Concrete slab thickness
Hug Your Harley
>
> 4" is plenty but be sure you put wire in it
why?
--
HYH =§= 01 FXST
db...@sprynet.com
>
> I am putting up a woodwork shop ~ 1000 sq ft and have been getting a lot of
> conflicting opinions on the thickness the slab should be. Varies from 4" to
> 6" which is a few hundred dollars that if not required could go into more
> toys!! I am in the Vancouver BC are so do not have to worry about deep
> freezes etc!
>
> Grizzle
Do you need to get a building permit? I put up a 15 X 20 building in my
back yard and the building inspection people told me I needed to go just
like the house was built. I had the plans for the house as I had it
built about 10 years before this workshop/garage/shed building.
It had footings that went down 18 inches, about 12 inches wide all the
outside of the 15X20 size of the slab, on the top of this I then had
4 inches ofcement 18" included the 4 inches on the top.
Joseph Meehan
> 4" is plenty but be sure you put wire in it
why?
End Quote
The wire will reduce cracking. Frankly I would go for at least 5
inches and I really think I would go for 6. Who are you going to blame
8 years from now if you end up with a crack right where you want to roll
a tool? Over the years the extra is not that much. Also consider that
it is my experience that if you specify 4 inches you are lucky to get
3.75. You will only get 4 inches around the edges were you can measure
it easy.
Other than local codes, which you should check first, it's really
your call.
I bought a new home about 7 years ago. I asked about upgrading the
foundation block size, and the thickness and adding wire to all the
concrete slabs. That was one thing they would not do for me. They did
do all the other things though. Right now almost every slab of concrete
they put in is cracked, including the drive, basement and garage. Only
the sidewalks and porch are crack free.
--
Dia 's Muire duit
Joe M
davefr
Order fibre reinforced mix from the concrete company.
Joseph Meehan
Make sure you have a good solid base of highly compacted sand.
Order fibre reinforced mix from the concrete company.
End Quote
I wish I could have. I think the concrete that was used was as
cheap as possible. Based on the spalding (sp) I have on my drive the
concrete mix was bad or they over worked it when it was put in. Oh
well, many of my neighbors had worse than I did.
David Alexander
of application, PCA recommends 4-5" thickness. Keep in mind that the weight
of the structure is on the edges where the footing (loaded with rebar) is,
so the slab doesn't have to be all that thick. The slab is there to make a
level walking and working surface and to support some partition walls. If
you worry about cracks, make sure that it's jointed every 10-12' and that
the wire doesn't run through the joint. It should also be wet cured for
several days minimum after pouring to enhance strength and surface
durability. Consider sealing it with a high quality concrete sealer to
prevent stains, etc.
Anyone needing definitive answers about concrete should visit
http://www.supernetwork.net
That's the website for Concrete Construction magazine. You can search their
archive of past magazines and read articles written by some of the best
people in the concrete business (engineers, contractors, and ready mix
producers). I took the magazine for over 20 years, and it is great
informaton abvout a widely-misunderstood product.
"Grizzle" <gri...@jenarae.com> wrote in message
news:xhqs6.1251$9N4....@newscontent-01.sprint.ca...
Leinie
is whats used for form lumber. A 2X6 is 5.5" a 2X8 is 7.25" a 2X10 is 9.25"
a 2X12 is 11.25". Those are your concrete thickness options.Concrete
contractors form with standard lumber and will charge extra if you want it
different.
"Joseph Meehan" <slig...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:QOxs6.97657$Aj2.1...@typhoon.columbus.rr.com...
Joseph Meehan
base compaction, stress relief joints for expansion, and a properly
mixed, properly poured material is far better crack prevention than mesh
wire
End Quote
I will not argue with that, but I can specify the wire, getting
proper mix and work is not that easy, especially when the work is being
done by a subcontractor of a contractor who is working for someone other
than me.
Dan Hicks
>
> I am putting up a woodwork shop ~ 1000 sq ft and have been getting a lot of
> conflicting opinions on the thickness the slab should be. Varies from 4" to
> 6" which is a few hundred dollars that if not required could go into more
> toys!! I am in the Vancouver BC are so do not have to worry about deep
> freezes etc!
First question: What does local building code require?
Second question: Will you have heavy machinery in the building (or
possibly park your car inside, etc)?
On stable soil you could probably get away with 2 inchs and never notice
the difference other than a few more cracks. Four inches properly
reenforced (with heavy wire or a rebar grid properly raised on chairs)
would probably be better than six unreenforced.
Dan Hicks
Spalling.
Joseph Meehan
Spalling.
End Quote
Thanks. Spelling is on the bottom of my very short list of
abilities.
Dan Hicks
>
> Begin Quote
> Spalling.
> End Quote
>
> Thanks. Spelling is on the bottom of my very short list of
> abilities.
At least it ranks above spalling. (:-))
Grizzle
conflicting opinions on the thickness the slab should be. Varies from 4" to
6" which is a few hundred dollars that if not required could go into more
toys!! I am in the Vancouver BC are so do not have to worry about deep
freezes etc!
Grizzle
Hug Your Harley
4" is generally the standard thickness for non-commercial applications
when soil conditions and use allow it. bearing footings should be min.
12"x12". remember, those giving the opinions aren't spending the money.
Bob
6 inches would only be needed if you have extreme weight or are driving large
vehicles on the floor...
Bob