Dock leveler pit on existing slab

[MelStud]

One of out clients wants to place 2 new truck load stations in his facility, this would include cutting 2 openings on the existing concrete panel and doing some demolition on the existing slab to build the pits for 2 dock levelers. For the dock leveler pits, what would be the process structurally in order to demolish, excavate and framing the pits? In other words, what should be done once the existing slab is cut in order to preserve the slab's capacity and integrity? Is it just a matter of excavating, forming the actual pit, and then framing it with steel angles? Not sure how to proceed in terms of the structural design of the pit.
Thanks for the help.

 

[jayrod12]

That would depend on the type of existing concrete slab that is currently in place. Is it a structurally supported slab or a grade-supported slab?

 

[MelStud]

We are assuming it is a slab on grade

 

[MotorCity]

We typically excavate back at a 1:1 slope beyond the footprint of the leveler pit and remove the slab within that same area. This eliminates the need for temporary shoring and allows more space to form the pit walls. After the pit is poured, backfill it and replace the slab.