Preliminary thickness for slabs

[dbuzz]

We are doing preliminary design (for cost estimate purposes)of slabs for a proposed underground workshop, about 1000m below the surface.

Some areas will be subject to pedestrian and light-vehicle traffic. Others will be subject to heavy-vehicle traffic.

The slabs will be cast directly against the rock floor.

Does 100mm slab thickness for light-vehicle areas and 150mm for heavy-vehicle areas sound about right?

 

[ishvaaag]

I would say the lesser thickness is likely to give more problems on shrinkage. Note that in the UK for home applications 4 1/2 inches use to be a classical minimum.

My advice is that you concentrate in getting good shrinkage control since with rock substrate the more likely cracks will be of such origin, and from such cracks most other will develop.