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Around me we just use red clay dirt as fill and foundation. Scrape off sod and top soil down to the clay and fill with clay in layers to desired height. Compaction is done with the dozer for slabs of this size. I know several folks who do foundation work and I have done it in the past and that's the process we use. For much larger commercial buildings, roads, and parking lots we use rollers for compaction.For the concrete on metal buildings it is always better to do beams or at the very least a partial one where the support posts are. I guess I'm the only one here that thinks this way, but I will always use metal in my slabs. What most recommend is at least 4 runs of at least 1/2" bar in the beams and 6'x6'x1/4" mesh sheets throughout the slab. I have seen 12"x12"x 1/4" used and the contractor said you can get it closer to center of the slab when pouring because you can stand in the holes and not on the mesh when pulling it up. Just for reference the cost for forming, pouring, and finishing a slab is around $4.50 per sq ft. That includes materials and concrete. That is in SE La and I have talked with a contractor from Orange, Tx who said their price was the same.
Thanks , I was thinking about $5/ft so that helps. I assume that includes also only minimum site prep and pad work? Any tree removal and significant build up would be additional?
I'm leaning towards doing the grading and forming myself and hiring a crew to come lay/float the mix since it will likely take 6-8 guys to do it right.
I will in a few weeks. Narrowing down tractors to buy. Probably a Kubota Lseries 38-45hp. Box blade and post hole digger on my list
Thanks Duane. I'm going to take it slow and clear the land where I want the shop and then work on grading and compacting before digging the perimeter beams. Any advice on how to place rebar in perimeter beams?
Most of the experienced, reputable types that I know would want to form it up also. If I were your sub-contractor, I would want to set the forms myself to ensure they were accurately placed and secure. A form blowing out or moving during the pour is one of those "issues" that you must avoid. Be the QC guy, with the tape measure, ensuring the pad is square and the anchor bolts are accurately placed.Just my opinion...