Questions for a prospective builder

[SMOKEEATERFF]

I have some questions for you guys. I have been reading for weeks and have seen mixed answers. I will eventually be building a 30x48x12 pole barn with concrete slab. I plan on enclosing it myself to save on costs, probably bookshelf girts.

As far as the slab what thickness, do I need rebar, what about fiber, 4500 psi okay? I plan on working inside of it and storing my old tractor weight is about 6000 lbs. No plans on a lift or anything like that. Some have said rebar isn't necessary others say it is. If it is necessary how much would that add to the costs as far as materials? Should I use fiber? I plan on having the foundation prepped right and a vapor barrier laid with joints cut. Also 4" or 6"?

Electrical-I have a 200 AMP box on my pole going to my house. My pole barn would be maybe 200 ft away. Can I run off of this box or would I need to have new service at the barn? I am by no means an electrician.

 

[dandan111]

I would want rebar with wire mesh.

 

[pattenp]

The need for rebar in the concrete really depends on the use. I'd say in most cases it's not needed because of fiber mesh concrete. If you were doing a lift then I would suggest the rebar in that area. Wire mesh is another option to strengthen the concrete.

As far as the power to your pole barn, you should be able to run a feeder off the 200A service panel. It's a matter of adding a new breaker in the panel and running a circuit to a sub-panel in the pole barn. Do a search in the electrical section of GJ for subpanel.

 

[Stuart in MN]

You may want to mention where you live, building practices vary depending on what part of the world you're in.

As for questions to the contractor, the first things to ask are if he's licensed and insured, and then ask him to provide references.

 

[SMOKEEATERFF]

Sorry guys I'm in south Alabama. No permits required where I live. I have a friend who has built several barns and said no rebar 4" slab. I just want a few more opinions.

 

[ConCretin]

The most important thing is a well compacted granular base under your slab. It takes a lot of slab thickness and reinforcing to make up for a weak base. With a solid base, you really don't need anything more than a 4" slab and 3000 psi concrete. Go with 5" amd 4,000 psi concrete if you're into overkill.

Fibermesh is designed to prevent early age plastic shrinkage cracks - it basically buys you time to saw cut control joints. The disadvantage to fiber is that your are depending on aggregate interlock to keep the slab on either side of the joint from moving.

Rebar won't do much to control shrinkage cracks but it will keep the slab together across control joints and/or random cracks.

I'd recommend #4 bars at 18" centers rather than fiber.

Stay away from wire mesh unless you want to spend a bunch of money on supports to keep it off the ground.

Use a mid range to get a workable slump and keep the water content down. If a random crack will ruin your day, sawcut a few control joints. Moist cure the slab for at least seven days.

Good luck.