Build Up Site For A Concrete Pad

[ITSANSS]

Hey, guys. Planning (and hoping) to replace my worn out pole barn this year with a new steel building. The existing pole barn doesn't have a concrete floor, but the quote I got for a new building included a concrete floor and it really didn't raise the price THAT much, so I figured why not.

Anyway....before starting this project, I'd like to raise the ground level where the building will be. It doesn't need to be raised much, considering the height of the concrete itself, but I definitely would feel better if I raised the whole area a few inches, just to ensure that no water were to intrude on a brand new building!

Question being....what material is best to raise an area a few inches in prep of pouring concrete? I know this is a loaded question as I've done some research on the matter, but I'm just wanting some feedback directly related to my situation. The pole barn is still there, so I won't know for sure how much material exactly will be needed until the barn is out of the way. I believe about half of the west side of the site will need more material to keep it level. i.e. If I put 3" of material on the east half, I will have to put 6" of material on the west half to keep it level. Again, I don't know this for sure but I believe it's sloped currently. If the pad isn't going to be poured for 5-6 months, could I just use dirt with no organics in it? Will it be "seasoned" enough in this time frame?

By the way, I live in SW Oklahoma.

Thanks, guys!!!

 

[ConCretin]

Materials vary by region based on availability and economy. As long as the material is granular, compact-able and free of clay and silts you should be fine. Ask around and see what people are using.

Will your new steel building have a foundation or is it supported by a monolithic slab? Doesn't really affect your question or the answer, just curious.

 

[chaosracing]

Around my area we use whats called 2A modified. Its 3/4 inch down to fines all mixed together. Once compacted, its a strong base. Some areas to the north of me (PA) call this mix crusher run.

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[matt_i]

If its 6" max fill and wanting to pour soon, I'd go with 3/4" limestone, no fines. It packs with a vibratory plate but can't really go any lower.

The crusher run with fines down to dust pack solidly initially, but imo you need time to let it rain and dry and rain and really get the dust down to the lowest level. Otherwise it can happen after you pour which can lead to voids. The 6months should help a lot.

 

[Falcon67]

If its 6" max fill and wanting to pour soon, I'd go with 3/4" limestone, no fines. It packs with a vibratory plate but can't really go any lower.

The crusher run with fines down to dust pack solidly initially, but imo you need time to let it rain and dry and rain and really get the dust down to the lowest level. Otherwise it can happen after you pour which can lead to voids. The 6months should help a lot.

Probably what we call "Bin 10" around here, used for driveways and roads and such. You'd want to water the hell out of it, then roll it with a big heavy roller, then repeat, to get it packed down. Just water and time doesn't really do it well. Sheets of OSB and a F-350 running back and forth barely does it.

 

[pmiranda]

Have you seen what anyone else has done locally to prep for a slab?
I bet whoever quoted you for the slab would have an idea about what to do or who could tell you.
You can get a soil report here, but nothing beats real local knowledge:
http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/WebSoilSurvey.aspx