Concrete slabs have become the overwhelming choice when a strong foundation is needed to support a structure, wall, or fence. However, unless an Austin concrete slab foundation is properly designed and constructed, the results can be disappointing. If you choose an experienced contractor to install your foundation, you will probably notice that the construction process includes ground preparation, form installation, and the pour.
How Do Contractors Prepare the Ground for an Austin Concrete Slab Foundation?
Although it is technically possible to pour concrete on uneven ground, there are few instances where this is a good idea. If the concrete slab covers a relatively small and will not support much weight, it might be acceptable. However, a concrete foundation in Austin needs to be installed on level, stable ground. If the ground is uneven, the thickness of the concrete slab can vary, leading to uneven curing and gaps in the hardened concrete. The slab will be weaker, and it will also be more likely to crack. Depending on the site of your concrete installation, ground preparation could entail excavation, grading, or soil amendment.
In Reference to the Installation of an Austin Concrete Slab Foundation, What Are Forms?
Austin concrete batch plants deliver a slurry mix to the job site. Since it is a slurry, it will flow if it is not contained. Therefore, your concrete contractor will place wood or metal forms to hold the slurry in place until it sets. Depending on the expected load a concrete foundation in Austin must support, your contractor may place reinforcing materials inside the forms prior to the pour. Although forms are necessary, reinforcing materials are not always required. Their use is common when constructing a concrete parking lot or road, and reinforcement is virtually a necessity when constructing a multistory building. However, a backyard patio or similar concrete slab in Austin that will not bear much weight may not need to be reinforced.
What Is Involved in Pouring an Austin Concrete Slab Foundation?
The pour is the most important part of a concrete installation. Therefore, it is vital that your concrete contractor knows how to schedule the mixer trucks and has a well-trained crew.
1. Whenever possible, a concrete slab in Austin uses a single pour to place the mix. However, this does not mean that a line of mixer trucks arrives and dumps the material in one place. Instead, depending on the project, a pour could involve several trucks discharging mix in different spots around the perimeter of the concrete slab.
2. As the trucks are pouring the concrete, your Austin concrete contractor’s crew members will spread and work the slurry. It is important for you to hire a concrete company with skilled, experienced employees. When installing a concrete foundation in Austin, overworking the slurry can cause aggregates to settle and force the excess fines to the surface. It can also trap air and impact the moisture content, either of which can cause the concrete slab to be weak and brittle, leading to premature crumbling or cracking.
3. Once the concrete slab has been worked, the final step is the finishing. Again, it is important for the ground crew to not overwork the finishing. Usually, a concrete foundation in Austin will have minimal finishing, so it will have a somewhat rough surface texture. This is fine for an Austin concrete slab foundation that will have a structure built on top of it. However, a patio or other concrete slab that will remain visible will normally have a different finish.
RDC Paving is a well-respected asphalt and concrete company serving the greater Austin area with high-quality work and exemplary service. Our concrete installation services can construct your concrete parking lot, concrete sidewalk, ADA concrete, concrete ramp, concrete driveway, or concrete curb. We also offer concrete repairs and parking lot striping. Our asphalt experts can provide your asphalt paving, asphalt repairs, asphalt overlay, asphalt crack repairs, asphalt driveway paving, and asphalt sealcoating. Furthermore, we can design and execute a custom parking lot maintenance program to help you simplify your paving maintenance. If you would like to request a free quote, you can call 512-920-9155, complete the online form, or email Ryan@RDCPaving.com.
