Guest
I have no access to AASHTO specs or books regarding the design of floor slabs on grade so I am asking this very simple question here. Situation is: I am designing a small garage (24'x24')on ground that falls away at a 4:1 slope so I will have foundation walls around 7' tall at one end. I want to avoid hauling and compacting fill. Also to alleviate pressure and avoid breaking the "pill box" I am considering Geofoam EPS blocks to fill the pill box and pour the slab on, thus avoiding the need for external fill. Now the design problem: UBC code requires 50psf dead load and 2000lbs/20 sq. in. LL capacity for residential garage floors. The EPS has various ratings of 3.2psi, 4.6psi, 6.2psi, etc. up to about 11psi. Is there a simple rule I can apply to determine slab thickness, rebar schedule, etc. I need to convince the county building department too since they have never heard of such a thing.