Providing the ground conditions are good, then a 100mm thick concrete ground bearing floor slab is normally used for residential properties in the UK. The slab is cast on a damp proof membrane on a layer of crushed stone sub base (sometimes with insulation beneath the slab).

When the ground conditions are poor, then this method of construction is not suitable, because it can lead to an unacceptable amount of settlement and cracking in the slab. The options are either to use a suspended timber or concrete 'beam and block floor' or alternatively to construct a ground bearing floor which is designed to span over the poor ground. Often this is the cheapest solution and one normally favoured by builders.

Our structural calculations for ground floor slabs includes either a one or two way spanning slab depending on the layout of the building.

We need the following information to design a ground floor slab over poor ground:

architectural layouts or sketch drawings with dimensions, showing the size of the rooms and the supporting walls below

Design information

All designs are carried out in accordance with BS 8110 (The structural use of concrete).

The calculations provided will be suitable for Building Regulation approval.