Sample Thai Construction - perimeter wall

coolthaihouse.com -> coolshots -> perimeter wall September 2004 - editor. An example of the construction of a cement block perimeter wall. Part of the cool thai house project in Pattaya, Thailand.

Walls that are built from concrete blocks are durable and sturdy. An added bonus is that they also help hold in the fill dirt. Fill dirt is often on of the most critical aspects of a house, for if the house is constructed 'too low' -- there is no repair after the fact. With this house we did a partial fill at the beginning to level the land. Then the wall was partially completed, and more fill dirt was brought in the raise the land level another 20 or so centimeters.

The important steps in the process, which are illustrated below are: 1.) Post holes are dug every 2.5 meters. 2.) Support rebar structures are hand made by cutting, bending and wiring together cut rebar metal strands. 3.) These support structures are set in a concrete footing in the post hole. 4.) A large can is used to form the cement up to ground level after the base structure is dry. 5.) A strip footing is created, formed using form wood, which is about 10 inches tall and connects the support rebar structures. 6.) The cement blocks are cemented in place in rows. 7.) A form is made so that a concrete post can be poured around the cement blocks and rebar structure. 8.) Stucco is applied and other decorative options, such as affixing red brick blocks around the entry posts.

One other important note is that during the stage when the blocks are being laid, at the end of each row as piece of rebar is extended into the metal framework. This adds strength when the post is poured.

Post holes like this are dug each 2.5 meters. The stick at the bottom signifies the center of the fence post to be poured. The hole is 60 cm square, 60 cm deep. (11-Jan-04)

Supporting rebar structures, which are made by tying metal strands together are placed in the completed post hole. There is a metal base on the bottom of the structure. The metal used on the upright pieces is guage 3 hun full, the square supports are 2 hun full.

The wide area show here will be for the entry gate.

The base is cemented in place with a cement pour around 30 cm thick.

Cement is poured using a large metal can as a form, about 30 cm square. (13-Jan-04)

A footing is created about 10 inches high by about 10 cm. wide. Straight form wood is used to form the concrete. The concrete is poured around a metal rebar structure, of 3 hun full (vertical) with 2 hun full (cross supports). (16-Jan-04)

The footing will have the rebar supports at 2.5 meter intervals.

Another shot showing the footing with the rebar supports at 2.5 meter intervals.

To add strength the blocks are cemented in place prior to pouring the supporting posts. The posts will be poured 'around' the blocks. Standard sizes for facing walls is 4 blocks high, the back sides are 7 blocks high. (24-Jan-04)

Another shot of the blocks. Note, there is a vertical piece of rebar put in place between the blocks close to the post for every block. This metal piece is used to add strength. It is guage 2 hun full and is about 40 cm long.

This is the entry way for the walk in gate.

Another view of the back wall.

The support post is poured around the adjacent blocks using a form structure.

A wall section (front and side) with completed support post structures.

To apply decorative tiles around a perimeter wall foundation post, the brick layer creates a rig which sits on top of the post and has 'straight-line' nylon line running down the side. (28-Jun-04)

Laying a brick in place.

Stucco being applied to the perimeter wall.

Finishing touches applied to the top of the perimeter wall foundation post.

Finished wall section with some decorative brickwork on the entry posts. (06-Jul-04)

Painted and finished wall section with decorative metal. (15-Aug-04)
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This page was last updated October 2nd, 2009