Advantages and Disadvantage of Grade Beam
The grade beam is the concrete foundation that helps provide structural support to the building's foundation. Grade beams are reinforced concrete beams or horizontal concrete beams located at or below the ground level and help to make a strong link between the foundation piles. This type of beam has been used in the construction site to distribute the load of the building structure from above to the elements of the foundations thus helping to prevent differential settlement and structural damage of the construction structure over time.
Advantages of using Grade Beam in Construction
Enhancing stability
The stability of the building structure has been increased by using grade beams which helps to distribute the weight of the building. Garde beams also help to ensure that the construction structure remains at the ground level.
Soil movement resistance
Another advantage of grade beams is it has the ability to resist the movement of the soil. Grade beams can withstand the lateral forces which helps to prevent the expansion of the soils as well as preventing the contraction from affecting the building foundation.
Bringing versatility
There are numerous shapes and sizes of grade beams are available which makes these beams versatile for different needs of the construction process. The grade beams can also be customized as per the requirement of the load-bearing capacities.
Cost-effectiveness
This type of beam is the cost-effective choice as compared to the other types of beams. Less excavation and material is required for constructing the grade beams which helps to reduce the construction cost.
Reasons behind using Grade Beam in the construction process
There are several important reasons for choosing the use of grade beams in the construction process which include:
The distribution of the load
The grade beams have been also used in the construction units as it has the ability to distribute the building’s weight evenly to the foundation structure which helps to keep the building structure stable and level over a long time period.
Supporting foundation structure
Grade beams help to provide support to the foundation elements which is necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the building structures.
Stabilizing soil
The grade beams have the ability to resist lateral forces thus helping to stabilize the soil. In the case of varying soil conditions, soil stabilization is necessary.
Suitability
Mainly for low to medium-rise structures, grade beams are most suitable. Though, grade beams can also be used in high-rise buildings and alternative foundation systems.
Higher lifespan
Garde beams have the ability to last for several decades in case of proper maintenance.
Concept about Grade slab
The grade slab acts as the concrete floor which is 4 to 6 inches thick. The grade slabs are used for supporting houses, building structures, or other types of construction work. This flat working platform has been used on the construction site to enable the construction work to take place. The grade slabs have acted as the bearing walls which help to distribute the weight of the building structure to the ground beneath. In the case of poor soil conditions, the grade slabs are used as they help to ensure the spread of the loads evenly across the soil. Problems like popping up the structure have been eliminated by the use of grade slabs in the construction unit.
Advantages of using Grade slab in construction units
There are several advantages of using grade slabs in the construction process which are:
Stability improvement
A solid foundation has been provided by the grade slab which helps to ensure that the building structure will remain secure and stable for a long period of time.
Ensuring the level surface
A level surface has been also ensured by the use of a grade slab which makes it easy to install the floors as well as makes it easy to conduct the construction processes.
Settlement reduction
The grade slab also helps to decrease the risk of shifting or settlement by distributing the load of the building structure evenly.
Cost-effectiveness
The grade slabs are less expensive rather than other types of foundations which helps to make a cost-effective option for the constructors.
Easy installation
These types of slabs are also easy to install which helps to reduce the labour cost and overall time of the construction process.
Different types of Grade slab
Supported slab on grade
This type of grade sab has been used in the case of traditional footing already framed on the construction site. This type of slab is used to rest on the gravel layer and a moisture barrier which helps to prevent the enter of the water into the slab.
Monolithic slab on grade
This type of garde slab does not have any footings. The monolithic slab acts as itself as a footing for the building structure. In this type of slab, the perimeter of the slab is thicker rather than the surface area. The top loads of the construction structure have been distributed evenly across the soil surroundings by using this mini footing.
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Video Source: CAD TUTORIAL BD
Post-tensioned slab
This type of grade slab incorporates tendons or cables for providing support and reinforcement. These tendons can be strengthened after setting the concrete. This stretching helps to put pressure on the concrete. This type of grade slab has been used in constructing large-span structures.
Fiber-reinforced slab
Synthetic or natural fibres have been employed in this type of grade slab which helps to enhance the sturdiness or strength of the slabs. This type of grade slab is suitable for the pavements and the industrial floors.
