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Site Preparation Concreting
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A building site should be level and clear of large rocks or old stumps. Vegetation must be removed and the site formed into a slight crest so water runs away from the construction area in all directions. It is much easier and more economical to do this before any assembly work begins.
In addition to a slab or floor, buildings require concrete footings below each column. These may be mass footings (concrete pads) or bored piers. They require steel reinforcing in the form of rods and/or prefabricated cages. Consult the footing plan provided with the building before commencing any work.
This page is intended as a general guide for placing concrete slabs, but similar comments apply to placing concrete footings. A soil test should be conducted to determine the suitability of the site and aid the design of footings. See the assembly pages linked above or below for erecting steelwork and attaching cladding. |
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Note that the below information is only intended as a brief outline of the basic steps required to place a concrete slab. Site preparation, concreting and erection of steelwork are best done by qualified and licensed tradespeople. Contact your Local Accredited Ranbuild Dealer who can arrange an experienced building erector for you.
All construction sites and shed erectors should comply with occupational health and safety requirements and your local Work Cover authority. The National Occupational Health and Safety website is a good source of information and includes links to Work Cover and other associated sites. |
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Clear all vegetation and rubbish before levelling the site. Set out the location of the slab and holding down devices by making profiles to hold string lines.
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Excavate for edge beam and fill area beneath the slab to required levels. Note that extra trench beam may be required for slabs to support heavy machinery or for residential use.
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Clean out trenches to required depth and level the fill. Note the battered (chamfered) edges of the fill so there are no sharp corners under the slab to create future cracking points.
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Tape edges of moisture membrane so no soil contacts the concrete. Place reinforcing fabric and tie together being careful not to penetrate the plastic. Position holding down anchors.
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Spread concrete evenly, working it into all corners so there are no voids. Care needs to be taken so the reinforcing is kept at least 50mm above the membrane and that it is not penetrated.
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Do not try to pour and finish the slab in one go. Place a part at a time and screed it off as you go. When the first section is ready, trowling may begin while placement continues.
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Screeding remove excess concrete while levelling the slab. Trowling brings air bubbles to the surface and must be carried out before the concrete sets.
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Concrete is said to be "green" before it hardens properly. Although it looks hard, it can easily be damaged and should be protected and kept moist while curing.
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