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There is only one advantage of waffle pod slab construction - reduced cost. The waffle pod slab is no more than a slab of concrete placed on the ground, with polystyrene blocks in a grid pattern within. This results in a system consisting of a slab with a grid of stiffening and edge beams, giving the (reverse) effect of a 'waffle' if viewed from underneath.

If construction is to take place on reactive soil, consideration needs to be given to the future maintenance of the slab. There is some requirement to ensure consistency in the landscaping and general treatment of the areas surrounding the slab. Typically, having concrete on one side, for example a driveway, gardens on another side, perhaps gravel on a third side and a timber deck on the fourth side can result in different soil moisture conditions which in turn can lead to structural movement and failure. Of course it is difficult to regulate the area underneath the slab.

Builders often advise that consistent landscaping or even a concrete apron around the house is required to ensure reliable performance of the slab, unfortunately this advice is sometimes given when it is too late. Typically, category 1, 2 and sometimes category 3 cracks appear, and when the builder is advised he engages an engineer (usually the engineer who designed the slap) to give an opinion. Invariably, it seems to be the fault of the owner.

The problem is that houses commonly have concrete on one side (the driveway) and gardens or lawn on another side, so the question really is, is it acceptable that the slab and foundation material be so fragile? Usually, stable foundation material will be found at a reasonable depth - perhaps 600mm - 1200mm. Home builders should obtain a quote for the price difference between a waffle pod slab and a conventional slab & beam construction, keeping in mind the cost of rectification in a cracking building and the effect on resale value.

Builders should advise their clients accordingly and give them the option. At the moment, clients are not given the option, the display homes they are shown are not cracked, the brochures do not warn of the likelihood of cracking, they are not told of the onerous maintenance requirements, and it is not until it is too late that the issue arises.

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Q: Advantages of waffle pod slab foundation of home?
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What is the difference between waffle slab and ribbed slab?

Waffle slabs are two-way spanning slabs whose beams(in two diresctions) are at very close centres whereas a ribbed slab is a one way spanning slab whose secondary beams are at very close centres, but not their primary beams.


Can a house on a slab be moved successfully?

This would depend on what type of exterior wall construction was used, but the answer for most homes is "yes". A standard wood frame home can be moved by detaching it from a slab foundation. This will require a new foundation for the new location, but the rest of the home can be left in tact.


Which is better a crawl space foundation or concrete slab foundation?

without knowing your climate, the best would be a crawl space with a concrete slab.


What are the different types of concrete slabs?

Different types of Slabs :1. Conventional solid slab:-- the slab which is braced with beams and columns is called conventional slab this kind of slab is small whereas the depth of the beam is large and load is transferred to beams and from beams to columns. These types of slabs are used in constructing Floors of multi stored building. It is of two types.a) One-way Slab.b) Two Way Slab.2. Flat Slab:-Flat slab is a reinforced concrete slab secured directly by concrete columns or caps .flat slab doesn’t have beams.3. Waffle slab:- Waffle slab is a reinforced concrete roof or floor containing square grids with deep sides. This kind of slab is majorly used at entrance hotels, malls, restaurants


What is a pad foundation and when is it used?

A Pad foundation is just a concrete slab with no foundation walls. They are typically used in the South where this is no or minimal frost lines.

Related questions

Can a waffle slab span 20 meters?

Yes waffle can be provided for 20m x 20m span but it becomes uneconomical


What is the difference between waffle slab and ribbed slab?

Waffle slabs are two-way spanning slabs whose beams(in two diresctions) are at very close centres whereas a ribbed slab is a one way spanning slab whose secondary beams are at very close centres, but not their primary beams.


Can a house on a slab be moved successfully?

This would depend on what type of exterior wall construction was used, but the answer for most homes is "yes". A standard wood frame home can be moved by detaching it from a slab foundation. This will require a new foundation for the new location, but the rest of the home can be left in tact.


Which is better a crawl space foundation or concrete slab foundation?

without knowing your climate, the best would be a crawl space with a concrete slab.


Can mud injection equipment be used to repair a leak in a slab on grade foundation?

Yes, mud injection can be used to repair a leak in a slab of foundation. Often it is the cheapest fix available.


Concrete Foundation Installation?

form_title=Concrete Foundation Installation form_header=7683 Have there been any completed structural drawings for this project?*= () Yes () No Which kind of concrete foundation would you like?*= () Poured concrete slab foundation () Concrete pier foundation () Poured concrete basement () Concrete block foundation () Poured concrete foundation with crawlspace () Want recommendation Please specify what the purpose of the foundation is.*= () Foundation for a new home () Foundation for a mobile home () Existing foundation is beyond repair () Foundation for addition or small structure


If your home is settling only on one side causing damage to the slab foundation interior walls and floors with no previous problems will your home owners insurance cover the damage?

This is an easy one, NO.


What are the different types of concrete slabs?

Different types of Slabs :1. Conventional solid slab:-- the slab which is braced with beams and columns is called conventional slab this kind of slab is small whereas the depth of the beam is large and load is transferred to beams and from beams to columns. These types of slabs are used in constructing Floors of multi stored building. It is of two types.a) One-way Slab.b) Two Way Slab.2. Flat Slab:-Flat slab is a reinforced concrete slab secured directly by concrete columns or caps .flat slab doesn’t have beams.3. Waffle slab:- Waffle slab is a reinforced concrete roof or floor containing square grids with deep sides. This kind of slab is majorly used at entrance hotels, malls, restaurants


What is a pad foundation and when is it used?

A Pad foundation is just a concrete slab with no foundation walls. They are typically used in the South where this is no or minimal frost lines.


What are the disadvantages of a waffle slab?

Slab penetrations are limited to the maximum area of a single cell. One must have a structural engineer determine the viability of creating a slab penetration any larger than the size of a single cell to determine if reinforcement is necessary.


How thick should a concrete slab foundation be?

4 To 6 inches


What is cheaper foundation or slab?

In general, a slab foundation is usually cheaper than a foundation with footings and a basement. Slab foundations are simpler to construct and require less material and labor. However, the cost can vary depending on factors such as the size of the building, soil conditions, and location. It is important to consult with a professional contractor or engineer for an accurate estimate.