Staddle Stone Foundation: Definition and How to Install It

Foundation is an important element that ensures a building can stand firmly and stably. Without the right foundation, the building structure will not be able to hold the load evenly on the ground. One type of foundation that is often used in Indonesia is the staddle stone foundation or also known as the “fondasi umpak” in Indonesian.

This foundation is made of concrete, steel, or wood and functions to support and maintain the stability of the building, especially on soils that are not strong enough to withstand heavy loads. You can learn more about the definition of staddle stone foundation, its functions, and how to install it correctly to make your building more durable and safe in this article!

What Is a Staddle Stone Foundation?

Staddle stone foundations are a type of foundation commonly used in light buildings, such as houses, gazebos, restaurants, and other simple buildings. These foundations are made of concrete, river stone, or other natural stones and are usually prism or cube-shaped.

In its installation, the foundation is buried into the ground at a certain depth, with the size of the height and width adjusted to the estimated building load. The staddle stone foundation structure is stacked and resembles a trapezoidal shape or an upright prism when viewed from below.

This foundation has good strength and durability, which is why it is commonly used in buildings with wooden walls, planks, or woven bamboo. Under heavier loads, the dimensions will be made larger and buried deeper to support stability. In Indonesia, staddle stone foundations are often applied to semi-permanent houses to traditional houses on stilts.

The Function of Staddle Stone Foundations

Every type of foundation has an important role in supporting building structures, including staddle stone foundations. Although used for light buildings, this foundation still has an important function in maintaining the stability and safety of the construction. Here are some of its main functions.

1. Strengthening Building Construction

The foundation acts as a counterweight that strengthens the building structure so that it can withstand roof and floor loads, especially in multi-storey buildings that require a larger foundation size.

2. Limiting Contact Between Soil and Building Materials

A foundation also acts as a barrier between the soil and construction materials, such as metal or wood. By doing so, it protects the building structure from damage caused by soil moisture, as metal and wood are easily damaged if constantly exposed to damp conditions.

3. Being a Support Element for Construction

One of the functions of a staddle stone foundation is as a support element for building construction. If the load received is too large, the pillar can bend. Therefore, a foundation with a higher pedestal is needed so as not to overload the size of the support.

The Size of a Staddle Stone Foundation

The size of a staddle stone foundation is adjusted to the weight of the building and soil conditions. Generally, the lower section measures 60 x 60 cm with a height of 90 cm, while the upper section is about 25 x 25 cm.

The embedded part should be at least 30 cm to reach the hard soil. The distance between foundations is a maximum of 1.5 meters to keep the load distribution equal. These foundations are usually made of unreinforced concrete with a mixture of 1PC: 1½ sand: 2½ gravel.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Staddle Stone Foundations

The staddle stone foundation has various advantages and disadvantages that are important to know before choosing it as a building support. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of this foundation.

Advantages of a Staddle Stone Foundation

A staddle stone foundation has several advantages that make it widely used in building construction, including:

Its simple shape makes it easy to install and integrate with other structures so that the construction process becomes faster and more efficient.
Capable of withstanding shocks, especially during an earthquake, thus reducing the risk of building damage and maintaining occupant safety.
Fast installation due to the easy-to-install structure, speeding up construction time and building utilization.

Disadvantages of Staddle Stone Foundations

The main disadvantage of a staddle stone foundation is that it is not suitable for holding heavy buildings. Such buildings require sturdier types of foundations, such as pile foundations or Strauss pile foundations.

How to Make a Staddle Stone Foundation

If you are planning to make a staddle stone foundation, here are the steps to follow:

Prepare the ground beam formwork: Provide an iron frame or wooden mold to hold the cement during casting. Make sure it is ready and greased for easy installation of the ground beam iron.
Cast the ground beam: After the formwork is installed, pour the cement mixture into it according to the calculated length. Ensure the ground beam iron is neatly arranged and in the correct position.
Mold the cement: Use a bucket with a hole in the bottom to mold the cement. Make sure the cement is well mixed with water and not too thin.
Casting and iron installation: Cast the rectangular section first. Then, install the iron along with the casting so that the iron adheres perfectly to the cement.
Let it dry for 12-24 hours: Once the casting and iron installation process is complete, let the concrete dry and strengthen for 12 to 24 hours. Once dry, the formwork can be dismantled, and the foundation installation can proceed.
Re-cast cement: Once the foundation is installed, recast the cement using the formwork for a neater and stronger result.
Install stakes and foundation: Install the stakes by digging a little soil and sticking it to mark the position of the foundation. Once the position is marked with stakes, dig the ground and install the foundation at the predetermined point.
Install the ground beam on top of the foundation: Once the foundation is in place, set the ground beam on top of it. Then, fill the gap between the ground beam and the foundation.
Continue construction: Once all these steps are completed, the construction can proceed safely and efficiently.

Things to Pay Attention to When Installing a Staddle Stone Foundation

Before installing a pile foundation, there are several important things to consider to avoid mistakes that could be harmful, including:

Pay attention to the size and condition of the soil: Make sure the width of the foundation base is as designed for the safety and stability of the building. Also, the foundation should be installed on hard, compacted soil. Soil that is too soft can make the foundation unstable and prone to movement.
Pay attention to the density of the soil: The soil in each part of the foundation should be compact. Installation at different densities can reduce the foundation's ability to hold the weight of the building evenly, making the building unable to withstand shocks or heavy loads.
Pay attention to the materials the foundation uses: The quality of the material greatly influences the foundation's ability to hold up the building and create optimal compression forces. Make sure the materials have been tested for quality to prevent damage in the future.
Use professional labor: Make sure the workers who install the foundation are professional and experienced. Safety during work is very important, as workers must use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow applicable work safety procedures.

That is the explanation of the staddle stone foundation, from its definition, function, to how to install it. The foundation is an important element in construction because it determines the strength and stability of the building as a whole.

Therefore, choosing quality materials to make the foundation is very important so that the building can stand firm and be durable. Are you working on a construction project? Make sure you choose the best building materials, including reliable and high-quality cement.

Semen Merah Putih comes with the latest innovations and cutting-edge technology to meet your construction needs. With superior products, ranging from composite Portland cement such as Semen Merah Putih Ultramix G to Semen Merah Putih FLEXIPLUS, which has achieved Green Label Indonesia (GLI) certification with a Gold rating.

Semen Merah Putih FLEXIPLUS has achieved Green Label Indonesia (GLI) certification with a Gold rating. The highest rating is given by the Green Product Council Indonesia (GPCI) for products that have met environmentally friendly standards.

Semen Merah Putih FLEXIPLUS is a hydraulic cement product specially developed for structural applications that require high compressive strength concrete and improved workability, making it suitable for ready-mixed concrete products, precast concrete, and the production of lightweight bricks or Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC).

Want to know more about Semen Merah Putih products? Contact us now to get complete information and the best construction solution for your project with Semen Merah Putih!