Plumbing Lines through RC Slabs
Plumbing Lines through RC Slabs
(OP)
Hello all,
Usually, our slab thicknesses are 125mm to 225mm depending on the size of panels and in most domestic construction we use 150mm tk (6") slabs for toilet areas. Most of plumbing consultants are producing drawings showing 63mm outer diameter pipes (with some small ones) to go through RC slabs; you folks, as structural engineering consultants, allow this? If yes, what is the criteria? (I.e. distance between two pipes, location (top, bottom or mid depth), any specific pipe material etc.) Also, is there any guideline for electrical conduits in slabs?
Any comment would be appreciated.
clefcon
Usually, our slab thicknesses are 125mm to 225mm depending on the size of panels and in most domestic construction we use 150mm tk (6") slabs for toilet areas. Most of plumbing consultants are producing drawings showing 63mm outer diameter pipes (with some small ones) to go through RC slabs; you folks, as structural engineering consultants, allow this? If yes, what is the criteria? (I.e. distance between two pipes, location (top, bottom or mid depth), any specific pipe material etc.) Also, is there any guideline for electrical conduits in slabs?
Any comment would be appreciated.
clefcon






RE: Plumbing Lines through RC Slabs
It is always prefered to place penetrations before the slab is poured.
Guidelines should be provided by the Structural Engineer of record as this will varying depending upon the design and type of RC slab. ACI 318-02, 6.3 has some very general guidelines for conduit and pipes but the most restrictive provisions should control.
RE: Plumbing Lines through RC Slabs
Plumbing horizontal runs should always be under the slab, not in it. There would be some exceptions where plumbing is concealed in beams or heavy slabs, but not in the 125 to 225 slabs you mentioned.
Conduit is commonly run in slabs, in the middle between the reinforcing layers. 1/4 thickness of slab should be the maximum, and you need to watch out for concentrations of conduit where they all come together. Minimum spacing between conduits as for reinforcing steel, to allow for placement of concrete. Absolutely do not allow tying of conduit to parallel reinforcing bars. No aluminium conduit should be embedded.
RE: Plumbing Lines through RC Slabs
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
RE: Plumbing Lines through RC Slabs
Clefcon