Purpose of plinth protection

[aries31]

What is the purpose of plinth protection concrete layer? Is it a must have?

My builder is recommending 2' (nothing less than 1') width. I am planning for no more than 6" around the building.

[jult]

The purpose of plinth protection is basically for water should be flow faraway from foundation . The width can be decided based on your foundation exposed to water incoming such as rain and surface water. Don't allow water to penetrate directly from down pour

[aries31]

Urgent: we are now in a situation where we have to decide on the plinth protection size. I need to maximize my garden size and hence I am insisting on smallest plinth protection concrete, say about 6" and the builder is planning 24".

I also notice that there is absolutely nothing to be found on the web when searched for 'plinth protection'. So, is this concept old idea and not really practised nowadays or am I wrong? I don't have any civil engg knowledge except whatever I learn in 1st year BE

[jult]

plinth protection means we have to protect plinth from not allowing surface water from directly penetration to the foundation. The problem will arise if you not provideplinth protection sufficient around flooring settlement in ground will happen in longer period ( you can seen ant comes from floor). rising of dampness in wall andecaying of wall will happen ( even your self plaster). if you want no to provide concerte please provide underground perculation system which will help you. the question is cost. it costlier. sO THERE IS NO SORT CUT TO ACIVE ANY THING.tHE CONTRACTOR IS RIGHT IN YOUR CASE. tHE OTHER SOLUTION IS PROVIDE ALROUND DRAIN . tHIS ALSO COST)-BUT THIS IS AGANIST ENGINEERING NORMS. PROBABLITY OF DAMANGE OF DRAINN IF NOT MAINTAITAIN PROPERLY. sEEK SOME TECHNICAL EXPERT TO VISIT YOUR SITE AND TAKE RIGHT DESIGN FOR YOUR BUILDING

[aries31]

Thanks, jult

I am leaving soil (for gardening purpose) all around the building ( 20'x18' in front, 7'x40' on the side etc for example). So even if there were plinth protection concrete, water from gardening activity or rains will certainly reach foundation. Even in case where one side is fully covered with cement, if the adjoining site is vacant, I am sure the water from rain will reach foundation. Right?

So I am still not sure I understand the concept. And lacking *any* docs online, it is that much more difficult

[jult]

if you feel your neighbour water will enter menas he mightof not left require set back. if you feel then go for undergoround drainage sysytem all your problem will get solved where ever you feel there is a poosiblityof water entering.

[ardesarchitects]

Hi,
Its called as FLAGGING concrete .This basically to avoid the rain water flowed on walls (all the way from top floor)enter directly to the wall foundation.This makes foundation over period of time weaker .
IT is recommended to have at least 1' flagging concrete.There will be considerable amount of rain water flowing on wall surfaces that seep in to the soil.6" is nothing for flagging concrete specs

Regards
Ar.Praveen.N
Ardes Architects and Interior designers
ardesarchitects@gmail.com
www.ardesarchitects.com

[aries31]

Thanks, jult & Praveen.

I have accepted my engineer's recommendation of 1' plint protection concrete all around the building.