site prep for concrete floor

[sam03rc]

I'm about to start building a 30x48 pole barn nect month and before i start the site prep, I want to make sure I have the right plan to go by. I live in northeast north Carolina, and where I want to build it nice and flat/level already. From my research I need to dig up all the top soil and organic material, replace with fill dirt and compact as filling in. Then set my poles and build then add 4in of clean 57 stone then concrete. Sound about right? thanks

 

[TractorJeff]

Yes, this is correct!

 

[SDBOB1]

Note sure about your drainage and soil. However sounds good.We try to keep the grade of the stone 'level' as practical.Stone is cheaper than concrete.When calculating concrete I add approximately 10% for out of level and voids in stone base it adds up,ask me how I know.You do not want to be short a 1yd better to have too much.Make forms for sidewalk slabs and have them ready.Approximately for calculations a yard will cover 80 sq feet at 4" thick(actually close to 84)use to be self employed contractor.

 

[sam03rc]

Sweet sounds great, the site I want to build is pretty level already but towards the back some water will pool in heavy rains but the slab and stone will put me 8in off the ground and be able to grade away solving that issue. Thanks for the help

 

[joes169]

Not a big fan of "stone" or #57 under slabs, it's just inviting water to pool under the slab IMPO. Gravel (fractured stone with fines/sand) is a better alternative, as long as it's compacted in small lifts. Also, 4" of gravel is the bare minimum I would place under a slab.

 

[sam03rc]

I thought it was bad practice to use gravel like you said because as time goes by water can remove those smaller sand/filings and create voids?

 

[bczygan]

Excavate all organic and loose material down to firm earth.

Place excavated material a sharp angular material of various sizes with fines, compacted in small lifts, to create a pad at least the height of surrounding grade. Limestone is the best material. No sand, no round stone. Do not fill with dirt.

This will create a dense, waterproof pad. Use landscape fabric under if desired.

Read here:
http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete-subgrades-subbases/soil-types.html

Bill

 

[sam03rc]

So now no dirt period?

 

[bczygan]

So now no dirt period?

Only compact-able material. Dirt is not a definable term.

Bill

 

[sam03rc]

Ok so what exactly is it called so I can order the material for a base?

Then follow that with clean stone and concrete.