Refrigerated conc slab
Refrigerated conc slab
(OP)
We are designing a concrete slab for an ice rink in which the cooling pipes are embedded in the concrete.
Below the slab is 3" of styrofoam insulation. Below the insulation are heat pipes.
There appears to be a difference of opinion among my colleagues.
Should there be a vapour barrier
1. under the insulation,
2. on top of the insulation,
3. both top and bottom,
4. none at all?
I have heared each of these options as being correct ??
The insulation is hi-density Dow type 4, R14, 30 psi
Below the slab is 3" of styrofoam insulation. Below the insulation are heat pipes.
There appears to be a difference of opinion among my colleagues.
Should there be a vapour barrier
1. under the insulation,
2. on top of the insulation,
3. both top and bottom,
4. none at all?
I have heared each of these options as being correct ??
The insulation is hi-density Dow type 4, R14, 30 psi






RE: Refrigerated conc slab
RE: Refrigerated conc slab
Dik
RE: Refrigerated conc slab
RE: Refrigerated conc slab
RE: Refrigerated conc slab
The attached advertisement seems to indicate no vapor barrier at all, but I believe their product is waterproof. They do mention something about water draining down between joints in the insulation.
It might be wise to research the subject a bit more. See what others are doing.
BA
RE: Refrigerated conc slab
RE: Refrigerated conc slab
The interesting aspect about the use , non use etc of insulation requires asound understanding of the rink operation processes and the soil and groundwater conditions.
RE: Refrigerated conc slab
RE: Refrigerated conc slab
Don't you think there is a difference between freezer warehouses and an ice rink? In the case of a rink, the floor is being flooded with water regularly, building up a thickness of ice.
At other times, the rink is permitted to thaw out, permitting water to migrate through the concrete floor and rest on the vapor barrier.
Perhaps it would be better to skip the vapor barrier, use waterproof insulation and drain any excess water away using an underdrainage system.
BA
RE: Refrigerated conc slab
RE: Refrigerated conc slab
Arguing with an engineer is like wrestling with a pig in mud. After a while you realize that they like it