Reinforcement Concrete Cover for Slab in Ground - Plastic Vapor Barrier?
Reinforcement Concrete Cover for Slab in Ground - Plastic Vapor Barrier?
(OP)
I have a question regarding the concrete cover requirements for a slab in ground.
Does having a plastic vapor barrier (6 mil to 10 mil) change the 3" cover requirement for concrete 'cast against & permanently in contact with ground?'
Could the cover requirements be reduced? Personally, I don't think it is a great idea to reduce them, but I wanted to get other opinions.
Below is the ACI table...
Thank for input!
Does having a plastic vapor barrier (6 mil to 10 mil) change the 3" cover requirement for concrete 'cast against & permanently in contact with ground?'
Could the cover requirements be reduced? Personally, I don't think it is a great idea to reduce them, but I wanted to get other opinions.
Below is the ACI table...
Thank for input!





RE: Reinforcement Concrete Cover for Slab in Ground - Plastic Vapor Barrier?
RE: Reinforcement Concrete Cover for Slab in Ground - Plastic Vapor Barrier?
Dave
Thaidavid
RE: Reinforcement Concrete Cover for Slab in Ground - Plastic Vapor Barrier?
But.....I think that 318 might still apply. Here is my argument...
I should state that I am talking about cover for conventional or post-tensioned ribbed slabs where you get 24"-36" beams and 4"-6" thick pad areas.
As mentioned, ACI 318 does not apply to slabs in ground. So, I went to ACI 360, which covers Slabs on Ground.
To the best of my knowledge, ACI 360 does not provide any guidance on concrete cover. Also, if you have a slab supporting building code loads, then ACI 360 refers you back to ACI 318. See below excerpt from ACI 360.
My reading is that If we follow ACI 360, then I think we should apply the ACI 318 cover provisions.
I'm confused and open to input?
RE: Reinforcement Concrete Cover for Slab in Ground - Plastic Vapor Barrier?
RE: Reinforcement Concrete Cover for Slab in Ground - Plastic Vapor Barrier?
Dik
RE: Reinforcement Concrete Cover for Slab in Ground - Plastic Vapor Barrier?
Depending on the size of the job. We have found it beneficial to pour a mud slab using lean concrete to form a stable level base to build off of. In this case 2" of cover would be acceptable.