Covering an old basement
Covering an old basement
(OP)
Working on a job where the Contractor wants to just pour a new slab over an existing basement. The building is about 100' long, but about 30' of it has a basement. The current slab is beat up, and they want to pour a new topping slab. I am fine with that over the existing on grade, but the basement they want to just cover up. Supports needed aside, what problems do you see enclosing a basement?






RE: Covering an old basement
Even if you converted it into an unused, unheated storage area it would have some utility
Aside from that: concerns about mold in a damp dark unconditioned place, something or someone getting into it, and sprinklering it (if required)
Either way, you need some kind of supports over the top of the basement whether it is abandoned or not. I can't imagine you would just backfill it.
When I am working on a problem, I never think about beauty but when I have finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it is wrong.
-R. Buckminster Fuller
RE: Covering an old basement
RE: Covering an old basement
RE: Covering an old basement
Jackhammer the slab, drop the debris into the basement. Follow with lifts of compacted granular and then pour new slab-on-grade.
RE: Covering an old basement
RE: Covering an old basement
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Covering an old basement
However, if there are some daylight walls, there may not be enough reinforcing in the wash to take the lateral load from the compacted fill.
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)