In slab radiant heat with heavy loads (on grade)

[dzyn]

Has anyone used in slab radiant heating systems for non-residential use (under heavy (truck) loads)? The system that my ME dept. wishes to use is polyethelene (poly pxc) tubing. The construction installation manual given to me is for residential use and recommends placing the tubing between two layers of rebar. Any additional recommendations on constuction, installation, slab design or other issues are appreciated. Thank you.

 

[gbent]

dzyn:
A goodly many years ago, I used in slab radiant heating in an agricultural application. My most enduring memorys are breaking out concrete to repair leaks, and fixing circulating pumps. I think systems have improved since then, but make sure you can repair it.
How are you going to insulate the concrete slab from the ground thermally, but still support your heavy live load? Won't the ground serve as an almost infinite heat sink? Are your soil conditions such that you can expect to pour a large slab and obtain no shifting or settling of any part for the life of the facility?

 

[TBP]

If you don't get the information you need here, try

http://www.heatinghelp.com

. The sub-site "The Wall" is a BB mostly for contractors who do steam & hot water heating. It's primarily residential/small commericial, but there are guys frequenting that site who have done large scale radiant heating projects, like the one you're looking at.