What Is Floating Slab?

Floating slab foundations are used in any building where there is a need for low load-bearing for the structure. The floating slab is a type of concrete slab. This type of slab is placed on the ground without any anchoring. A floating slab foundation is a shallow foundation.

Floating slabs are concrete slabs that are laying over the ground, without any kind of anchoring, as if it simply sits on it and floats. Floating slab, as the name tells it resembles a plate that is simply laid over water, with no kind of connection between them.

Purpose of Floating Slab Foundation

Where there is no need for a deep foundation for a small structure. A floating slab foundation is used there. This type of slab is made over water with no connection between them. The main application of floating slabs can be used as a foundation for small types of structures such as manufacturing workshops, sheds, garages, and additional rooms in the house.

Floating slabs behave as a barrier for the entrance of the moisture coming from the ground. It acts a barrier between the superstructure and the ground. This avoids seepage of water and frosting. For this purpose, the slab can be insulated for frost or moisture.

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Floating Slab Construction

Details of planning and commissioning of the proposed building for the floating slab construction are collected. So that a strong foundation can be built to fully support the weight of the superstructure.

The floating slab can be used as a base for small types of structures such as manufacturing workshops, sheds, garages, and additional rooms. These buildings are lighter in structure compared to other buildings. Can be used as a floating slab foundation where it does not require a large foundation.

The various steps to floating slab construction are as follows.

Site Preparation

The site is first inspected. Trees are removed from the site. Then excavation is prepared. Where to dig the soil and take it, how to do the filling? All plans come to mind.

1. Site Excavation

Excavated for floating slab according to level. A channel-like shape is dug for water disposal and water is removed from the channel. This channel should be covered with waterproofing material.

2. Reinforcement for Slab

After the first process is completed Then steel binding is done according to structural design.

In reinforcement, lapping should not come in one place. reinforcement lapping should be done according to an alternate method. Must have strength as per reinforcement Is code.

3. Shuttering Work for Floating Slab

smooth surface, Proper alignment, and good quality work can be provided using formwork in the floating slab. Tight formwork should be laid in such a way that slary does not come out of the formwork during concreting.

The cover block should be fixed after the shuttering work is completed especially tighten the support so that the formwork does not open during concreting. Proper measurement should be fixed, and adequate support should be given to the shuttering formwork.

4. Concreting

For Floating slab concrete is made by mixing in a mixer machine at the site or ready mix concrete can also be used. If the quantity of concrete is high, ready-mix concrete can be used.

If concrete is formed on the site, care must be taken to ensure that the material is mixed in a proper mixer machine. proper mixing material gives strength high. Adequate compaction of concrete should be done during concreting of the floating slab.

The quality of concrete is maintained with adequate compaction and proper guidance the top layer is finished after concreting is finished. Its side is opened 24 hours after the concrete is done.

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5. Curing

It should be cured for seven days. Water is sprinkled for curing. Curing plays an important role in affecting strength.

Advantage of Floating Slab

1. Distribution of load on a floating slab foundation is a technique for transferring over a large area.
2. Floating slabs can prevent moisture from entering the home floor. The work of separating between the superstructure and the ground is done by the floating slab. In addition, the floating slab protects from factors such as water and frost.
3. The area of ​​the earth that is most likely to be settled. And where humidity is high, floating slabs are best suited
4. In areas where construction is to be carried out with low load carrying capacity and where investing money in land treatment is in vain, it is prudent to do a floating slab.
5. Floating slab construction are a good solution when it comes to redeveloping homes. Floating slab In such a situation building extension can be done without affecting the old foundation. This type of foundation will not interfere with the structure.

Disadvantage of Floating Slab

1. There is no space for a sewage line from this type of foundation. So a trench has to be made for it during the floating slab.
2. It cannot be used for overloaded bearing structures.
3. Repairing a floating slab is expensive.

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