Advantages & Disadvantages of Monolithic Slab Foundation
Concrete slabs and footings form with monolithic slab foundations using a single layer of concrete. Monolithic foundations are preferred because they reduce labor costs and make construction faster than other foundation types.
The footing of a monolithic slab foundation is typically 12 to 18 inches thick, while the slab is 4 to 6 inches thick. Monolithic foundations require an appropriately prepared site and reinforced concrete with wires and reinforcing bars.
Preparation of the Site
1. The soil beneath the slab is devoid of organic matter. Compacting and removing the topsoil is necessary.
2. It is up to the code enforcement to determine the type and placement of reinforcements. Monolithic slabs of '4' rebar are commonly used. Metal bars called rebar places overlap, and you bind them together by placing them side by side in trenches.
3. Thick edges are the result of the trench along the edge of the slab. The depth and width of trenches are determined by building code officials. Warm climates use trenches that are 1 foot wide and 1 foot deep, while frost-heaved environments use trenches that are 1 foot wide and 2 feet deep.
Advantages of Monolithic Slab Foundation
Monolithic foundations offer many advantages over traditional ones. There are several advantages to this: