Industrial Floor Slab Assessment

Portfolio

D20-one were commissioned to assess the suitability of an existing industrial concrete slab to support a new vessel at an operational industrial facility.

The proposed vessel was supported on three legs and imposed a load exceeding 70 tonnes when full, requiring verification of both the slab capacity and underlying subgrade conditions.

To complete the assessment, intrusive site investigations were undertaken by specialist contractors which included plate load testing and concrete core sampling at two locations. The core samples were then sent to a lab for strength testing.

These tests were carried out to determine the stiffness and bearing capacity of the supporting ground, as well as to confirm the existing slab thickness and reinforcement arrangement.

The results of the investigation were used to evaluate the load carrying capacity of the slab and its ability to safely support the proposed vessel loads.

Consideration was given to localised stresses at the leg support positions and the transfer of loads through the slab into the subgrade. Close attention was given to the vessel position in relation to slab edges and transfer joint locations as these are often the weakest part of a slab.

Following analysis and supporting calculations, we provided clear recommendations on the suitability of the existing slab.

In this instance the 300mm thick industrial slab had sufficient capacity, although if it hadn’t, we would identify any strengthening or local modification works were required prior to installation of the new equipment.