We are building a Post and Beam heavy Timber framed wedding barn event space on a MONOLITHIC SLAB FOUNDATION. Although the barn will not be enclosed and heated, its super important to install a vapor barrier underneath so that the ground moisture does not migrate into the slab and cause issues with condensation on the concrete floor, foggy windows, or decomposing concrete over time. As with any concrete foundation, reinforcement like rebar and remesh are also critical layers that will keep the concrete strong and prevent structural cracks and damage that may jeopardize the strength of the concrete. We cut control joints in the concrete to encourage the concrete to crack at certain spots.
Tamping and compacting the underslab gravel is a critical step for prepping a concrete monolithic slab foundation. It will ensure that the slab has a solid base that won't settle over time causing cracks and weak spots in the concrete.
Another important detail before pouring or placing concrete is to wrap and protect your plumbing pipes from direct contact with the concrete. That way, any expansion and contraction will not damage the piping.
Check out these other important steps in our first video on prepping this concrete monolithic slab foundation.