A plinth is a horizontal structure that is built just above the foundation to give a solid and durable base for the construction of the superstructure.
Concrete or masonry are the materials used to build an ideal plinth. Every modern structure has a plinth because it is an important structural element that gives stability, protection, and an appealing look to the building or structure.
Importance of Plinth
The construction of plinths is essential to any structure. Constructing a plinth before the superstructure’s construction has many advantages.
- It plays an important part in preventing rainwater from entering the building, additionally it also stops dampness and moisture from the ground from damaging the building’s superstructure.
- Plinth evenly distributes the weight of the entire structure to the ground foundation, which greatly stabilises and supports the superstructure.
- By constructing a plinth, you can reduce the amount of cracks in the building that are primarily due to soil settlement. It ensures the safety of the residents while preventing significant damage to the building.
- In addition, it can shield the building from insects and pests. To prevent insects and pests from entering from the ground surface, special adhesives and chemicals are also frequently used.
What are Plinth Protection Measures?
There are many benefits to the plinth, which makes it a special element of the building. It is always a good idea to take better care and preventive measures while constructing such special building elements.
Plinth protection is generally a term used for the concrete apron of 100–200 mm thickness around the plinth that is around the building to protect the plinth from moisture.
Plinth protection measures are preventive steps taken during the construction of a plinth.
Below, we have discussed some of the important measures that should be followed while constructing the plinth.
- The ground around the building or plinth should be properly sloped. This should be done to prevent rainwater accumulation around the plinth, which can damage both the plinth and the foundation.
- Proper drainage arrangements should be provided around the building to divert the water from heavy rains.
- Vegetation growth around the plinth can damage the plinth as it holds moisture. To prevent this, thick concrete aprons should be constructed around the building.
Ideal Height of Plinth
Selecting the ideal height of the plinth is generally dependent on factors such as the height of the structure, soil, and environmental conditions of the site location.
But generally, a plinth height of at least 150 mm above ground level is considered good for protecting the building from moisture and dampness.
The ideal height of the plinth for different types of buildings has been mentioned below.
- Residential Buildings: Residential buildings, which are mainly built for small to medium-sized families, can have a plinth level between 300 and 600 mm.
- Commercial Buildings: Commercial buildings are bigger than residential buildings; hence, the plinth height of such structures ranges from 500 to 1200 mm.
- Industrial Buildings: Industrial buildings generally have a plinth height greater than both of the building types. They can be anything above 1000 mm.
It is important to note that the plinth height mentioned above are just the standard dimensions that are regularly followed by civil engineers.
But in general, the height of the plinth can vary from place to place, as there is no fixed or restricted ideal height of the plinth.