Acceptable Slab class ?

mustard · Jul 06, 2020 10:44 pm

Hi, we are currently in talks with a volume builder on a H&L package.
They mentioned that part of the inclusions were a H Class slab.
Should i request a copy of the geotech report and Engineering (i believe this is what i need) to confirm the soil type and therefore if H class is OK?
Or do i accept what they are advising is acceptable.
Thanks in advance

KameGame · Jul 07, 2020 11:23 am

This basically means if your soil reports comes down to an E or P, your site costs would increases as it would need concrete piers or bored screws etc.

iTool · Jul 07, 2020 3:06 pm

mustard

Or do i accept what they are advising is acceptable.

They are not advising what is acceptable, they are implying that their standard pricing only allows for classifications A, S, M and H*.

You are correct that a geotechnical report will include a determination on the site classification - and yes you should request a copy if one is available.

If you sign a contract and subsequently the site classification is confirmed as being E or P, a variation will likely be required to cover the cost of the additional foundation works.

*Note that technically class H no longer exists - in the current (2011) version of Australian Standard 2870 the old class H was split into H1 and H2. Prior to signing any contract you should ask the builder to confirm in writing that their class "H" allowance includes both H1 and H2 classifications as defined by AS2870:2011 to avoid them playing any silly games down the track.