monolithic slab question

[DarGo]

Having a garage built 26x38. Footings and slab (engineered) in an area that freezes (Canada). During the pour the 3rd cement truck was not mixed properly and had to abort. they ended up leaving a hole in the middle of the floor approx 8 ft diameter with the re-bar and gravel exposed in the area. As this should be a monolithic slab will it pass inspection when filled? I am told they will use a different type of concrete so it adheres without the edges cracking? the slab has cured and the hole hasn't been filled. thoughts?

[Roddy73]

Not sure about the hole but my mono-pour had a bad batch that cracked, the contractor poured another 4" on top and 5 years later it's still perfect. It's in Dawson Creek BC, -40C is common in the winter. No inspection to pass though.

[LLWillysfan]

You could use a bonding agent and infill the slab. It might be 'OK' but it would never be the same as a continuous placement.

I am generally reluctant to go down this road but I think the ready mix company owes you a new slab.

[Steves32]

Why didn't they just dispatch another truck?
No way would I accept that.

[blue dog]

Originally Posted by Steves32

Why didn't they just dispatch another truck?
No way would I accept that.

this.

[DarGo]

I hear ya, Sadly it's what happens when your brother-in-law will do you a big favor....In November...when he shouldn't be doing concrete. I appreciate the input, just trying to figure out a few things without involving inspectors or lawyers and really hoping it doesn't come to that.

[LLWillysfan]

Originally Posted by DarGo

I hear ya, Sadly it's what happens when your brother-in-law will do you a big favor....In November...when he shouldn't be doing concrete. I appreciate the input, just trying to figure out a few things without involving inspectors or lawyers and really hoping it doesn't come to that.

It would be nice to have a few details. What does your brother in law have to do with a concrete supply issue? November?? How long has your slab been sitting with a hole in it?

[DarGo]

Well, He is a builder. Lives 2hrs away. Agreed to build the garage for us 2 years ago. We had the area cleared and gravel put in and leveled. He finally shows up the 2nd week of November to put in the rebar and pour the footings/pad. In November it's dark at 4:00 and we had a little snow on the ground. The 3rd truck problem occurred at 7pm that night and he had to leave so he said he'd take care of it with the concrete co.. It snowed 3 days later and that was pretty much it. He now claims the concrete co. won't do anything because he had to leave and the site was his responsibility. He doesn't seem to be fighting it much so I don't know who's fault it is...by the way it was Nov 2010 and here we are, no progress.

[DarGo]

As well the frame/board&batten and roof/shingles are up despite the hole. Just no inside walls or garage doors. We await inspection but the floor isn't fixed...I'm a little nervous to say the least.

[steel 35]

If all the footings are good and its just the slab, cut it square and finnish it, Mine is very close too the same size and I will not be around to remove it, the footings are huge!

[LLWillysfan]

Well, obviously replacing the entire slab isn't an option. I'm still not clear about what the actual problem with the lost concrete truck was but maybe you can get them to contribute the concrete for the repair.

I agree with Steel35, the problem isn't structural. I see two options; You could saw cut a couple inches deep to neaten up the ragged edges and keep the existing reinforcing -or remove an entire 'panel' that aligns with control joints(?) and drill and dowel to the existing slab. Then go ahead and fill it in and finish to match as best you can. You'll probably always see the patch but it should be serviceable.

[LLWillysfan]

And by the way, ditch the brother in law and get your garage finished by a real professional.

[DarGo]

Yes, Some lessons are learned the hard way. I called a professional this week so I'm hoping for good news. Sounds like it may survive not being a nice single pour. At least it will be a constant reminder that some jobs are better to be paid for!

[blue dog]

Originally Posted by LLWillysfan

I agree with Steel35, the problem isn't structural. I see two options; You could saw cut a couple inches deep to neaten up the ragged edges and keep the existing reinforcing -or remove an entire 'panel' that aligns with control joints(?) and drill and dowel to the existing slab. Then go ahead and fill it in and finish to match as best you can. You'll probably always see the patch but it should be serviceable.

This will work fine, as mentioned before, the concrete co should kick in the mud on there $$$.

Why has this been sitting for so long without being addressed. In the end, the BIL should pay for all the work to correct the slab, and he is the one that needs to fight with the concrete company, This is 9 months later, the concrete co. is going to tell you to pound sand.

[LLWillysfan]

Originally Posted by DarGo

Sounds like it may survive not being a nice single pour.

DarGo,

just to clarify, the term monolithic refers to the fact that the footings and slabs are placed all together. You could theoretically place a monolithic slab in two halves. The fact that a second placement is required shouldn't be a code issue - though codes do vary.

Sorry you had to deal with this but I think you can salvage the situation and end up with a great garage.

[steel 35]

Ok mine was 5 trucks, and I am pretty sure your footings were already inspected pre pour, were I am from that was your inspection do they inspect your finnished concrete?

[DarGo]

They did inspect footings and rebar pre-pour. To my knowledge they now inspect the walls and roof before we can close the inside walls. The hole is just a tad obvious...Thanks for the input guys

[foleymech]

concrete fill the hole. Build the garage set the door heights so you can pour another floor on top of the original. This will allow you to insulate between the slabs so you floor is not freezing cold in the winter, or you can install tubing to heat it with radiant. Monolithic pours are a short cut contractors take. VERY inefficient for any heating purposes as the heat energy is pulled outward of the building. They never insulate under and or around the perimeter like they should. Almost all garage floors are ultimately too low anyway so it could be a blessing in disguise at this point.