Building Homes or Extensions/Fibre concrete floor

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Expert: - 8/29/2008


Question
Dear Mr.Griffin
We have a case when in the basement the fibre concrete garage floor finish (5 inches thick) is flush to top of normal column footings. Do we need rebar connection btw. fibre concrete and footings or each should work separately.
Best regards
Ross

Answer
Ross, you want the columns separated from the slab with a full construction or isolation joint.  It is sometimes more usual to have the column bases below grade on their own footings, but I would still create a diamond block out at each column.  Floor joints should hit the tips of the diamonds.  The diamonds are filled in after the slab is poured.

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Dan Griffin

Expertise

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.

Experience

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.

Organizations
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.

Education/Credentials
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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