grade/bond beams under slab; size?
#1
12-21-08, 11:15 PM
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grade/bond beams under slab; size?
Is there a "general" size for grade beams under a slab? My house will be 96' x 44', and I am wondering about stiffening the concrete slab-on-grade floor. That seems way too long for simply a 4" slab w/ mesh, and even w/ added rebar. Is this engineer territory, or can a guy copy someone else who has already been there? We have good soil, the footer will likely be 20" W x 10" thick, w/ 3-#5 rebar, and the four foot foundation wall between footer and slab will be 13" ICFs. One story house, ranch. 60 lb snow load. Thanks. john
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12-22-08, 06:01 PM
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Who designed it in the first place? If you need a second opinion, I would consult another architect but what you described sounds ok.
Construction Overview - Insulated Concrete Forms Installation Guide for Residential and Commercial Builders
Site on ICFs ^^^
Construction Overview - Insulated Concrete Forms Installation Guide for Residential and Commercial Builders
Site on ICFs ^^^
#3
12-22-08, 06:21 PM
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slab only?
I "designed" it, strictly from gut. So you think the slab alone is OK? Perhaps you read quickly and thought I had suggested 20 x 10 grade beams, as I noted for footers?? Thanks. john
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12-22-08, 07:54 PM
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A slab should be fine with the correct footings but I wouldn't take a chance on a design like that without consulting an architect for the simple reason that you can't go back and change it at a later date, not to mention building codes. I know architects want $175 per hour but it's money well spent.
#5
12-22-08, 08:36 PM
grade/bond beams under slab; size?
Designing by "gut" is a bad approach unless you have a lot of money and no pride. When it comes to a foundation in a severe climate, you especially need professional help. - What really is "good soil"?
Sometimes people get too close to what they are trying to accomplish and can't see the big picture.
You would not think twice about spending a few hundred dollars extra on a nice countertop (5 to 10 year life) that your wife likes, so why not do the permanent foundation right?
Sometimes people get too close to what they are trying to accomplish and can't see the big picture.
You would not think twice about spending a few hundred dollars extra on a nice countertop (5 to 10 year life) that your wife likes, so why not do the permanent foundation right?
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12-22-08, 10:46 PM
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Roger that. I am seeing the engineer as soon as I can get my .CAD file, saved as .DXF, to where he can open it. I love all these different platforms, file types, etc; sure makes life easy.
