Building Homes or Extensions/suspended concrete slab

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Expert: - 7/1/2008


Question
I have a 10'x 16' suspended concrete slab for a covered porch, with a 8" concrete wall suporting all sides. What should the thickness of the slab be and rebar size and spacing?

Answer
Mike, not enough information.
What loading?
How are you forming or carrying the slab?

I am not a strucutal engineer.  If you are talking about shoring and forming a concrete deck with no integral beams or permanent joists, I would think you will need to be about 6" with two way steel, #4 bars 16" oc should be close.  This is about 12,400 lbs of wet concrete.  Make very sure your forms can stand those kind of loads.

A structural engineer might be able to design a more efficient slab.

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Dan Griffin

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I can answer almost all questions related to the total construction process. My expertise is in commercial construction, though I can field most any residential question. I have hands on experience in concrete, heavy equipment, masonry, all phases of carpentry, interior finishes, and I am fairly strong in mechanical and electrical.

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I have over 20 years experience as a commercial carpenter and commercial construction superintendent. I have another 20 years experience in facility management for a major school district.

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My favorite hobby for he past 12 years has been singing bass in a The OkChorale men's barbershop chorus and the Mature Moments quartet.

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I hold a Bachelor's degree in English and Math. I have completed many continuing education hours in the building trades. I hold a Master Carpenter card from the AGC, Associated General Contractors.

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