Temporary Work Pad Requirements

[Soln]

The customer has offered to level ground and pour a temporary work pad (200 ft X 200ft) for the tank erector to fabricate tanks, that will be placed on final foundations after fabrication.

No subgrade study has been performed. Loads are expected to be less than 1000 psf. Is it enough to simply recommend scarification and compaction of top 12" layer , and then recommend a pad thickness with minimum steel?

 

[SlideRuleEra]

For sure, do something, don't just assume that the soil is ok. If you proof roll the entire existing surface with a loaded dump truck and find no soft spots your proposal should be adequate... but soil testing would be better.

Also, assuming the final foundations are nearby, take a look at soil test results for that location to get a general idea of conditions.

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[oldestguy]

Loaded dump truck is ideal compactor. If you want to have a rule for more improvement, set a limit for rut depth at say 2" max, or 1" if you are real fussy.

Why any steel? Makes removal easier. I'd assume there will be planking under the tank and cranes to spread loads some. Expect cracking from shrinkage.

 

[Soln]

Thanks for the comments. Would control joints be a worth while recommendation? Or, just an unnecessary cost?

 

[SlideRuleEra]

For a 200' x 200' slab with minimum reinforcement, yes, if you don't have enough construction joints. Don't continue the rebar through the construction joints. If you do have control joints, in addition to construction joints, don't run the rebar through them either. You want to do everything possible to make sure that cracks occur where you want them to be... at the control joints. IMHO, don't skimp on concrete thickness, you will be relying on aggregate interlock at cracks / joints to minimize differential settlement.

Having unreinforced joints will make this temporary slab easier to remove later.

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