the trench for the foundation (figure C).

	Figure D
	Figure E

The best way to do this is to refer to the blueprints regularly (figure D). This prevents your having to go back in later and fill in or -- worse yet -- having to use more concrete than necessary. Carefully monitoring the process will help to keep costs down and ensure a trouble-free project.

In the hands of a skilled operator, the backhoe is precise and effective at removing the bulk of the dirt ( figure E), but it will still be necessary to clean out remaining loose dirt with a shovel.

Along with the outer foundation, there are several center supports called piers that must be set. Since the floor joists rest on these, it's important that they be located correctly.

To reinforce the concrete footer, rebar is used(figure F), which is nothing more than a steel dowel a half-inch thick.

Pieces of rebar are secured with wire to form a frame around the perimeter of the cabin (figure G). It's important to keep this steel framework suspended off the ground as the concrete is poured. To do this, we used some scrap pieces of block.

With the excavation complete and the rebar frame in place, it's just a matter of waiting for the concrete truck to arrive. As the concrete is poured, the crew directs it into the trench and tamps it to remove air bubbles (figure H).

As with the excavation, the height of the pour is checked periodically. Naturally, the truck must be repositioned several times to fill the entire trench.

Figure F

Figure G

Figure H

Once the concrete has been poured, a two-by-four is used to level the surface (figure I).

As soon as the concrete footer is dry, holes are drilled in it (figure J) and the dust vacuumed away. It's important that the holes be free of dust. Otherwise, when the rebar is inserted into the hole, it won't seat correctly.

The rebar is then coated with epoxy (figure K) so that it will bond to the concrete and inserted into the holes.

Figure I

Figure J

Figure K

Before setting the first row of concrete block in place, the crew lays down a layer of mortar (figure L) to act as an adhesive to secure the block to the footer.

The crew then begins placing the blocks to form the foundation (figure M).

With the last block in place, the final step is to install several threaded bolts that will later connect the wooden floor to our foundation. The threaded bolts are secured into wet concrete (figure N).

With the insertion of the threaded bolts, the foundation is complete. The next phases of the project proceed with the arrival of the log-cabin kit.

Figure L

Figure M

Figure N

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RESOURCES :

Special Thanks for DIY Build a Log Cabin workshop
Blossman Gas
Website: www.blossmangas.com/

The Complete Guide to Building Log Homes
ISBN: 0806974869
Author: Monte Burch, Richard J. Meyer, Lloyd P. Birmingham
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com

The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway
Model: 0879056711
Author: Dale Mulfinger, Susan E. Davis
The Taunton Press Inc.
Website: www.taunton.com

Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
ISBN: 1586850431
Author: Robbin Obomsawin
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com