Mat Slabs in Construction
Foundation selection has gotten complicated with all the soil conditions, load requirements, and cost considerations flying around. As someone who has worked with every foundation type, I learned everything there is to know about when mat slabs make sense. Today, I will share it all with you.
What Mat Slabs Are
Probably should have led with this section, honestly—mat slabs (also called raft foundations) are thick concrete slabs that support the entire building footprint.
When to Use
- Weak or inconsistent soil conditions
- High water tables
- Heavy concentrated loads
- Where individual footings would be too close together
Advantages
- Distributes loads over large area
- Resists differential settlement
- Acts as basement floor
- Provides moisture barrier
Construction Process
- Excavate to proper depth
- Compact subgrade
- Install moisture barrier
- Place reinforcing steel
- Pour and finish concrete
