Know about the Constructing Procedure of Floating Slab
The floating slabs are concrete slabs that lie over the soil. This type of slab can simply laid over the water without any kind of connection between them. The floating slabs are mainly used as the base foundation for the manufacturing workshops, sheds, home additional rooms, and garages.
Advantages of floating slab in the construction process
➢ The floating slabs can be constructed in the site areas along with lower load-bearing capacity.
➢ The floating slab has the ability to spread the vertical loads over a larger area.
➢ In the case of the extension of the houses, the floating slabs are a good solution.
➢ The floating slabs also act as the barrier for the entrance of the moisture that has come from the ground. The floating slabs act as the barrier between the ground and the superstructure. In addition, the floating slab also helps to avoid seepage of water and frosting, as a result, the floating slab can be insulated from moisture and frost.
➢ There is no requirement for the usage of footer trenches in the case of floating slabs. These types of slabs can be poured with the help of digging and this process is economical.
➢ The construction of the floating slabs does not also lead to any kind of disturbance to the earth layer as well as does not interfere with the quality.
➢ In those areas where there is the possibility of shifting the earth layer because of the higher moisture content, the floating slab can be the best choice.
The construction details of the floating slabs
The construction of the floating slabs has been done in several steps which are as follows:
The excavation of the construction site for the floating slabs
The construction land has been cleared and the construction site has been excavated as per the plan at the initial stage of floating slab construction.
Gravel base for drainage system
A drainage system has been made on the sides for draining out of the water through the gravel base. The trench has been sealed with geotextile and gravel which helps to remove water from the concrete slab.
Reinforcement process
The mould of the floating slabs has been placed for the casting process. In this context, the reinforcing bars have been provided as per the codes and dimensions for strengthening the slabs.
Cast Floating Slab
After reinforcement, the concrete is poured into the slab formwork in this case, proper compaction has been done to make the floating slab fully productive. It also needs to be ensured that the proper curing process has been done for 2 to 3 days.
Concept of Monolithic Slab
A monolithic slab is a type of concrete foundation which has been poured into one piece. The thickness of the monolithic slab is about 4-5 inches which is used as both the foundation and floor of the building structure. The monolithic slabs have been used in the areas with the sallow soil frost depths.
Advantages of using Monolithic slabs
➢ The monolithic slabs are dried faster as compared to the other types of slabs.
➢ The construction of the monolithic slabs requires very low maintenance and only requires inspections at the scheduled intervals to ensure that there is no crack in the foundation structure.
➢ The monolithic slabs are strong and help to provide anchor bolts and reinforcements.
Landscaped areas
In the site layout plan, the type and dimensions of the landscape features should be shown around the property. The dimensions and the types of the retaining walls should be also shown in the site layout plan.
Floating Slab Vs Monolithic Slab
Numerous factors have been considered while comparing the floating slabs and monolithic slabs which are as follows:
The condition of the soil
The floating slabs are ideal for unstable and poor soil conditions. These types of slabs have been designed to move with the soil thus helping to reduce the risk of cracking that has occurred due to soil movement. However, ongoing monitoring and maintenance are required for floating slabs.
On the other hand, a monolithic slab is ideal for stable soil conditions as it helps to provide a solid and continuous base that has the ability to handle various soil types. This monolithic slab is permanent and stable as well as less likely to shift over time.
Cost factor
The floating slabs are more cost-effective as they require fewer materials and the construction process of the floating slab is less complicated.
On the other hand, a monolithic slab is more expensive as there is a need for extensive formwork as well as concrete pouring in a single process.
Design and aesthetic features
In the case of the floating slabs, there are limited design options as the construction process of the floating slabs is more straightforward and has the potential for visible changes in the elevations.
In contrast, the integrated slab and footing of the monolithic slab help to allow a wide range of architectural finishes and designs.
Load-bearing capacity
The floating slabs have limited load-bearing capacity which makes them less ideal for high-load conditions or heavy structures.
On the other hand, monolithic slabs have a higher load-bearing capacity as well as suitable for areas with high load conditions.
Repairing process
The repairing process of the floating slab is less costly and more straightforward. The floating slabs have been designed to move with the soil, as a result, the repair of the floating slabs focuses on levelling the concrete, and surface cracks and also helps to ensure that the moisture barrier is intact. More accessible and adaptable repairs have been allowed by the floating slabs which involve less extensive work as compared to the monolithic slabs.
To learn more, watch the following video tutorial.
Video Source: kurtscottage
In contrast, the repairing process of the monolithic slabs is more challenging because of its continuous designs. In this case, addressing settlement issues and cracks involves several techniques including slab jacking process, epoxy injections for cracks, or foundation underpinning to lift settled areas. During the repairing process of the monolithic slabs, professional expertise is required.
The repairing cost of the monolithic slabs is higher due to the complex procedure. In addition, extensive work is also required to fix the issues across the monolithic slabs.
