The Dallas Fort-Worth area is known to have very difficult soil conditions for building. The majority of the soil is composed of clay and is highly expansive. Expansive soil, expands and contracts due to changes in the moisture content of the soil, causing structural problems through differential movement of the structure. In many cases the soil type may vary underneath the structure, causing non-uniform movement. When sections of the structure move separately, damage can occur to the foundation and framing. This is most often seen as cracking in the slab or foundation, cracking in interior or exterior walls and misaligned doors and windows. As with much of Dallas, the soil under our property is listed as expansive and a structural slab is required.
Structural slabs have long been referred to as the “Cadillac” of residential slabs. There are two reasons for this: 1. The slab is structurally suspended above the ground to isolate the slab from soil movement. 2. They are the most expensive type of slab to construct. They are often difficult to design and build, require additional excavation of the site and are very labor intensive. Given these issues Diane Cheatham of Urban Edge Development pointed us towards the new Slabtek slab system.
Slabtek is a unique system that is more economical to build, requires less construction time, and allows for future adjustment of the slab. The Slabtek system also uses 40% less piers and approximately 40% less concrete than a typical structured slab, therefore contributing to our green home.
A slabtek slab is a post-tensioned concrete slab that is poured on the ground and then raised to the desired height using lifting mechanisms that remain in place. These lifting mechanisms also allow for future adjustment of the slab to counter shifts in the soil, preventing any future structural issues.
Structural slabs have long been referred to as the “Cadillac” of residential slabs. There are two reasons for this: 1. The slab is structurally suspended above the ground to isolate the slab from soil movement. 2. They are the most expensive type of slab to construct. They are often difficult to design and build, require additional excavation of the site and are very labor intensive. Given these issues Diane Cheatham of Urban Edge Development pointed us towards the new Slabtek slab system.
Slabtek is a unique system that is more economical to build, requires less construction time, and allows for future adjustment of the slab. The Slabtek system also uses 40% less piers and approximately 40% less concrete than a typical structured slab, therefore contributing to our green home.
A slabtek slab is a post-tensioned concrete slab that is poured on the ground and then raised to the desired height using lifting mechanisms that remain in place. These lifting mechanisms also allow for future adjustment of the slab to counter shifts in the soil, preventing any future structural issues.
For additional information on this revolutionary product see: http://www.slabtek.com/SLABTEK.HTM
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| Leveling the site and putting the form boards in place |
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| The measurements must be extremely precise on this project so we visit as often as possible. |
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| Ross standing on the form boards for our bedroom cantilever. |
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| Getting the slab ready for pouring |
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| Adding the rebar and lifting mechanisms |
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