Slab Detail at Open End Wall of Unheated Building
Slab Detail at Open End Wall of Unheated Building
(OP)
It looks like the topic of slabs in unheated buildings has been covered pretty extensively but my condition is a little different from the threads I have been able to find. I have an unheated PEMB building with an open endwall. The required frost depth in my area is 36". I am struggling with the best way to handle the edge of the slab on this open wall. My initial thought was to pour a strip footing below frost with a grade wall to support the edge of the slab. I would also call out gravel or non-frost susceptible fill behind the wall and under the slab. The question would be to have the slab run over the wall or butt it against the wall and dowel it together. I am also considering a haunched slab with the same fill requirements. Also, is insulation going to have any benefit when the building is this open?
I welcome any thoughts on this condition. Thanks!
I welcome any thoughts on this condition. Thanks!






RE: Slab Detail at Open End Wall of Unheated Building
BA
RE: Slab Detail at Open End Wall of Unheated Building
RE: Slab Detail at Open End Wall of Unheated Building
RE: Slab Detail at Open End Wall of Unheated Building
A well draining gravel is a good idea for the sub-base. Vapor barrier could be omitted.
BA
RE: Slab Detail at Open End Wall of Unheated Building
RE: Slab Detail at Open End Wall of Unheated Building
I agree with BA, on several accounts. There isn’t much use or need for insulation in/around this found., since it is a completely open storage shed along this wall. The ground will freeze insulation or not, so a non frost susceptible base or fill material, properly compacted, will be much more effective. Slope the slab to drain out. But, another important detail is that the slab elevation be high enough so that grade can be held well below top of slab and sloped away from the bldg., so the site can be properly drained. Don’t let water accumulate around the found., and slope the apron slab away from the bldg. too. Rest the apron slab on that stem wall for vert. support at the wall. Round the outer corners of the apron with a 12-16" radius corners, or sure as hell the heavy equip. will bust those corners off at about 45̊. I also prefer the cross bldg. tie beams under the slab. They put the trust reacting loads where they belong, at the piers and columns and allow the slab to act somewhat independently. Maybe put a saw cut in the slab over the tie beams.