Reinforcing steel for concrete level spreader.

[proletariat]

I've got a 150' x 2' x .67' concrete level spreader that is going to be set in fill material to recharacterize point flow from a basin discharge to sheet flow before it enters the downstream property. We have frost heaving around here, so I was wondering what reinforcement to put in it to keep it from buckling. It should see no loads other than what is exerted by the earth and frost.

 

[francesca]

Level spreaders are not supposed to be installed on fill material. Any uneven settling of the fill will make your level spreader unlevel, and the fill material is more susceptible to erosion. If possible, move it downstream to some virgin dirt. Also, the nearer you are to the property boundary, the less reconcentration of flow will occur on your client's property.

I'm sorry but I can't help with the reinforcement question.

 

[cvg]

You should set the foundation below grade, below the frost depth - preferably in cut as suggested above. Suggest minimum reinforcement of #4 at 12" OC, EW. The spreader won't function properly if it gets heaved - so don't cheat on the foundation depth.

 

[proletariat]

Thanks. We've only opened discussions w/ the township engineer so far. I'll try to set the spreader in virgin soil and below the frost line once our site grading is determined.