View source for Alternatives to screw foundations

Edufarm opted for screw foundations for the construction of the footings. However, other types of concrete-free foundations exist. This page focuses specifically on two of these alternatives: the tire foundation and the cyclopean foundation.

== 1.Tire foundations ==
Tire foundations are frequently used in Europe for constructing small structures, such as garden sheds. In Asia, they are valued for their good seismic resistance.

The method involves drilling holes into the ground in a grid pattern; a spacing of 3 meters or less between grid points is ideal. The diameter of the holes should match the size of the tires used, while the depth depends on the load of the structure. Anchor posts (such as those used for agricultural greenhouses or other suitable alternatives) are set in the center of these holes. Next, the tires are installed: place a first layer of tires in the holes, fill them with a mixture of gravel and soil, and repeat the process until the tire stack reaches the desired height. If there is any gap between the sides of the hole and the stack of tires, stones can be inserted to ensure stability.

Note: This method is not suitable for fully sustainable projects due to the composition of the tires (rubber).

== 2.Cyclopean foundations ==
Cyclopean foundations date back millennia. The Romans originally coined the name because they believed that Cyclopes had built the foundations.

In principle, holes are drilled into the ground where the load-bearing walls are to be located. A mixture of lime concrete and stones is then placed into these boreholes. Thanks to the inclusion of pumice stone, they offer excellent mechanical and seismic resistance and prevent rising damp. In practice, these foundations can last for centuries. Eventually, these foundations can also be converted into sand.

Note: Unfortunately, it is not recommended to use this sand to make new concrete; thus, while these foundations are more sustainable than tire foundations, they are less so than screw foundations.