Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Jul 23, 2010 2:26 pm Ok ... I'm confused (not hard in my case ) ... but up here there are some builders who are promoting that they don't use waffles but do a solid slab (iykwim) and to steer away from waffle slabs. So why would this be? Just trying to make themselves look better than competitors? Or is there some soil types that don't suit the waffles or the solid concrete slabs? Any help/info would be great. Thanks Nic ~ trying to build our dream home by the sea ~ Re: Waffle slabs vs all concrete slabs 2Jul 23, 2010 3:53 pm Waffle pod slabs are just as good as raft salbs or any other type and are cheaper. Some people have misconceptions that a solid slab is better but it really makes no difference. soil that is more reactive and less dense (H class and above) need piers and greater strength no matter what type of slab. "I never learned a thing until I finished school" - Unknown "You can get anything accomplished, If you don't mind who gets the credit" - Ned Hay Re: Waffle slabs vs all concrete slabs 3Jul 23, 2010 4:10 pm Thanks kid81. I think I need to research some more so that I can show my husband ... I think the whole "we don't do waffle pods" have got to him ... lol ~ trying to build our dream home by the sea ~ Re: Waffle slabs vs all concrete slabs 4Jul 23, 2010 4:28 pm in that case, I'll explain a little better then (some of the text below i have pulled from a pamphlet we have here that we give out to customers) The most common slab is the Raft Slab. At least 100mm steel reinforced concrete slab integrated with steel reinforced concrete beams founded into soil. Waffle Pod Slab is constructed above ground on a level surface. Placed in checkerboard (grid) layout, polystyrene pods are separated by 110mm wide internal steel reinforced concrete stiffening beams to support an 85mm steel reinforced concrete slab In comparison, both Slabs are engineer designed and therefore structurally sound. Both provide clean, level finishes to accommodate the installation of brick veneer or clad framing as well as a suitable base for most floor coverings. Both will likely develop thin cracks over their life. So which is better? It is really about determining the most cost effective solution to deal with site conditions, slope, soil classification and complexity of house design. The right choice will take into account not only the slab cost, but the incidental costs associated with excavation of the site as well as the slab and the need for retaining walls and soil fill to level the site before and after slab construction. All of which is critical in preparing for the slab to be constructed but also for the home owner to enjoy the use of their block of land after the home has been completed. Raft slab can be cheaper for A and M class and more so if there is a lot of excavation to be done. Waffle usually works out cheaper in higher reactive soil situations. Raft slab is more common because it is easier (although more concrete = more $$$). "I never learned a thing until I finished school" - Unknown "You can get anything accomplished, If you don't mind who gets the credit" - Ned Hay Re: Waffle slabs vs all concrete slabs 5Jul 23, 2010 4:40 pm Can I narcissistically recommend the Ready Reckoner link in my signature... mmm....donuts Homer Simpson 1956- Links: Site Costs Ready Reckoner | H1 Addiction Medical Advice | Château TDL: The Backyard Re: Waffle slabs vs all concrete slabs 6Jul 23, 2010 7:51 pm Thanks again Kid81. This whole thing confuses me. Can I ask a really dumb question? Does the waffle foam break down over time and leave voids in the slab? I know, it's probably a really dumb question ... but it's something that I've been wondering. To_do_List ... working my way through that thread now, thanks ~ trying to build our dream home by the sea ~ Re: Waffle slabs vs all concrete slabs 7Jul 23, 2010 8:18 pm RaryGirl Thanks again Kid81. This whole thing confuses me. Can I ask a really dumb question? Does the waffle foam break down over time and leave voids in the slab? I know, it's probably a really dumb question ... but it's something that I've been wondering. The foam is a "former" it forms the shape of the slab into a waffle...think belgian waffle, covered in ice cream, choc....sorry I digress. The waffle shape (plus copious amounts of reinforcement) gives it the strength to cope with the movement of the soil as it changes in moisture - you may have heard the term "reactive clay" that's a clay that swells as the moisture increases, and shrinks when it decreases. Once the concrete has set the foam is sacrificial, it's done it's job in creating the waffle shape. Think of it like the bits of timber around the outside, once the concrete has set there is no need for them. I hope that makes sense.... mmm....donuts Homer Simpson 1956- Links: Site Costs Ready Reckoner | H1 Addiction Medical Advice | Château TDL: The Backyard The Soil classification has little to do with piers. The purpose of the classing of the soil is to identify the clay content and the "average expected range of movement… 2 9855 my suspicion - some builders, they do usually make 'odd' settings in their site plan / pricing as their standards - being hopeful that first - the initial price is… 9 2482 |