Floating slab track :
A floating slab track adds the highest possible mass above the track spring to form a system with a very low resonance frequency.
Figure 13.20 shows how a floating slab track is typically designed as part of the tunnel structure. As well as the greater construction cost of
the track form itself, the great expense can come from any increase in the diameter of
the tunnel that has to be made to accommodate sufficient mass in the floating slab. Thus, the achievable size is often determined by the space in the tunnel.
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What Is a Floating Slab?
These slabs are constructed in two stages. In the first stage, the footings are poured separately. The center floor of this floating slab is poured only after the footings are cured.
The slab isn’t anchored to the floor. This type of slab is typically used for shallow foundations such as garages, sheds, and light home extensions. Also Read: Gutter Seal
Why Use a Floating Slab?
Building a floating slab is one of the most economical ways of constructing a foundation. Traditional foundations include a strip foundation using a frost wall above.
The strip footing is installed below the frost level, typically 4′-0″ below grade. The cost of a strip footing and frost wall is a lot higher because there are more excavation, concrete, and labor required. Also Read: best garage floor paint and sealer
Introduction to Monolithic Slab :
Monolithic Slab foundations are the easiest, fastest, and most inexpensive Types of Foundations available. The truth that they are poured in one go says that they are efficient to prepare, and they similarly give a solid foundation.
Monolithic Slab foundations are nicely suited to flat ground. If the ground is not flat, then a quantity of fill dirt is utilized to level off the ground; in time, this can lead to difficulties with cracking if the ground is not suitably compacted.
Floating Slabs are concrete slabs that are established over the ground, without any kind of anchoring, as if it just sits on it and float.
A floating slab, as the word says resembles a plate that is simply laid over the water, with no kind of connection between them.
The major application of floating slabs is to utilize as a base foundation for sheds, manufacturing workshops, home additional rooms, or garages. Also Read: Waterproof Basement Floor Options
Advantages of floating slabs :
A floating slab is recommended for areas with lower load-bearing capacities. Therefore, it can be used when required to erect a structure over loose soil or when there are varying degrees of compression in the soil.
Floating foundations are capable of spreading weight support over a large area.
This type of slab is best used when a new foundation should not interfere with other building structures. Since a floating slab is placed just above the earth instead of in it,
the foundation forms a natural moisture barrier between the structure and the ground. This makes it a preferred option for structures made on high moisture soils and colder climates.
As the slab does not require deep footer trenches, the floating slab can be poured with fewer exertions like digging and trenching.
The slab will not disturb the natural earth lying beneath the building or interfere with its long-established quality.
Floating slabs are not compromised in areas with high vibration such as highways or mining areas where the earth is expected to shift as a result of high underground moisture. Also Read: Three Hip and Valley Roofs and Three Covered Walkways
Disadvantages of floating slabs :
Some limitations associated with floating slabs are its comparatively primitive technology, entrapped air within sealed floating foundation systems, and lower design resonance.
Floating slab foundations also have the distinct disadvantage of lack of underground access for utility lines. Also Read: Post Tensioning Advantages and Disadvantages
Construction of Floating Slab :
The construction of Floating Slabs requires details. The proposed building requires a solid and strong foundation to fully support the entire superstructure’s weight on it.
As mentioned they are more commonly used in garages, extensions to a house or shed do not necessarily require a large foundation. These buildings have less structural load compare to others.
Hence Floating Slabs are found to be most suitable and economical as compared to conventional slab construction. Also Read: Types of Roof Eaves
The main construction layers in a floating slab are shown in Figure-1. The construction includes the following steps:
A: Site Excavation for Floating Slab Construction :
The initial stage of floating slab construction is to clear the land and excavate the area as per the plan. This is the initial preparation for the construction. Preparation of Land for Floating Slab Construction
The step also involves making drainage in the sides, for the water to drain out through the gravel base as shown below.
The trench constructed is sealed with geotextile and gravel as shown below, which will remove water from the concrete slab foundation as shown in the figure. Also Read:Spread Footing Design
B: Laying Gravel Base for Drainage :
Laying Gravel base layer over the area for drainage of unwanted water
C: Reinforcement for Slabs :
The slab mold is placed for the casting procedure. To strengthen the slab, the reinforcing bars are provided as per dimensions and codes. Reinforcement in Floating Slab Also Read: How to Repair Spalling Concrete Wall
D: Casted Floating Slab :
The concrete is poured into the slab formwork. It is compacted by either my labor or mechanical vibrator depending on the area and workmanship. Proper compaction has to be undergone, to make the slab fully productive. Proper curing has to be undergone for almost 2 to 3 days. Also Read: Secant Pile Wall Advantages and Disadvantages
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