Dirt Dogs Excavating recently finished an excavation project for a foundation using a technique that is called a “monolithic pour” in Parker, CO for a small art building. Monolithic refers to something that is formed or made as a single, continuous piece without joints or seams. This type of foundation relies upon our excavating accuracy since there are no forms involved for the foundation walls. The dirt must be dug to a precise width and depth and the soil acts as the form or mold. There is a 45° chamfer that is also excavated out of the soil to thicken the slab as it makes the turn down into the foundation wall.
The building pad was built first, the underground plumbing and water went in next and backfilled then the foundation wall was excavated. There will be 2 inches of foam insulation that is laid between the dirt and the concrete slab.
The photo below shows the insulation being installed on the chamfer edge of the concrete slab. The entire flat surface will also have insulation.
What are the benefits of Monolithic pour for a foundation?
A monolithic pour offers several benefits during foundation excavation and construction:
1. Time Efficiency
- Combining the footing and slab into a single pour saves significant time compared to doing them separately. This reduces labor costs and project timelines.
2. Cost Savings
- A monolithic pour minimizes the need for multiple setups, inspections, and equipment mobilization, resulting in lower overall construction costs.
3. Structural Integrity
- A monolithic pour creates a seamless and continuous structure, reducing the likelihood of joints or seams that could weaken over time. This helps prevent cracking and ensures a more stable foundation.
4. Improved Load Distribution
- The unified pour enhances the ability of the foundation to distribute loads evenly across the structure, which is particularly beneficial for preventing settling in areas with variable soil conditions.
5. Reduced Risk of Moisture Issues
- The absence of cold joints (which are common when pouring footings and slabs separately) minimizes potential points for water intrusion, improving the moisture resistance of the foundation.
6. Faster Construction
- Builders can proceed with framing and other construction activities more quickly, as there is no waiting time for separate concrete sections to cure.
7. Lower Risk of Errors
- With one continuous pour, there’s less room for alignment issues between the footing and slab, ensuring the structure meets design specifications.
8. Suitability for Certain Soil Types
- Monolithic pours work particularly well in stable soil conditions where the risk of significant soil movement or settling is minimal.
While monolithic pours are advantageous in many scenarios, they may not be ideal for all projects, especially in areas with expansive or unstable soils. Proper site preparation and consultation with a structural engineer are crucial to determining the suitability of this method for a specific project.
Whatever foundation or excavation work you need, we invite you to contact Dirt Dogs Excavating when you need the job done right!