What Is Floating Slab?
A floating slab is another type of concrete slab laid on the ground with no support. The slab is built in two stages. Footings are cast individually in the first stage, and then the center floor of the slab is poured.
Because of the floating slabs, the ground preparation is reduced to a larger extent. Since the floating slab does not have a connection with the foundation, it is also called a monolithic slab.
This type of slab is used when the structure requires low bearing capacity. This foundation is suitable for small structures where a deeper structure is not required and when additional infrastructure is not needed.
Floating slabs are used as the foundation for small structures such as manufacturing workshops, sheds, and garages. Let’s discuss its construction process.
Why Use Floating Slab?
Floating slab is one of the most economical foundation construction methods. Traditional foundations require a strip footing with a frost wall above. The strip footing installed below the frost level is usually 4 inches below grade. The cost of a strip footing and frost wall is higher because more excavation, concrete, and labor are required.
Construction Procedure Of Floating Slab
To begin the construction of floating slabs, the planned building requires a stable foundation to completely sustain the entire weight of the superstructure.
As previously said, they are more commonly utilized in garages, home additions, and sheds that do not require large foundations. Structure-wise, these structures are light.
When compared to conventional slab construction, floating slabs are proven to be the most suited and cost-effective. The steps involved in the construction of a floating slab are described below.
1. Site preparation
The first step is to inspect the site where the floating slab will be built. Clear the site of any trees, small shrubs, or other debris. Then, make an excavation plan, including where to dig and where to take the soil.
2. Excavation
After all the preparation, the next step is to excavate the site. Excavate the area for the slab in accordance with the level. In this step, make a drainage channel on the sides for water to drain out through the gravel base.
Water will be removed from the concrete slab foundation by sealing the trench with geotextile and gravel. Make sure to cover this channel with waterproofing material.
3. Laying Gravel Base
In this step, gravel is spread over the area to allow unwanted water to drain.
4. Reinforcement For Slab
After laying the gravel base, the next step is to prepare reinforcement as per the structural design. Lapping should not occur in a single location during reinforcement; instead, it should occur in a different manner.
In addition, the reinforcement must be in accordance with the slab’s dimensions and specifications in order to strengthen the structure.