What is a slab on grade?
A slab on grade foundation is a cast-in-place concrete foundation that is formed, reinforced, and poured directly on the subgrade and to create a foundation for a building or structure that is being created.
More in depth definition of a slab on grade
Slab on grade foundations are one of the most common foundations for commercial and residential buildings. Slab on grade foundations can be poured directly on subgrade in areas where there is little or no settling of soils, and where freezing is unlikely to occur. If freezing or settling soils is present then a floating slab on grade foundation will be created. A floating slab on grade foundation consists of piers, beams, or other foundation systems that are placed prior to pouring the slab on grade foundation, so that the slab doesn’t sit directly on subgrade. This is done so that the slab on grade foundation can be placed on something that will transfer the building loads into load bearing strata.
Example of a slab on grade Being Used
A slab on grade foundation can be poured to form the foundation for a commercial building, or residential building, and support the weight of the entire structure. The process of creating a slab on grade foundation is as follows:
1) Complete surveying and determine the corners of the slab on grade foundation using the construction plans and specifications.
2) Level the ground and replace subgrade with acceptable aggregate.
3) Complete the formwork for the slab on grade foundation.
4) Install reinforcing steel as specified in the construction plans and specifications.
5) Pour concrete, level top, and apply the concrete finish type that is in the construction plans and specifications.
