Execute an internet search for Houston Concrete Foundation and a plethora of websites will appear but for the purposes here this article will concentrate on commercial and industrial applications.
Further discussions will include the different types of foundations that are recommended for specific applications. Foundations are sometimes referred to as a concrete slab or “Slab”. There is a wide range of foundation/slab designs and all require separate specifications including adaptation based on the soil test report.
This leads us to the foundation slab support. The soil support system below the concrete, otherwise known as sub grade, is essential and critical to a successful foundation. The first step is to complete a soil test to examine the characteristic make up of the existing soil. A geo technical lab will perform a soil boring which will provide the structural engineer the information needed to design a foundation slab that has the ability to support the weight of the anticipated loads.
Depending on the test results of the existing soil, the sub grade could require stabilizing the existing soil using lime or cement subsequently excavating this soil twelve to thirty six inches and placing a new material such as select fill.
Once the sub grade has been designed, the structural engineer will need to design the foundation or concrete slab next. The slab/foundation will be designed based on the soil test results and load anticipations for the building that is to be placed on the slab/foundation. Generally speaking, when installing a new slab or foundation there are a few critical tasks that must be completed including a geo technical soil test, engineered stamped drawings as well as city and/or county permits and fees.
Below is an example of the work to be completed for a typical concrete slab or foundation:
• Stabilization of the existing sub grade or remove and replace with select fill
• Form and pour a five inch thick slab
• ½ inch rebar @ twelve inch centers
• Drill piers with the dimensions of 12” X 36” X 8’ with rebar
• Install a concrete grade beam with the dimensions of 12” X 24” with rebar
• Spread footing/pier caps with the dimensions of 24” X 24” X 24” with rebar
• Install a vapor barrier to prevent water vapor from getting into the slab
• Complete a trowel finish depending upon the anticipated level of skid resistance
• Saw the expansion joints
• Spray on curing compound depending on engineer recomendations
As detailed, a foundation or concrete slab requires many tasks and action that all seem incredibly critical to a successful concrete project. From the geo technical soil testing and stabilizing the existing soil to the structural engineered foundation design, this demands competence.
For a commercial Houston concrete foundation, locate and choose a concrete contractor with testimonials that also carries general insurance, work comp insurance and that has over thirty years of experience in the industry to ensure a successful project.
Discuss commercial concrete foundations and slabs more extensively: Foundation Expert Since 1978
http://www.houstonconcrete.com details everything commercial concrete including foundations, metal buildings, drainage, detention ponds, concrete repair, etc.
BHCC, Inc.
Houston, TX 77041
281-443-0874
