Replies

1. 
   Dan_M. | Apr 30, 2000 04:12am | #1

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   Larry

   Check into this link http://www.pci.org/

   Dan

2. 
   Guest_ | Apr 30, 2000 04:36am | #2

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   Larry,

   There is a way you can build almost anything, just a question of time and money.

   JonC

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 30, 2000 02:09pm | #3

   *Larry -You might want to look at pre-stresses concrete panels. I don't know much about them, but I've seen these used before in this situation. I've been asked several times to bid on using floor trusses for garage floors. But no one has ever bought them once they find out how expensive they are.

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 30, 2000 03:21pm | #4

   *Larry,This is definitly possible, however, detailing is very, very important. I have inspected several homes were the floor slabs had or were very near failure. The problem is that concrete is a pourous material that also likes to crack. The problem is that when water from your car, or worse yet, salt laden water during the winter, seeps into the concrete through cracks, etc., it corrodes the reinforcing steel over time. This is bad because that is what is holding up the slab. Concrete is very strong in compression but very weak in tension. Once the steel is incapable of doing its job, the slab will fail. If I was going to do this on my own house I would definitley consider the use of concrete panels as was mentioned before. If not consult a structrual engineer and use a contractor who has a proven long term track record of successful installations.Good Luck,Dave

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 30, 2000 03:28pm | #5

   *The Key word here is ENGINEERED STRUCTURAL SLAB.By code, it has to be designed by a qualified engineer in your jurisdiction.This is NOT a DIY job.Gabe

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 30, 2000 03:36pm | #7

   *Larry, We built a home and a commercial building in the past year using pre-stressed concrete panels. The garage floor in the home was exactly as you described. You have to provide ledges in the foundation to receive the panels. It cost us somewhere around $16.00 / sq. ft. for the panels plus a few hours of crane time. Actually not very expensive for the space you get. We live very close to where they make the panels, so that helps with reducing the cost. I would not attempt to pour my own slabs. It was done all the time 30 or 40 years ago, but it's hard to do as good a job as you get with the panels. Dave is right on about the salt and water eating the re-rod. I saw this happen in a friend's home.

3. 
   Larry_Maynard | Apr 30, 2000 03:36pm | #6

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   Is there a way on a basement home, that I can pour concrete for the garage floor and have storage space under the garage floor?