Ground Bearing Slab & Foundation Design Services

A well-designed foundation is crucial for the stability and durability of any building, and ground bearing slabs play a significant role in achieving this. The construction of a ground bearing slab involves meticulous planning and execution to ensure its stability and longevity. Generally, these slabs are built according to standardised schemes that take into account various critical factors.

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The design of a ground bearing slab considers the type of soil, the weight of the building, and the environmental conditions to guarantee a solid foundation. Consulting a structural engineer is essential to determine the best type of foundation for a particular building, considering the ground conditions and the intended use of the structure. Ground bearing slabs are a popular option for foundation design due to their ability to provide a solid base and distribute loads evenly, resulting in a stable and secure structure.

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The advantages of ground bearing slabs include their capacity to withstand different types of loads and stresses, and their high level of thermal performance, making them an ideal choice for many building projects. The installation of a ground bearing slab requires careful attention to detail, including the use of high-quality materials and the compaction of the concrete to prevent damage and ensure a hard, durable surface.

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By following proper design and installation guidelines, a ground bearing slab can provide a solid foundation for a building, ensuring its stability and durability over time. This approach offers a range of benefits and advantages, making ground-bearing slabs a reliable choice for many construction projects.

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A Phase II Site Investigation report for a proposed development, with a geotechnical component, will typically include:

• Anticipated minimum foundation depths based on factors including the presence of Made Ground and other unsuitable strata, the type(s) of suitable founding strata present, including their volume change potential and strength, the types and proximity of trees present, the presence of otherwise of groundwater, and the details of any proposed development;

• Recommended foundation types, e.g. trench-fill, shallow strip, reinforced strip on engineered fill, pads, piles; these foundation types can take various forms such as foundation slabs, strip foundations, and point foundations.

• ​Likely allowable bearing pressures at the anticipated founding depths;

• Recommended ground floor slab types, including any need for heave protection and gas protection measures. Ground bearing floor slabs, such as the Vario and EcoHit floor slabs, are crucial for the structural integrity of buildings, especially in basements.

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Ground bearing slabs offer a multitude of benefits, making them a popular choice for many construction projects. Their ability to provide a solid foundation for a building, distribute loads evenly, and withstand various types of loads and stresses makes them an invaluable component in modern construction.

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One of the key advantages of using ground bearing slabs is their ability to reduce the risk of damage resulting from settlement or other ground-related issues. Additionally, they provide a high level of thermal performance, making them an ideal choice for energy-efficient buildings. Ground bearing slabs are suitable for a wide range of applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. They can also be used in conjunction with other foundation types, such as suspended slabs or footings, offering versatility in design.

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The advantages of ground bearing slabs extend to their ability to provide high levels of insulation, reducing heat loss and energy consumption. This makes them a versatile choice for many building projects. Ground bearing slabs can be constructed using a variety of materials, including concrete, and can be designed to meet specific structural and thermal performance requirements. This flexibility makes them a popular choice for many builders and architects.

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By choosing a ground bearing slab, builders and architects can ensure a solid foundation for their building, providing a range of benefits and advantages, including improved thermal performance, reduced risk of damage, and increased durability. Overall, ground bearing slabs are a popular choice for many construction projects due to their ability to provide a solid foundation, distribute loads evenly, and withstand different types of loads and stresses, making them an ideal choice for creating stable and secure structures.

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In addition to the above ‘foundation report’, we can also provide the following for proposed developments:

• Foundation zone plans to show where on a site different types of foundation (e.g. strip, trench-fill or piles) may be required;

• Tree influence drawings (subject to the provision of a topographical survey and suitable tree survey, both of which can be arranged by G&J if needed) to show where proposed foundations will need to be deepened;​

• Targeted ground investigations and soil desiccation assessments, especially in areas where the tree influence suggests that foundations deeper than 2.5m may be required. Such an assessment may show that excessively deepened or piled foundations are not necessary.

• Basement construction assessments to evaluate insulation options, foundational structures, and the design of floor slabs, ensuring a stable structure.

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If an existing structure is showing possible signs of subsidence, let us know and we can assess the potential causes (probably involving a site visit and some 'desktop' research) and then, if considered necessary, carry out an appropriate ground investigation to allow for suitable and cost-effective remedial works to be arranged. Possible causes of subsidence can include the effects of tree influence, shrinking/swelling clays, inadequate foundations for the underlying ground conditions, the presence of soft or variable strata, and the presence of mine workings or other geohazards.​