Anybody here ever build a one story house out of 8″ block? I’m wondering how substantial the footings have to be…? Also, has anyone ever done this with a structural slab? If so, how thick was it?
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The footings have to be strong enough to support the weight, given the load-bearing capacity of the soil.
So you have to do a soils test? Is there a minimum spec that covers all bases?
A structural slab pretty much floats. Ever seen one of those used with CMU?
Here in south Florida we have to have soil compaction test before we pour. The vast majority of homes built here are monolithic slabs on grade with CMU walls topped with a tie beam. The only houses built on actual footers are usually knee wall construction with framed floors and walls on top.
I guess what I'm wondering about this is whether or not the slabs are thickened underneath the walls...? If not, generally how thick are you pouring your slabs? What is the rebar arraingement?
Also, how does the compaction test work? Does a testing company come out after you've tamped everything, or something like that?
Yes, that's what a monolithic slab is, one witha footer built in. The slabs are usually 4" with the footer about 18" wide and maybe 12" deep. The footer part usually has 2 pieces of #5 on cradles in the bottom.