Foundation Work
TMT bars, cement, and structural materials for solid, lasting foundations
Shop TMT & Cement →A strong foundation is the backbone of every structure. In the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the soil conditions, high water table in many areas, and potential seismic activity demand careful selection of reinforcement and cement. Saran Traders is Andaman's trusted source for Fe-500D TMT bars, OPC and PPC cement, cover blocks, and all materials needed to build foundations that last generations.
Materials You Will Need
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Step-by-Step Guide
How to approach your foundation work project
Soil Investigation & Foundation Design
Conduct a soil test to determine Safe Bearing Capacity (SBC). In many Port Blair areas, the SBC ranges from 5 to 15 tonnes per sqm. Low SBC soils may require raft or pile foundations. Engage a structural engineer for foundation design — this step prevents costly failures.
Excavation
Excavate to the designed depth, typically 1.2m to 2.0m for individual footings in residential construction. Ensure the pit sides are properly shored if the depth exceeds 1.5m or if the soil is loose. Remove all organic matter and loose soil from the pit bottom.
Lay PCC (Plain Cement Concrete)
Pour a 75 to 100mm thick PCC layer (M10 grade, 1:3:6 mix) at the bottom of the excavation. This provides a clean, level surface to position reinforcement and prevents direct soil contact with structural concrete.
Position Cover Blocks & Bind TMT Cage
Place concrete cover blocks (minimum 50mm for footings) on the PCC surface to maintain rebar cover. Bind the TMT bar reinforcement cage as per design drawings using 16 to 20 gauge binding wire. Double-check bar spacing and cover on all sides.
Pour & Compact Concrete
Use M20 grade concrete (or higher as designed) with OPC 53 grade cement for footings. Pour in layers of maximum 450mm and compact thoroughly with a needle vibrator to eliminate voids. Do not add extra water to the mix — this weakens the concrete.
Curing
Begin curing within 24 hours of casting by keeping the concrete continuously wet for a minimum of 14 days (28 days for structural elements). Curing is critical — it can increase concrete strength by up to 30%. Use gunny bags or curing compound for vertical surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers to common questions about foundation work
QWhich TMT grade is recommended for Andaman construction?›
Fe-500D is the most recommended grade for Andaman. The "D" suffix indicates enhanced ductility — critical in seismic zones. Fe-500D offers a yield strength of 500 MPa minimum but with higher elongation at failure, giving structures the ability to deform without sudden collapse during earthquakes. Always buy ISI-marked TMT from reputed brands.
QWhich cement is better — OPC or PPC for Andaman?›
(1) OPC is ideal for high-strength applications, whereas PPC offers enhanced durability and workability. (2) PPC generates less heat during hydration compared to OPC, making it more suitable for mass concrete works. (3) OPC is preferred for fast-track construction, while PPC is used in structures requiring long-term durability.
QWhat are cover blocks and why are they needed?›
Cover blocks are small pre-cast concrete spacers placed between reinforcement bars and the formwork or ground to maintain correct concrete cover. In Andaman, a minimum cover of 50mm is required for foundations and 40mm for columns exposed to weather, as per IS 456. Inadequate cover is the primary cause of premature concrete corrosion and spalling in coastal structures.
QWhat concrete grade should I use for a residential foundation?›
The minimum concrete grade for structural foundations as per IS 456 is M20 (characteristic strength 20 N/mm). In Andaman, given the coastal environment and potential for chloride exposure, using M25 grade for all structural elements is strongly recommended. For RCC raft foundations or piles, M30 or higher may be specified by your structural engineer.
QHow much TMT steel is needed for a typical house?›
As a rough estimate, a single-floor RCC house in Andaman typically requires 4.5 to 6 kg of TMT steel per square foot of built-up area (including foundation, columns, beams, and roof slab). A 1000 sqft house would therefore need approximately 4.5 to 6 metric tonnes of TMT bars. Always follow your engineer's bar bending schedule for accurate quantities.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Browse our full catalog of foundation work materials with current prices. Questions? Our team in Port Blair is here to help.