Concrete Slab - The Different Kinds

A concrete slab is an important and common element in today's modern building. It is a shallow and reinforced concrete structure, which is wider in comparison with its depth. The thicker slabs which are 10 to 50 centimeters, are used in the construction of floors, bridge decks and ceiling where as the thinner slabs are used for exterior paving. A thick concrete slab supported on the sub soil or on foundations in domestic and industrial buildings, is used in the construction of building's ground floor. A thin pre-cast concrete slab is used to be slung between frames made of steel in order to make floor and ceiling in tall building and skyscrapers.

There are different kinds of concrete slab namely one-way slab, two-way slab and a flat plat or flat slab. In a one-way slab, the support is on four sides and it has a larger span in one course than in the other. In case of a two-way slab, it is supported on the four sides and the reinforcing steel is perpendicular to all its sides. If the slab is supported directly on columns without the help of any beams or girders, it is called a flat slab or flat plate. A flat slab is more advantageous as it involves a simple formwork and offers a better fire protection.

Thermal Performance

Two main thermal considerations are; firstly, insulation of a floor slab and secondly the high thermal mass. In building made as per the older system, the slabs can consume heat from the room as they are cast directly on the ground. Where as in modern building, the concrete slab may have under floor heating pipes, and these slabs are cast above expanded polystyrene, a layer of insulation. A non-insulated slab is used is outbuildings, which cannot be cooled or heated to room temperature. Here the slab is cast directly cast to a rocky substrate, which will prevent both overheating and freezing by maintaining it at room temperature.

The high thermal mass is applied to the walls, floor and anywhere, where a concrete is used. It is a disadvantage when the rooms are to be heated quickly as concrete slab takes time to warm up and thus delaying the warming of building. It is of great advantage in place where temperature swings take place, as these slabs by acting as regulators help in keeping the building warm in the night and cool during the day.

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Different Types of Home Foundations

1. T-shaped Foundation or Basement Foundation:

House foundation which is considered a traditional method. It does support a type of structure within an area where the ground will freeze. A concrete slab is actually poured onto the ground down at the very bottom of the hole. This type foundation is used where the climate is very cold, such as in the North.

2. Slab On Grade Foundation: This type of house foundation is very popular in the South. "It is a waffle-shaped steel that is reinforced with sheets of concrete. It is also be used with insulation in the North to prevent it from being affected by any frost.

3. Pier and Beam:

House foundation which is also called a crawlspace. The reason it is called a crawl space is because the space is easy to get to with limited headroom space. It is between the soil and the bottom of the first floor of a house. This type of foundation is used in areas where there is very heavy clay within the soil, such as in the state of Texas. This type of space allows installation for heating utilities as well as plumbing for easy access. This type of space definitely needs to be insulated. If it is not insulated well, then water vapor can cause dangerous mold problems which can cause other serious major problems down the road.

As time goes by, unfortunately your foundation may be in need of repair. You may see bulging cracks in your foundation or you may suspect foundation movement. Sometimes floor and wall cracks appear. Many times doors will bind and you may have trouble opening them. Always keep your eye open for any water in your home along with any mold. Don't forget to check for cracks in your exterior too. You may even see separations of wood on the interior or on the exterior of your home. Should you have any of the above problems, you will need an advice from an expert on what to do.

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