Article 39: Terrace foundations

The last two weeks have been devoted to the terrace foundations.

Last weekend, we poured the concrete foundation that will support the L-shaped wall retaining the ground under the terrace. After laying a geotextile, 1.5 m³ of concrete was delivered by a concrete mixer truck. We then levelled it and vibrated it with a poker vibrator to remove air bubbles.

The terrace rests on Krinner ground screws, like the house. Installing them was more difficult than expected. The screws are 89 mm in diameter and 1,300 mm long, and the ground, which is very dry, is particularly hard. Even with our weight added on the machine, it was impossible to drive them in. We tried again after two days of rain, with no more success. We then contacted Krinner, who provided us with additional equipment: a large rotary hammer with a 40 mm drill bit and a thinner screw (60 mm in diameter) to make a pilot hole. With these tools, we were finally able to install all the screws.

Today, we installed the L-shaped concrete elements that retain the embankment. The next step is to backfill and spread the gravel under the screws. We have also received our kitchen, which is due to be assembled next week.