It is quite common to have thick slab [800mm to 1200mm or more] foundation for heavy machines in minining sites. In such cases we should use low heat cement. Theoretically, special form work with heat insulators are required for such type of massive pours.
I have not seen any low heat cement and special formwork for foundation design so far in the projects that I was involved with. My question is, if it is really mandatory to use low heat cement and special formwork for machine foundation? And if we do not use that, there is a possibility that cracking will appear on the slab and time to time those cracks are to be attended to. Probably the structural strength of the foundation will not be in jeopardy, because, in majoirity of cases, the thickness is governed by the dynamics of the equipment.
Ideally we should use low heat cement and special formwork; but in reality it is difficult and very expensive to follow it up in remote mining sites. Using standard concrete with heavy reinforcement [for crack control] and standard formwork is the easy option. Please share your experience in this subject.
I have not seen any low heat cement and special formwork for foundation design so far in the projects that I was involved with. My question is, if it is really mandatory to use low heat cement and special formwork for machine foundation? And if we do not use that, there is a possibility that cracking will appear on the slab and time to time those cracks are to be attended to. Probably the structural strength of the foundation will not be in jeopardy, because, in majoirity of cases, the thickness is governed by the dynamics of the equipment.
Ideally we should use low heat cement and special formwork; but in reality it is difficult and very expensive to follow it up in remote mining sites. Using standard concrete with heavy reinforcement [for crack control] and standard formwork is the easy option. Please share your experience in this subject.
