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Why Use A Slab On Ground Design In Constructing Residential Homes

As the name would imply

A Slab On The Ground Design Is One That Has The Concrete Poured Directly Onto The:

Sub-grade

This is the native soil, compacted by one of two methods, jack hammer or plate or

Sub-base

This a layer of gravel on top of the sub-grade, usually to help allow for drainage.

This is one of the most economical ways to form a foundation, however, there are certain concerns that
must be dealt with.

These would entail the temperature, at the time of pouring and curing and the type of sub-grade being
poured onto.

Here Are A Few Slab On Ground Design Potential Problems, Facing Home Owners:

*Temperatures of less than 45 degrees will require additional equipment to ensure the concrete is kept
warm long enough to cure properly.

Temperatures in the freezing levels will require heating blankets and careful consideration as to whether
it should even be done at this time.

*Temperatures in excess of 75 to 80 degrees, will require attention to keep the concrete cool and damp
for proper curing to take place in a proper way.

Many slabs fail because of the high temperatures encountered in many areas of the world.

Concrete needs to be able to cure, properly, in order to establish a floor for the construction of the dwelling.

It is important that the proper amount of time be allowed for this to take place.

Curing too slow, as in the temperatures being very low, will not allow for the curing in that proper way.

Curing happening in a shorter amount of time than about 7 days can allow for inconsistent curing causing holes or 'holidays' in the concrete mass.

*Heavy clay soil, as the sub-grade, is problematic as it will shrink or swell depending on temperatures and other weather conditions.

Since a stable, level, surface of sub-grade is necessary, it is important to ensure this will not buckle and
heave as this will cause the relatively low tensile strength concrete to crack and fail.

This can be handled by the strategic laying of drainage elements such as proper down spouts from gutters
and landscaping that will drain water away from the foundation.

The problems of the water retention and subsequent swelling can be all but eliminated this way.

*Pouring a slab on the ground in areas where it is subject to freezing temperatures, over much of the year, might require the use of foam insulation or hydronic heating systems to keep the sub-grade from freezing
and swelling.

*The plumbing and running of electrical elements through the slab can be a problem due to the expensive repair work needed if these components must be torn out for maintenance or replacement.

Other issues would arise such as the allowance of termites or other insects into the house through the
holes engineered into the slab.

This can be dealt with, fairly easily, by laying conduit of an appropriate size through the site before pouring
the concrete over them.

Since the concrete will come close to the conduit, an appropriate sealant can be used to ensure protection from water, freezing elements and insects.

The laying of the slab on ground designed flooring.

Taking The Above Considerations Into Account. A Slab On Ground Design Calls For A 10cm Thick Mass.

Exterior, load bearing walls usually call for an additional 2 inches to bring that to a 6 inch thick perimeter.

Interior load bearing walls call for thickening the slab, there, as well. The laying of re bar is called for under
all load bearing areas to help reinforce the concrete's normal low tensile strength.

Welded wire fabrics can be use to distribute any temperature changes to assist in reducing cracks in the
floor.

There will almost always be cracking, however, reducing the differences in temperature, weight and other conditions will help in these situations.

After the pour, the concrete must remain damp, not soaked.

The spraying of water on the surface and the covering of this with a plastic sheet is an appropriate method.

Again, it must be kept from freezing or over heating.

The slow curing of the concrete is what sets it up in the firm, sold, stable flooring that is needed for the construction that will be going on above it.

The finishing of the surface with a straight level and the use of a trowel is recommended for the smooth completion process.

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