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Curious to find out some alternatives to metal pans supporting concrete with cellar space below, most typically below a covered porch/entryway. An associate of mine wishes to use a plywood deck below the concrete, with the concrete being 3″-4″ thick. The plywood would be supported by treated 2x’s (capable of supporting live and dead loads). The cellar is actually accessed thru the basement, and the walls poured along with the rest of the foundation, leaving a reinforced header over a door opening.
Any info. would be helpful.
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J.R.
I don't know the size of the space under your entry so I'm guessing at best.
Why not use a structural concrete slab instead?
You can pour it at the same time you do you other slabs.
Gabe
*Gabe,The slabs vary, but the largest will be 11'-6" x 9'-6". I've always used a 1 1/2" metal deck for the pan, and have run #4 bars @ 8" o/c ea. way. For short spans I've used treated 2"x's, on longer I've used microlams, even steel. I really don't like the idea of concrete sitting on top of plywood, even if its treated, and I really don't like idea of a cellar to begin with, but I'm stuck with doing them. Every cellar I've been in has had very high humidity (which is what they're suppose to be I guess), but I have concerns with this constant high moisture and what it does to materials. The underside of the slab deck is also prone to condensation, which I see as a problem also(too much moisture). The long and short, I'm stuck doing these, and am looking for the best solution(s). These are being built in the upper midwest.J.R.
*Hi JR,I would also have trouble with wood in this application. I would still lean towards a structural slab, even if I had to install a steel post or even a concrete in the middle.Failing that, I would use OWJ and galvanized steel decking.Chat later,Gabe