Question about condenser foundation pad???
Question about condenser foundation pad???
(OP)
I work at an electrical utility and have been mainly into structural/pipe support analysis but have recently been asked to help maintenance with replacement of a outdoor a/c condensing unit.
There is currently an outdoor slab-on-grade which supports existing condensing unit that will need to be enlarged to support the new unit. I have attached a pdf showing a layout sketch of the existing pad with proposed addition; along with a scan of the weight/weight distribution of both the new and existing units. The new unit is lighter but also has the weight distributed over a smaller area. We have no design information on the pad (depth, reinforcing, etc..).
There seem to be two options:
1. Demo the current pad and then design and construct a new pad.
2. Dowel into the existing pad and add reinforcement similar to what is expected in the existing pad. We could excavate ground around pad and determine pad depth.
What would you guys recommend? Also, if you guys recommend doweling have you had any success with the hilti adhesive systems? Also, are design calculation warranted if pad is added onto?
There is currently an outdoor slab-on-grade which supports existing condensing unit that will need to be enlarged to support the new unit. I have attached a pdf showing a layout sketch of the existing pad with proposed addition; along with a scan of the weight/weight distribution of both the new and existing units. The new unit is lighter but also has the weight distributed over a smaller area. We have no design information on the pad (depth, reinforcing, etc..).
There seem to be two options:
1. Demo the current pad and then design and construct a new pad.
2. Dowel into the existing pad and add reinforcement similar to what is expected in the existing pad. We could excavate ground around pad and determine pad depth.
What would you guys recommend? Also, if you guys recommend doweling have you had any success with the hilti adhesive systems? Also, are design calculation warranted if pad is added onto?






RE: Question about condenser foundation pad???
www.SlideRuleEra.net![[idea] idea](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/idea.gif)
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RE: Question about condenser foundation pad???
RE: Question about condenser foundation pad???
If the pad is "thin", say 4", then keep maintenance "happy" by leaving it in place (while you ignore it structurally). Then design an independent new pad that sits on top of the old pad (but is not bonded to it). The old pad really becomes just very good backfill.
www.SlideRuleEra.net![[idea] idea](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/idea.gif)
www.VacuumTubeEra.net
RE: Question about condenser foundation pad???
www.SlideRuleEra.net![[idea] idea](https://www.tipmaster.com/images/idea.gif)
www.VacuumTubeEra.net
RE: Question about condenser foundation pad???
RE: Question about condenser foundation pad???
RE: Question about condenser foundation pad???
DaveAtkins