Horizontal moisture Barrior for P-T foundation
Horizontal moisture Barrior for P-T foundation
(OP)
Project is residential tracked home development.
To help reduce center/edge lift and edge moisture penetration, I wanted to recommend a horizontal barrier extending away from the slab.
I envision a strong UV resistant geomembrane like one of the Permalon products placed 4 to 6 inches below the surface and wrapped down into the footing trench.
I'd like some product recommendations and installing and securing the product.
Also, anybody know of a way to find the Thornthwaite moisture index for an area. I've tried Dept. of Agriculture, but no help. The post-tension institute manual is quite poor on this point.
Thanks allot for any comments.
To help reduce center/edge lift and edge moisture penetration, I wanted to recommend a horizontal barrier extending away from the slab.
I envision a strong UV resistant geomembrane like one of the Permalon products placed 4 to 6 inches below the surface and wrapped down into the footing trench.
I'd like some product recommendations and installing and securing the product.
Also, anybody know of a way to find the Thornthwaite moisture index for an area. I've tried Dept. of Agriculture, but no help. The post-tension institute manual is quite poor on this point.
Thanks allot for any comments.





RE: Horizontal moisture Barrior for P-T foundation
Moisture barriers don't work for houses - too many penetrations during construction: water, sewer, gas, phone, cable, sometimes electric. (My neighborhood has buried electrical lines. No power poles - very nice.) And let's not forget trees, decks, pools, etc. that are installed after the home is built.
Increase the slab's stiffness - that's the only answer that works reliably.
Please see FAQ731-376 for great suggestions on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora. See FAQ158-922 for recommendations regarding the question, "How Do You Evaluate Fill Settlement Beneath Structures?"