Joints in Concrete Equipment Slab?
Joints in Concrete Equipment Slab?
(OP)
I have a 60' x 16' x 8" thick reinforced concrete equipment slab on grade (exterior) that will be supporting electrical equipment. I want to put control joints in the slab because of the length to width differential. I considered saw cutting control joints but I will only be able to provide a joint that is approx 3/4" deep because of the top reinforcing (yes, it needs it). I considered dividing the pad into 3 isolated sections, separated by expansion joints, but this will cause issues with the equipment anchors - there are many pieces of equipment and the anchorage points are freqent.
1. Do you think the pad needs joints?
2. If yes, do you think a 3/4" saw cut will be sufficient depth to be an effective control joint? If not, do you have any suggestions?
Thanks!
1. Do you think the pad needs joints?
2. If yes, do you think a 3/4" saw cut will be sufficient depth to be an effective control joint? If not, do you have any suggestions?
Thanks!






RE: Joints in Concrete Equipment Slab?
RE: Joints in Concrete Equipment Slab?
You need to weaken the reinforcement in the location of the saw cut otherwise it wont work. The slab you are doing is very small and i would not see it as an issue, if you are concerned place more reinforcement in the long direction to control shrinkage in this direction.
RE: Joints in Concrete Equipment Slab?
Go ahead and sawcut the joints to the rebar depth. This will help (but not completely) control cracks in the concrete. Sawcuts in reinforced slabs need to be relatively close together (seems intuitively opposite...but not)....keeping in mind you are controlling crack appearance in a highly restrained surface.