CUPOLEX D GUIDECUPOLEX BUILDING SYSTEMS Design Guide CUPOLEX® 8 INTRODUCTION As a design...
Transcript of CUPOLEX D GUIDECUPOLEX BUILDING SYSTEMS Design Guide CUPOLEX® 8 INTRODUCTION As a design...
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DESIGN GUIDE
CUPOLEX BUILDING SYSTEMS
Design Guide ►►►►► CUPOLEX®
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NOTICE
Consistent with manufacturer Pontarolo Engineering’s policy of continued research and development, we reserve
the right to modify or update the information contained in this or any other material published by Pontarolo
Engineering Inc.® and Cupolex Building Systems®. The onus remains on the user of CUPOLEX® to obtain the
most recent information available.
The most recent version of the CUPOLEX® Design Guides and Installation Manual are available on the
CUPOLEX® Web site at www.cupolex.ca.
Because Cupolex Building Systems has no control over the installation, workmanship, accessory materials or
conditions of application, no responsibility or expressed or implied warranty, either as to merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose, is made as to the performance or results of an installation using CUPOLEX® Forms,
except that the physical characteristics of CUPOLEX® Forms shall meet or exceed the specifications published
by Cupolex Building Systems®.
Cupolex®, Beton Stop®, Pontex®, Cupolex Windi®, Cupolex Rialto®, Cupolex Soil Cells®, Cupolex Building
Systems®, and any other marks, drawings or symbols identifying products and/or services of Cupolex Building
Systems are trademarked and Patented by Pontarolo Engineering Inc. and Pontarolo Engineering S.p.A.
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CONTENTS
1 Introduction 8
1.1 THE DESIGN GUIDE 9
1.2 CUPOLEX® FORM UNITS 10
1.2.1 CUPOLEX® Form Unit 10
1.2.2 BETON STOP® Form Unit 12
1.2.3 PONTEX® Form Unit 13
1.2.4 CUPOLEX-WINDI® Form Unit 14
1.2.5 CUPOLEX RIALTO® Form Unit 15
2 Designing CUPOLEX® Floors 18
2.1 DESIGN FACTORS 19
2.1.1 Concrete Modulus of Rupture 20
2.1.2 Sub grade-Subbase Support 20
2.1.3 Relationship between Soil Type and Bearing Values 21
2.1.4 Effect of Untreated Subbase on k Values 22
2.1.5 Design k Value for Cement-Treated Bases 22
2.1.6 Effect of Granular subbase thickness on k-Value 23
2.1.7 Presumed Allowable Bearing Pressure 24
2.1.8 Presumptive Range of Allowable Bearing Pressure 25
2.1.9 Punching Shear for Post Loads 25
2.2 DESIGN SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE 27
2.2.1 The CUPOLEX® TEAM support 28
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CONTENTS
3 Design Applications 29
3.2 STANDARD SLAB ON GROUND 31
3.1.1 Design Program Software for Slab on Grade 35
3.1.2 Load Capacities 36
3.1.3 EASY CUPOLEX Design Output Example 37
3.2 STRUCTURAL SLAB ON GROUND 44
3.2.1 Slab on Beam/ Pile Foundations 45
3.2.2 Slab on Wall Foundations 46
3.2.3 Stiffened Ribbed Slab 47
3.2.4 Slabs on Swelling Soils 49
3.2.5 Structural Slab Design Program Software 59
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CONTENTS
Appendix A
CAD DETAILS INDEX 0
Appendix B
CAD FILE THUMBNAILS 0
Appendix C
SPECIFICATIONS 0
List of Tables
1.1 Standard USA CUPOLEX® Dimensions 10
1.2 Standard CUPOLEX® Metric Dimensions 11
1.3 CUPOLEX® Performance Characteristics 11
1.4 Standard BETON STOP® forms 12
1.5 PONTEX® forms Dimensions 13
2.1 CUPOLEX RIALTO® Performance Characteristics 17
2.1 Relationship between Soil Type and Bearing Values 20
2.2 Effects of Untreated Subbase on k-values 22
2.3 Design k value for cement-treated bases 22
2.4 Presumed Allowable Bearing Pressure 24
2.5 Presumptive Range of Allowable Bearing Pressure 25
2.6 Punching Shear Computations Using PCA Design Method 26
3.5 PONTEX® one directional 48
3.6 PONTEX® two directional 48
3.7 PONTEX® forms 48
3.8 PONTEX® Standard Slab Types and Concrete Consumption to the Top of the CUPOLEX® Forms 48
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CONTENTS
List of Figures
1.1 Standard CUPOLEX® Form Unit 10
1.2 Standard BETON STOP® Form Unit 12
1.3 Standard PONTEX® Form Units 13
1.4 Standard PONTEX-CUPOLEX® Form Units 13
1.6 Standard CUPOLEX WINDI® Form Unit 14
1.7 CUPOLEX WINDI® Slab on Ground 14
1.8 CUPOLEX RIALTO® FORM 15
1.9 CUPOLEX-RIALTO® FORM ASSEMBLY 16
2.1 Effects of Granular Subbase Thickness on K-Values 30
3.1 Standard Monolithic Slab on ground at exterior grade beam 30
3.2 Standard Monolithic Slab on ground at interior grade beam 31
3.3 Standard Slab on ground at exterior wall and footing 32
3.4 STACKED Slabs on ground at exterior wall and footing 33
3.5 Standard Basement Slab on ground at exterior wall and footing 34
3.6 Slab on Beam/Pile Foundation 45
3.7 Stiffened Ribbed Slab 46
3.8 Stiffened Ribbed Slab 47
3.9 PONTEX® Concrete 48
3.10 Edge lift: soil is wetter at slab edge than inside slab 50
3.11 Center lift: soil is drier at slab edge than inside slab 50
3.12 Cupolex® & Pontex® ribbed slab on plan 53
3.13 Cupolex® & Pontex® ribbed slab detail 53
3.14 3D CUPOLEX slab Model 56
3.15 2D CUPOLEX slab Model 56
3.16 Expansive Soil Model 57
3.17 Typical plan of a slab foundation on Expansive Soil 58
4.1 CUPOLEX Plan Drawings Example 66
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INTRODUCTION
As a design professional you already know that a Slab-on-ground is a well-used building solution in the US and Canada and they do not
provide healthy interior environments. The slab on the ground is in contact with the draining layer typically gravel, sand or
compacted/native subbase and under complicated hydrothermal conditions. When not properly applied, moisture damage in slab-on-
ground structures may result, leading to mould growth, chemical reactions and material emissions associated with an unhealthy indoor
environment. Slabs on the ground typically are prone to a degree of damage caused by moisture. Typical moisture failures of slab-on-
ground structures are due to the lack of a capillary breaking drainage layer under the slab, lack of thermal insulation, and incorrect
placement of the vapour barrier. In addition to the moisture problems, the soil may be a source of radon, methane and many volatile
organic compounds (VOC) that may enter indoors through the slab on the ground.
This CUPOLEX® Design Guide is provided as an aid to Design Engineers, Architects and Specifiers for the preparation of design
documents for projects using CUPOLEX® - the reliable, low cost, and sustainable solution for building designers and developers who
need to address any and all of the following Challenges and Construction Applications:
CHALLENGES
slab curling and shrinkage
radon,
vapor intrusion,
improve indoor air quality,
reduction in the environmental impact of building,
lowering building costs and the carbon footprint
reduce building cycle time,
reduce aggregate use,
moisture and mold, and
expansive soil conditions
APPLICATIONS
Radon & Soil Gas (VI) Mitigation
Alternative to Structural or light weight fill
Structural Slab Foundations
Post tensioned reinforced Concrete Slabs
Monolithic poured concrete foundation slabs
Concrete Slab on Grade or basement slabs
Concrete Structural Supported Slabs
Concrete Pavements and Roads
Suspended Pavements for Creating Soil Cells
Replacing Gravel Drainage Layers
Replacing Vapor Barriers & Liners
Concrete Stormwater Detention Tanks
Concrete Stormwater Retention Tanks
Solution for Structural Weight Limits
Refrigeration & Freezer Floors
Building Green With LEED
Challenging & Expansive Soils
Concrete Subfloor Crawl Space
Technical/Electrical Sub Floors
Acoustical Floors
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1.1 THE DESIGN GUIDE
This Guide has been prepared for and is intended for the use of Design Engineers, Architects and Specifiers in designing CUPOLEX®
Aerated Floors and other CUPOLEX® Vault Systems. Any use which a third party makes of this guide, or any part thereof, of any
reliance on or decision to be made based on it, are the responsibility of such third parties. Cupolex Building Systems® and Pontarolo
Engineering Inc. ® accepts no responsibility for damage, if any, suffered by any third party as a result of decision made or actions based
on this Guide. The contents of this Guide should not be relied upon by any other party without the express written consent of Cupolex
Building Systems® or Pontarolo Engineering Inc. ®
It is the responsibility of the Designer to ensure that all information required to suit local building codes and standards is included on the
design drawings and specifications.
The comments given in this Guide are intended only for the guidance of Design Engineers. Designers should also refer to the Cupolex
Building Systems™ Technical Library on the CUPOLEX® Web site at www.cupolex.ca.
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1.2 CUPOLEX® FORM UNITS
The following sections provide a description of the various CUPOLEX® forms and its’ ancillary products.
1.2.1 CUPOLEX® Form Units
Cupolex forms are available and various heights to suit any site conditions or design requirements. Made from 100% recycled
Polypropylene (PP) plastic, the forms provide the maximum performance and guarantees superior characteristics of stability and
resistance in its structure to allow operations that are completed directly above the plastic CUPOLEX® elements before and during the
placement of the concrete. These units form a basis of the CUPOLEX® Floor Forming System and all slabs will be constructed using
these units.
Table 1.1 – Standard USA CUPOLEX® Dimensions
Table 1.2 – Standard CUPOLEX® Metric Dimensions
Figure 1.1 – Standard CUPOLEX® Form Unit
A
B
C
C
B
CUPOLEX®
Form
A
Form
Height
B
Maximum overall
plan dimensions per
unitinch. inch.
W005 2 23 x 23 22 x 22C1095 4 23 x 23 22 x 22W010 4 23 x 23 22 x 22C1013 5 23 x 23 22 x 22C1020 8 23 x 23 22 x 22
C1026 10 23 x 23 22 x 22C1030 12 23 x 23 22 x 22C1035 14 23 x 23 22 x 22C1040 16 23 x 23 22 x 22C1045 18 23 x 23 22 x 22C1050 20 23 x 23 22 x 22C1055 22 29 x 29 28 x 28C1060 24 29 x 29 28 x 28C1065 26 29 x 29 28 x 28C1070 28 29 x 29 28 x 28
C
Surface obtained
after assembly
inch.
CUPOLEX®
Form
A
Form
Height
B
Maximum overall
plan dimensions per
unit
mm mm
W005 50 580x580 560x560
C1095 95 580x580 560x560
W010 100 580x580 560x560
C1013 135 580x580 560x560
C1020 200 580x580 560x560C1026 260 580x580 560x560C1030 300 580x580 560x560C1035 350 580x580 560x560C1040 400 580x580 560x560C1045 450 580x580 560x560C1050 500 580x580 560x560C1055 550 745x745 710x710C1060 600 745x745 710x710C1065 650 745x745 710x710C1070 700 745x745 710x710
C
Surface obtained
after assembly
mm
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1.2 CUPOLEX® FORM UNITS
Table 1.1 – Standard CUPOLEX® Metric Dimensions
Overall Form DepthPlan Dimension
Installed
Concrete
Consumption to top
of Domes
Clear Void
Equivalent
Dead Load of
Concrete Structure
to Top of Domes
cm (inch) cm (inch) m3/m
2 (cy./sq.ft.) cm (inch) kPa (psf)
CUPOLEX WINDI 5-56 5 (2”) 56x56 (22"x22") 0.008(0.0010) 4 (1.57") 0.19 (3.96)
CUPOLEX WINDI 10-56 10 (4”) 56x56 (22"x22") 0.030(0.0036) 7 (2.76") 0.71 (14.82)
CUPOLEX 9.5-56 9,5 (4”) 56x56 (22"x22") 0.014 (0.0017) 8 (3.15") 0.33 (6.89)
CUPOLEX 13.5-56 13,5 (5”) 56x56 (22"x22") 0.030 (0.0036) 11 (4.33") 0.71 (14.82)
CUPOLEX 16-56 16 (6”) 56x56 (22"x22") 0.035 (0.0043) 14 (5.50") 0.83 (17.33)
CUPOLEX 20-56 20 (8”) 56x56 (22"x22") 0.035 (0.0043) 17 (6.69") 0.83 (17.33)
CUPOLEX 26-56 26 (10”) 56x56 (22"x22") 0.035 (0.0055) 22 (58.66") 0.83 (17.33)
CUPOLEX 30-56 30 (12”) 56x56 (22"x22") 0.042 (0.0051) 26 (10.24") 0.99 (20.67)
CUPOLEX 35- 56 35 (14”) 56x56 (22"x22") 0.045 (0.0055) 31 (12.20") 1.06 (22.13)
CUPOLEX 40-56 40 (16”) 56x56 (22"x22") 0.060 (0.0073) 34 (13.39") 1.42 (29.65)
CUPOLEX 45-56 45 (18”) 56x56 (22"x22") 0.064 (0.0078) 39 (15.35") 1.51 (31.53)
CUPOLEX 50-56 50 (20”) 56x56 (22"x22") 0.065 (0.0079) 44 (17.32") 1.53 (31.95)
CUPOLEX 55-71 55 (22”) 71x71 (28"x28") 0.069 (0.0080) 48 (19.29") 1.63 (34.04)
CUPOLEX 60-71 60 (24”) 71x71 (28"x28") 0.070 (0.0085) 53 (20.87") 1.65 (34.46)
CUPOLEX 65-71 65 (26”) 71x71 (28"x28") 0.071 (0.0090) 58 (22.83") 1.68 (35.08)
CUPOLEX 70-71 70 (28”) 71x71 (28"x28") 0.073 (0.0095) 63 (24.80") 1.72 (35.92)
Cupolex Form Type
Table 1.3 –CUPOLEX® Performance Characteristics
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1.2 CUPOLEX® FORM UNITS
1.2.2 BETON STOP® Form Units
BETON STOP® is am form suitable for closing the side openings of the CUPOLEX® forms. BETON STOP® compensates the required
dimensions different from those obtained by using the CUPOLEX® module, with no need to cut the CUPOLEX® units. In this way the
CUPOLEX® aerated floor will be suitable for all project dimensions.
BETON STOP® forms are available for the following
CUPOLEX® forms:
Overall Form Depth
cm (inch)
BETON STOP H20 (8")
BETON STOP H26 (10")
BETON STOP H30 (12")
BETON STOP H35 (14")
BETON STOP H40 (16")
BETON STOP H45 (18")
BETON STOP H50 (20")
BETON STOP H55 (22")
BETON STOP H60 (24")
BETON STOP H65 (26")
BETON STOP H70 (28")
Table 1.4 – Standard BETON STOP® forms
Figure 1.2 – Standard BETON STOP® Form Unit
Axis Dist. 560
(22”)
VARIABLE
from 0.00 to 275mm (11”)
Axis Dist. 560
(22”)
560
(22”)
430
(17”)
VARIABLE
from 0.00 to 700mm (28”)
VARIABLE
from 0.00 to 275mm (11”)
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A
B C
D
D
E F
G H
I
G
DF E
G H
J
K
A
I J
A
1.2 CUPOLEX® FORM UNITS
1.2.3 PONTEX® Form Units
The PONTEX® elements are used in conjunction with the CUPOLEX® Forms. The quantities of CUPOLEX® and PONTEX® forms to be
used are established each time in function to the specifications of the slab design. PONTEX® is connected to CUPOLEX® during
assembly of the forming system. An installation arrow is indicated on every CUPOLEX® form and every PONTEX® proceeds in a
horizontal plane beginning from left to right and from top downward.
PONTEX® forms are available for CUPOLEX® Heights 260mm (10”) and Heights 450mm (18”).
Figure 1.3 – Standard PONTEX® Form Units
Long PONTEX Short PONTEX
CUPOLEX PONTEX REINFORCING
Figure 1.4 – Standard PONTEX-CUPOLEX® Form Units Table 1.5 – PONTEX® forms Dimensions
mm inch. mm inch.A 222 8.74 357.5 14.07B 148 5.83 200 7.87C 105 4.13 144 5.67D 228 8.98 384.2 15.13E 113 4.45 150 5.91F 108 4.25 145 5.70G 166 6.54 166 6.54H 40 15.75 40 15.75I 732 28.82 867.2 34.14J 63 24.80 707.6 27.86K 64 2.52 64 2.52
Pontex H.26 Pontex H.45
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1.2 CUPOLEX® FORM UNITS
1.2.4 CUPOLEX-WINDI® Form Units
CUPOLEX-WINDI® creates a ventilated floor on existing floors without affecting the structure of the building. The adoption of CUPOLEX
WINDI® allows you to save on waterproof sheathing and guarantees a constant seal against dampness. CUPOLEX-WINDI® may also
be easily attached to walls to obtain an air space capable of ventilating and eliminating mould.
Figure 1.6 – Standard CUPOLEX WINDI® Form Unit
Figure 1.7 – CUPOLEX WINDI® Slab on Ground
Axis Dist. 560 (22”)
Axis Dist. 560 (22”)
A.D. 560 (22”)
50 & 100 (2” & 4”)
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1.2 CUPOLEX® FORM UNITS
1.2.5 CUPOLEX-RIALTO® Form Units
CUPOLEX-RIALTO® system consisting of Domes, Tubes and Footing components that rapidly can be assembled to create a self-
bearing forming structure up to 2.5m (8’-0”) in height, suitable to admit the pouring of a concrete slab. All components that make up the
CUPOLEX-RIALTO® forming system are made from 100% recycled plastic.
Figure 1.8 – CUPOLEX RIALTO® FORM
VARIABLE
570mm(22”)
570mm(22”)
150mm(6”)
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Domes clip onto tubes without any
fastening in order to speed up the assembly.
Welded Wire Mesh is placed directly on
domes
Footing bases and tube
connection
TUBE
CUPOLEX RIALTO
FOOTING
ASSEMBLY
1.2 CUPOLEX® FORM UNITS
Figure 1.9 – CUPOLEX-RIALTO® FORM ASSEMBLY
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1.2 CUPOLEX® FORM UNITS
Overall Form DepthPlan Dimension
Installed
Concret Consumption
to top of Domes
Clear Void
Equivalent
Dead Load of
Concrete Structure
to Top of Domes
cm (inch) cm (inch) m3/m
2 (cy./sq.ft.) cm (inch) kPa (psf)
25 (10”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.025(0.0055) 10 (4.0") 0.60 (12.5)
30 (12”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.027 (0.0030) 15 (6.0) 0.65 (13.5)
35 (14”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.030 (0.0033) 20 (8.0") 0.70 (14.6)
40 (16”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.032(0.0036) 25 (10.0") 0.75 (15.6)
45 (18”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.034 (0.0039) 30 (12.0") 0.80 (16.7)
50 (20”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.036 (0.0043) 35 (14.0) 0.85 (17.7)
55 (22”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.038 (0.0045) 40 (16.0") 0.90 (18.8)
60 (24”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.040 (0.0048) 45 (18.0") 0.95 (19.8)
65 (26”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.042 (0.0051) 50 (20.0") 1.00 (20.9)
70 (28”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.044 (0.0054) 55 (22.0") 1.05 (21.9)
80 (30”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.046 (0.0057) 60 (24.0") 1.10 (23.0)
85 (32”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.048 (0.0060) 65 (26.0") 1.15 (24.0)
90 (34”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.050 (0.0063) 70 (28.0") 1.20 (25.1)
95(36”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.052 (0.0066) 75 (30.0") 1.25 (26.1)
100 (38”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.054 (0.0069) 80 (32.0") 1.30 (27.2)
105 (40”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.056 (0.0072) 85 (34.0") 1.35 (28.2)
110 (42”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.058 (0.0075) 90 (36.0") 1.40 (29.3)
115 (44”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.060 (0.0078) 95 (38.0") 1.45 (30.3)
120 (46”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.062 (0.0081) 100 (40.0") 1.50 (31.4)
125 (48”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.064 (0.0084) 105 (42.0") 1.55 (32.4)
130 (50”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.066 (0.0087) 110 (44.0") 1.60 (33.5)
135 (52”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.068 (0.0090) 115 (46.0") 1.65 (34.5)
140 (54”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.070 (0.0093) 120 (48.0") 1.70 (35.6)
145 (56”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.072 (0.0096) 125 (50.0") 1.75 (36.6)
150 (58”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.074 (0.010) 130 (52.0") 1.80 (37.7)
155 (60”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.076 (0.0103) 135 (54.0") 1.85 (38.7)
160 (62”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.078 (0.0106) 140 (56.0") 1.90 (39.8)
165 (64”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.080 (0.0109) 145 (58.0") 1.95 (40.9)
170 (66”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.082 (0.0112) 150 (60.0") 2.00 (41.8)
175(68”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.084 (0.0115) 155 (62.0") 2.05 (42.8)
180 (70”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.086 (0.0118) 160 (64.0") 2.10 (43.9)
185 (72”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.088 (0.0121) 165 (66.0") 2.15 (44.9)
190 (74") 57x57(23"x23") 0.090 (0.0124) 170 (68.0") 2.20 (46.0)
195 (76”) 57x57(23"x23") 0.092 (0.0127) 175 (70.0") 2.25 (47.0)
200 (78") 57x57(23"x23") 0.094 (0.0130) 180 (72.0") 2.30 (48.0)
205 (80") 57x57(23"x23") 0.096 (0.0134) 185 (74.0") 2.35 (49.0)
Table 1.6 - CUPOLEX RILATO® Performance Characteristics
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►►►►►
2.0 DESIGNING
CUPOLEX® FLOORS
2.1 DESIGN FACTORS
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Slab on Grade - Designing Aerated Floor Slabs with Cupolex Forms
Plain non-structurally reinforced CUPOLEX® slabs can be economically and successfully used for a wide variety of load and site
conditions. However soils with very low bearing capacity, high compressibility, or that are highly expansive may require remedial
treatment or special CUPOLEX® slab designs(structural reinforced CUPOLEX® slab, possibly with stiffening beams (PONTEX®) or
CUPOLEX® slabs not directly supported by the soil.
The design factors involved in determining the required floor slab on grade thickness are:
Strength of the concrete (Concrete Modulus of Rupture)
Strength of the subgrade-subbase
Nature and frequency of imposed loads
A CUPOLEX® slab on grade cannot be designed without numerical values that come directly from knowing what supports the slab. At
the very least, a value is needed for the modulus of subgrade reaction, commonly referred to as ‘k’; however, the grade support system
is more complicated that is indicated by a single value. In addition to ‘k’; it is necessary to know the properties of the underlying soil and
the available fill material. In other words, to design and construct a quality CUPOLEX® slab on grade, one needs to know as possible
about the grade system that supports the CUPOLEX® slab.
In order to make efficient use of CUPOLEX® forms, it is recommended that some simple design procedures be followed. The following
sections detail the steps in the design process.
2.1 DESIGN FACTORS
2.1.1 Concrete Modulus of Rupture
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The flexural strength of concrete is defined by the modulus of rupture, which is determined at 28 days using the method specified by
ASTM in “C78-84 Standard Test Method for flexural Strength of Concrete Using Simple Beam with Third Point Loading.” The 28-day
flexural strength is used as the design strength. The variability of strength and the gain in strength with age should be considered in the
CUPOLEX® design.
2.1.2 Subgrade-Subbase Support
A soils investigation of the site should be conducted to determine the strength of the subgrade soil and if there are adverse soil
conditions that would preclude the use of a simple CUPOLEX® slab-on-grade. If heavy loads will be applied to the CUPOLEX® floor
slab, the soil investigation should provide estimates of the allowable soil-bearing value and the potential soil settlement.
Soil Bearing capacity, soil compressibility, and soil reaction modulus are properties that need to be considered in any design problem. It
is important to consider how these different measures of strength-deformation properties apply to the design of a CUPOLEX® floor slab.
The bearing capacity of the soil is the pressure that, if exceeded, will result in a soil shear failure, which is an abrupt break-through of the
load into the soil. The allowable soil pressure to protect against a shear failure may be based on a verbal description of soil consistency
or degree of soil compaction, unconfined compressive strength tests, triaxial or direct shear tests, or standard field penetration tests.
Another measure of soil strength, WESTERGAARD’S MODULUS OF SUBGRADE REACTION K, is commonly used in design procedures for
concrete floors-on-grade that are not structural elements in the building (floors not supporting columns and load bearing walls).
The k-value is measured by plate-loading tests on top of the compacted subgrade or, if a subbase is used, on top of the subbase. A 30-
in. diameter plate is loaded to a deflection not greater that 0.05 in. and the k-value is computed by dividing the unit load by the deflection
obtained. A detailed description of the load test is given in ASTM D1196. When it is not feasible to perform plate-bearing tests at the
jobsite, the k values can be estimated from correlation to simple tests such as CBR and R-value tests. Figure 3 shows the effect on k-
values by providing granular subbase over a subgrade.
Also relationship between soil type and bearing values is given in table 2.1.
2.1.3 Relationship between Soil Type and Bearing Values
TYPE OF SOIL SUBGRADE CBR, (2) DESIGN
STREANGTH PERCENT k-VALUE, pci
Silts and Clays of high
compressibility (1) at
natural density
Silts and Clays of high
compressibility (1) at
compacted density
Silts and Clays of low
compressibility (1)
Sandy Silts and Clays,
gravelly silts and clays
poor graded sands
Gravelly soils, well-graded
sands and sand-gravel
moistures relatively free
of plastic fines
HIGH 10 200
LOW 2 OR LESS 50
AVERAGE 3 100
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Table 2.1 – Relationship between Soil Type and Bearing Values
2.1 DESIGN FACTORS
If a high quality, well-compacted granular subbase or cement treated base is used under the CUPOLEX® floor slab, the k value will
increase that should be considered in the thickness design. On large projects it may be feasible to construct a test section and perform
plate-load tests on top of the subbase.
1 High compressibility, liquid limit equal to or greater than 50.
Low compressibility, liquid limit less than 50.
(liquid limit by ASTM D423, Standard Method of Test for Liquid Limit of Soils.)
2California Bearing Ratio, ASTM D1883, Standard Method of Test for
Bearing Ratio of Laboratory-Compacted Soils.
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If the subbase is composed of untreated granular materials, the approximate increase in k values can be taken from table 2.2. For a
cement treated subbase, the design k values can be obtained from table 2.3
2.1.4 Effects of Untreated Subbase on k-values
SOURCE: PCA (1984)
Table 2.2 – Effects of Untreated Subbase on k-values
2.1.5 Design k value for cement-treated bases
SOURCE: PCA (1984)
Table 2.3 – Design k value for cement-treated bases
If this is not practical, the k-value on top of the subbase can be estimated by using the figure 2.1.
2.1 DESIGN FACTORS
2.1.6 Effects of Granular Subbase Thickness on k-values
SUB GRADE SUBBASE k-Values (pci)
k-VALUE (pci) 4 in 6in 9in 12in
50 65 75 85 110
100 130 140 160 190
200 220 230 270 320
300 320 330 370 430
SUB GRADE SUBBASE k-Values (pci)
k-VALUE (pci) 4 in 6in 9in 12in
50 170 230 310 390
100 280 400 520 640
200 470 640 830
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500
400
300
200
100
50
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
k on subgrade = 50 pci
100 pci
200 pci
300 pci
Figure 2.1 – Effects of Granular Subbase Thickness on k-values
Estimates of allowable bearing pressure
Universally applicable values of allowable bearing pressure cannot be given. Nevertheless, it is often useful to estimate the allowable
bearing pressure for preliminary design on the basis of the material description. Such values must be verified or treated with caution for
final design. Table 5(presumed allowable bearing pressure) gives the presumed allowable bearing pressure for different types of soils
(Source: Canadian Foundation Engineering Manual).
2.1 DESIGN FACTORS
2.1.7 Presumed Allowable Bearing Pressure
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These presumed values of the allowable bearing pressure are estimates and may need to be adjusted upwards in a specific case.
Table 2.4 – Presumed Allowable Bearing Pressure
2.1 DESIGN FACTORS
2.1.8 Presumptive Range of Allowable Bearing Pressure
GROUP TYPES AND CONDITIONS PRESUMED ALLOWABLE REMARKS OF SOILS BEARING PRESSURE
kPa PSF
Dense gravel or dense >600 >12,500
sand and gravel
Compact gravel or 200-600 4,100-12,500 Width of foundation (B) not
compact sand and gravel smaller than 1 m (4'-0"). Groundwater
Loose gravel or loose sand <200 <4100 level is assumed to be at a depth
COURSE-GRAINED SOIL and gravel equal to b or more than b below
Dense sand the base of the foundation.
Compact sand >300 >6250
Loose sand
100-300 2000-6250
<100 <2000
Very stiff to hard clays or 300-600 6250-12500 Fine grained soils are susceptible
heterogeneous mixtures to long term settlement due to
such as till imposed loads and are often
Stiff clays susceptible to severe swelling due
Firm Clays 150-300 3000-6250 to hanged moisture conditions. If
FINE-GRAINED SOIL Soft clays and silts the Plasticity Index exceeds 25%,
Vary soft clays and silts 75-150 1500-3000 the long-term performance of the
foundation may be significantly
<75 <1500 affected by swelling of shrinking
of the subsoils, and a complete
not applicable not applicable assessment of these possibilities is
necessary
ORGANIC SOILS Peat and organic soils not applicable not applicable
FILL FILL not applicable not applicable
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Table 2.5 – Presumptive Range of Allowable Bearing Pressure
2.1.9 Punching Shear for Post Loads
Concrete bearing and shear stresses for CUPOLEX® slabs require to be computed using PCA Design Methods to see whether the
stresses are within allowable limits. But for very heavy posts, the required thickness of CUPOLEX® concrete slabs may be great
enough that alternative designs should be considered, such as:
Integral or separate footings under each post or line of posts (post locations would have to be permanently fixed);
Structurally reinforced CUPOLEX® slabs with steel designed to take the tensile stresses;
TYPE OF SOIL ALLOWABLE BEARING CAPACITY
kPa psf
1. Firm to stiff clayey silt till 50-200 1045-4110
2. Very stiff to hard clayey silt till 200-450 4110-9400
3. Very dense sandy silt till 500-1000 10450-20900
4. Shale Bed Rock
Weathered 500-1000 10450-20900
Sound shale bed rock 2500-5000 52210-104500
5. Hard rock
Weathered 1000-1500 20900-31300
Sound bed rock 3500-10000 73000-208000
Compacted granular "A" 150-200 3000-4110
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Punching Shear for Post Loads
One or more PONTEX® elements added in areas subject to greater loads or exceptional stress;
Use of a cement-treated subbase under the CUPOLEX® concrete slab.
The following table is an example how the following criteria was used to check the allowable bearing and shear stresses in concrete as
given by the PCA design method for concrete floor on grade.
Allowable Bearing Stress
For interior load = 4.2 MR (where MR is the concrete flexural strength at 28 days)
For edge or corner load = 2.1MR
Allowable shear stress = 0.27MR
Table 2.6 – Punching Shear Computations Using PCA Design Method
2.2 DESIGN SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE
We’re here to help you Design a Superior Slab
Concrete Compressive Strength: 30 MPa 4351.11 psiConcrete Flexural Strength: 593.67 psi 4.09 Mpa
Allowable Bearing Stress:for interior load 2493.40 psi 17.19 Mpafor edge or corner load: 1246.70 psi 8.60 MPa
Allowable Shear Stress: 160.29 psi 1.11 Mpa
Computed Stresses:
Slab Thickness Size of Loaded Area (in2) Size of Loaded Area (in2) Above Load Size Area Load periphery Size Area Load peripheryCUPOLEX Dome 4in x 4in 16 16 6in x 6in 36 24
Bearing Stress Shear Stress Shear Stress Shear Stress Bearing Stress Shear Stress Shear Stress Shear Stress(mm) (in) lbs (psi) interior load edge load corner load (psi) interior load edge load corner load
2248 140.50 64.27 94.57 149.62 62.44 47.29 67.73 105.523372 210.75 96.40 141.86 224.43 93.67 70.93 101.60 158.27
40 1.57 5157 322.31 147.43 216.96 343.23 143.25 108.48 155.38 242.066944 434.00 198.52 292.14 462.17 192.89 146.07 209.22 325.938730 545.63 249.57 367.27 581.04 242.50 183.64 263.03 409.762248 140.50 46.83 70.25 112.40 62.44 35.13 51.09 80.293372 210.75 70.25 105.38 168.60 93.67 52.69 76.64 120.434494 280.88 93.63 140.44 224.70 124.83 70.22 102.14 160.50
50 2 5157 322.31 107.44 161.16 257.85 143.25 80.58 117.20 184.186944 434.00 144.67 217.00 347.20 192.89 108.50 157.82 248.008730 545.63 181.88 272.81 436.50 242.50 136.41 198.41 311.79
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27
Cupolex Building Systems® provides full engineering and environmental technical support for its products, including finite element
modeling of the structural design of floors and recommendations for venting. Our Cupolex® Support Team can either provide support to
your engineering team at no additional cost, or provide full engineering design services on a sub-contractor fee basis, as desired.
Everybody on the Cupolex® Support Team has the same goal – to help you succeed and build better slabs in your housing, commercial,
industrial and institutional projects by using CUPOLEX® Aerated Floors. That means you can count on the best technical support in the
industry.
We’re 100% committed to your success. Build with the number one product CUPOLEX® and get the number one Support Team working
for you free of charge with assistance and support such as:
1) Answer questions about product, applicability to described situation or site, general design considerations, etc. by phone or email,
or any other way questions are sent
2) Assist clients and design teams with specific questions & issues that arise during design, including suggesting technical
approaches and general designs
3) Provide a presentation report for your client that include:
a) Structural Design Report for CUPOLEX® Floor with dimensions/sizes according to the floor plan that will be provided by your
firm;
b) Provide how CUPOLEX® functions as both passive barrier, passive venting, and mechanically ventilated system, and how
Vapor Intrusion criteria in State, Provincial, city, county or Municipal regulations can be met;
c) Provide design procedures for specifying ventilation requirements based on height of CUPOLEX® Slab voids, depth of slab
below grade, average wind speeds, attenuation factor;
d) Provide design procedures for specifying fan or blower size for depressurization of slab footprint based on dimensions, void
height, subsoil characteristics, pipe size;
e) Estimated Supply and Installation Costs for Budgeting your projects;
f) Material requirements and estimated construction time for budgeting your projects;
i) Provide all literature and Video presentations and case studies of projects using CUPOLEX® Aerated Floor technology.
Everybody on our CUPOLEX® SUPPORT TEAM is ready to share their experience and their knowledge with you. We have full time
field and technical staff with years of experience, ready to help when you need it at no charge to you. Call us at1.866.766.8276
2.2 DESIGN SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE
2.2.1 The CUPOLEX® TEAM Support Services
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28
Cupolex Building Systems® has available some of the most experienced structural and environmental engineers in the US and Canada.
Leaders in the industry that can provide:
Site specific design, including construction drawings and technical specifications for both structural and Vapor Ventilation
design,
Provide Engineering oversight, observation, quality control testing, or performance testing of the installed Cupolex system.
Provide Vapor intrusion site investigations, including sub-surface investigations, indoor air testing and evaluations of the
potential for Vapor Intrusion.
Site visits for any reason can also be available, including meetings with customers, regulators, contractors, or other parties.
Certified Installers
We have full time field and technical staff with extensive experience, ready to help when you need it. We know how to Design Slabs,
foundations and Mitigation Systems. We have over 15 years experience helping engineers design Aerated Slabs and assist contractors
in building with Cupolex all across North America and the rest of the world.
The Cupolex Building Systems® in-house Technical Department team can provide design assistance to assess the available information
and provide site-specific design recommendations, supported with calculations for each slab.
These services include:
1. Appropriate height and types of CUPOLEX® floor to you’re your project’s design requirements
2. Reinforcing requirements
3. Standard details
4. Quotation where appropriate.
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►►►►►
3.0 DESIGN
APPLICATIONS
3.1 STANDARD SLAB ON GROUND
Standard Monolithic Slab
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Typically a 250mm (10”) or a 300mm (12” ) thick monolithic poured CUPOLEX® floor slab is used for a standard floor such as residential
or light commercial using CUPOLEX® H.20mm (8”) Forms and H.26mm(10”) forms and the corresponding accessory BETON STOP
®.
A layer of 6x6 W2.9/2.9 welded wire mesh for crack control is used in the topping throughout the slab. Additional reinforcing is used
where increased load capacity is required such as garage areas or heavy loaded floors.
Where top soil layers are thick, higher CUPOLEX® can be used to create a deeper slab. This replaces the fill or gravel that typically is
required to bring the slab to level and eliminate the costs associated with importing, compacting and certifying engineered fill.
Figure 3.1. and Figure 3.2. illustrates a standard slab on grade. The concrete for the edge or grade beam and the CUPOLEX® slab are
poured monolithically.
Figure 3.1 – Standard Monolithic Slab on ground at exterior grade beam
3.1 STANDARD SLAB ON GROUND
CUPOLEX® CONCRETE SLAB
VA
RIA
BLE
VAPOR, HUMIDITY, RADON, METHANE
VENT RISER PIPE TO ROOF
BETON STOP® FORM
CUPOLEX® FORM
PREPARED SUBBASE
VA
RIA
BLE
PREPARED SUBBASE
VENT RISER PIPE TO ROOF
BETON STOP®
CUPOLEX® FORM
CUPOLEX® CONCRETE SLAB
VAPOR, HUMIDITY, RADON, METHANE
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Figure 3.2 – Standard Monolithic Slab on ground at interior grade beam
3.1 STANDARD SLAB ON GROUND
Compacted Fill Replacement, Floating Slabs or Crawlspaces
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CUPOLEX® domes can be placed between foundation walls to replace the compacted fill or gravel. The CUPOLEX
® units can be
installed flush against the foundation wall with using BETON STOP®. On sloping sites various heights CUPOLEX
® from 135 mm (5”) to
70cm (28”) high can be used, stepping down the site to form a level upper surface. The CUPOLEX®
slabs can also be stacked if finished
floor elevations are required to be higher or the CUPOLEX®
RIALTO can be used to achieve floor height up to 2.00m. (78”).
Figure 3.3 – Standard Slab on ground at exterior wall and footing
3.1 STANDARD SLAB ON GROUND
The CUPOLEX®
slabs can also be stacked if finished floor elevations are required to be higher.
VA
RIA
BLE
CUPOLEX® CONCRETE SLAB
VAPOR, HUMIDITY, RADON, METHANE
VENT RISER PIPE TO ROOF
BETON STOP® FORM
CUPOLEX® FORM
PREPARED SUBBASE
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Figure 3.4 – STACKED Slabs on ground at exterior wall and footing
3.1 STANDARD SLAB ON GROUND
Basement Slab
VA
RIA
BLE
CUPOLEX® CONCRETE SLAB
VAPOR, HUMIDITY, RADON, METHANE
VENT RISER PIPE TO ROOF
BETON STOP® FORM
CUPOLEX® FORM
PREPARED SUBBASE
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CUPOLEX® domes can be placed between basement footings to replace the gravel and perform as a venting and draining layer. The
CUPOLEX® units can be installed flush against the footings without using BETON STOP
®. The footings and slab can also be
monolithically poured by using the BETON STOP®.
Figure 3.5 – Standard Basement Slab on ground at exterior wall and footing
3.1 STANDARD SLAB ON GROUND
3.1.1 DESIGN PROGRAM SOFTWARE FOR SLAB ON GRADE
VA
RIA
BLE
CUPOLEX® CONCRETE SLAB
VAPOR, HUMIDITY, RADON, METHANE
VENT RISER PIPE TO ROOF
BETON STOP® FORM
CUPOLEX® FORM
PREPARED SUBBASE
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Several types of CUPOLEX® slab distress due to excessive loads can occur -cracking, as it is the case in any conventional uniform
thick slab on grade, due to excessive flexural stress; excessive deflections; settlements due to excessive pressures; and for very
concentrated loads, excessive bearing or shear stresses.
The strategy of design of the CUPOLEX® Floor slab is to keep all these responses within safe limits. The most critical of these
responses -the controlling design consideration-is different for different sizes of load contact area.
Cupolex Building Systems® provides free of charge a FEM Design Program Software called EASY CUPOLEX®. The EASY
CUPOLEX® Program Software uses the schematizations “Plate Model” according to cap. 4 and 5. This numerical schematization is
suitable for design purposes and supplies an adequate level of representation of the interaction of the CUPOLEX® floor with the
ground. The research and testing document, available in our Technical Library, prove the validity of the numerical model for design
purposes. The verifications for the calculation forces follow the standards reported in the program.
The EASY CUPOLEX® FEM design data refers to the concrete over layer and to the level of reinforcement needed if required, as
established according to the soil characteristics and loading types and levels. For a more detailed description of the construction
methods employed, please visit the manufacturer's internet site: www.pontarolo.ca.
The design statements generated by the software are verified through a finite element model in which the soil is represented as a
homogeneous material with linear elastic behavior.
The following variables are considered by the CUPOLEX® Design Program Software:
- Type of CUPOLEX®
- Thickness of slab
- Levels of reinforcement
- Type of soil
3.1 STANDARD SLAB ON GROUND
3.1.2 LOAD CAPACITIES
The static behavior of the CUPOLEX® concrete floor depends on the following factors:
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1) Geometry:
- Dome geometry
- Minimum thickness of the slab above the cupolex elements
2) Type of soil or subbase
4) Position of loads on the CUPOLEX® slab
Three different schematizations are considered:
1. Beam grid model (fig.1)
2. Plate model (fig.2)
3. 3D model (fig.3)
Fig.1 Fig.2 Fig.3
Also a non-uniform contact with the soil is taken into account (for example different yielding)
REFERENCES
Heténey M. [1946]. Beams on Elastic Foundation. Ann Arbour: The University of Michigan
Selvadurai A.P.S. [1979] Elastic Analysis of Soli-Foundation Interaction
Miranda C. Nair K. [1966] Finite beams on elastic foundation. J.Struct.Div.ASCE
Ting B.T. [1982] Finite beams on elastic foundation with restraints. J.Struct.Div.ASCE
Eisenberg M. Yankelevsky D.Z. [1985] Exact stiffness matrix for beams on elastic foundation.
Comp. & Struc.
Bowles [1985] Foundation Analysis and Design. Ed.McGraw-Hill, New York
IMPORTANT NOTICE*
Cupolex Building Systems® provides design support, assistance and review of the final design and specifications to verify
that this guide and the EASY CUPOLEX® FEM Program Software have been properly interpreted and implemented. If not
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accorded the privilege of making this review, Cupolex Building Systems® will assume no responsibility for interpretation of
the recommendations in this guide for design. To download the EASY CUPOLEX® Program Software and Manual, refer to in
the Technical Library.
3.1.3 EASY CUPOLEX® Design Output Example
The following is a typical design calculation report that was generated by the EASY CUPOLEX® Design Program Software:
EASY CUPOLEX® DESIGN CALCULATION REPORT
1. PROJECT
Project Name:
Client:
Designer:
Project #:
All dimensions/sizes are according to the floor plan provided. The concrete floor slab is designed and reviewed by using the CUPOLEX® finite element
program. The Following Loading conditions and material properties were considered in the design:
Concrete floor slab thickness of 3 INCH above the CUPOLEX® elements;
Design Loads:
Uniform distributed live load 100 psf
Superimposed Live Load 20 psf
Self weight of Cupolex® Slab 60.27 psf
A concentrated load of 2.25 kip (10 000 N) on a base plate of 4”x4” was considered for the design at any location of the concrete floor slab;
EASY CUPOLEX® Design Output Example
28 day concrete compressive strength of 3500 PSI was assumed for the concrete slab;
A.F.O.S. of 1.20 and 1.60 was used for dead and live load for Ultimate limit design.
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Based on the assumptions/information, the design was checked for concrete flexural stresses, stresses on soil and stresses in steel.
The design is verified to meet the requirements of stresses in concrete, soil and steel.
A Geotechnical Engineer must be employed to verify that a minimum k-value is provided by the founding sub grade.
The concrete is modeled through a linear elastic constitutive model, and the small strain principal is adopted. Once the geometrical data, material
properties, load conditions and combinations and boundary conditions have been defined, the stress and internal forces are then calculated together
with their envelope.
Design is calculated according to the ACI American standard.
GEOMETRY DESCRIPTION
Region dimension:
Base: 20.00 ft
Height: 20.00 ft
Cupolex: Cupolex 26 (10.inch)
Subgrade:
Type: M.C. Clayed Sand
Kw: 120.00 pci
Concrete:
Type: C25 (3500 psi)
EASY CUPOLEX® Design Output Example
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20.00
20.0
0
Principal Load
Follows a short description of loading (LC stands for Load Case).
Grid Subdivision for the (live) pressure:
Num rows = 4
Num columns = 4
Dimension of a single cell region:
A = 3.28
B = 3.28
Self Weight: 60.27 psf
[LC1] Dead load: 20.00 psf
[LC2÷LC17] Live load: 100.00 psf
EASY CUPOLEX® Design Output Example
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20.00
20.0
0
A
B 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17
RESULTS AND VERIFICATION
Standard
The model is verified according to ACI American Standards.
Deformation
Max deformation: -8.55e-03 ft
EASY CUPOLEX® Design Output Example
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-6.83e-03 ft
-8.55e-03 ft
DZ [ft]
-8.55e-03
-8.34e-03
-8.12e-03
-7.91e-03
-7.69e-03
-7.47e-03
-7.26e-03
-7.04e-03
-6.83e-03
Ground stress
Max t: -1747.85 psf (Allowable working stress = 3132.76 psf)
EASY CUPOLEX® Design Output Example
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-1.40e03 psf
-1.75e03 psf
Grd.stress [psf]
-1.75e03
-1.70e03
-1.66e03
-1.62e03
-1.57e03
-1.53e03
-1.48e03
-1.44e03
-1.40e03
Flexural stress
concrete: 20062.25 psf (Allowable working stress = 38035.81 psf)
EASY CUPOLEX® Design Output Example
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2.01e04 psf
1.95e03 psf
Conc.stress [psf]
1.95e03
4.22e03
6.48e03
8.74e03
1.10e04
1.33e04
1.55e04
1.78e04
2.01e04
Shrinkage
Wire Mesh area: 2.00e-03 ft²/ft
Requested area (sub grade-drag method) 4.36e-04 ft²/ft
Stress Verification Table
Verification Type Design Allowable Verification
Ground Stress -1747.85 3132.76 Verified
Concrete Flexural Stress 20062.25 38035.81 Verified
Shrinkage Steel Stress 1.98e06 9.08e06 Verified
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
Sites with soils with very low bearing capacity, high compressibility, or that are highly expansive typically require remedial treatment. A
Special slab design such as a structural reinforced slab, a slab that includes stiffening beams or a slab not directly supported by the soil
such as on a beam/pile or stem wall foundation.
There may be many reasons for suspending a floor slab that may include:
Unsuitable ground conditions such as very low bearing pressures
Expansive/swelling soils
Predicted post construction settlement of the subbase
Bridging over public storm water and sewer lines
Slope stability issues
The CUPOLEX® floor slab can be fully or partially suspended on reinforced concrete piles, stem walls or grade/edge beams. Additional
reinforced internal ribs are then used in the slab by introducing PONTEX®, the structural CUPOLEX
® accessory to provide a structure
capable of spanning between foundations or pile locations.
Very little additional work or material is required to provide a suspended floor or structural slab CUPOLEX® Forming system and in
many cases exterior footing reinforcement remains unchanged. As with all slabs, each CUPOLEX® floor is specifically designed to suit
site conditions and pile numbers, beams are optimized to limit additional costs. Specific design calculations, engineered drawings and
Design Certificates are required to be provided for each design by an Approved Registered Professional Engineer in your State or
Province.
The technical objective of Pontarolo Engineering™ was to advance the CUPOLEX® aerated floor forming system for structural
concrete slab construction. The floor forming system would provide the most cutting edge system to mitigate harmful gases and
humidity emanating from the sub-grade, sustain a concrete floor even in poor or expansive soil conditions, and sustain heavy loads.
The innovation of PONTEX® was introduced to the CUPOLEX® system to advance the aerated floor technology one step further. It has
the potential to revolutionize the conventional application of concrete slab construction by reducing the amount of excavation, reducing
or eliminating the need for imported materials, aggregates or engineered sub-grade, reducing the amount of concrete consumption and
reducing labour costs. The CUPOLEX-PONTEX® technology is at the forefront of conventional concrete slab construction.
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PONTEX® is recycled polypropylene element that, combined with CUPOLEX® can be used to create beams so that aerated floors
become self-bearing. If the soil is unsuitable to hold the slab load design, we then can introduce PONTEX®, which in turn will create a
one directional or a two directional structural slab.
3.2.1 Slab on Beam/Pile Foundations
Reasons for a structural CUPOLEX® floor slab on Beam/Pile Foundations may include:
Unsuitable ground conditions ( very low bearing pressures) or expansive soils
Bridging over public storm water and sewer lines
Slope stability issues
Figure 3.6 – Slab on Beam/Pile Foundation
VENT PIPE BETWEEN BEAMS
PILE/BEAM FOUNDATION
VA
RIA
BLE
PREPARED SUBBASE
VENT RISER PIPE TO ROOF
BETON STOP®
CUPOLEX® FORM PONTEX® INTERNAL RIB BEAM FORM
CUPOLEX® CONCRETE SLAB
VAPOR, HUMIDITY, RADON, METHANE
CUPOLEX BUILDING SYSTEMS
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
3.2.2 Suspended Floors on Wall Foundations
With PONTEX the floor loads can be fully discharged to the foundations and not to the ground. Poor load-bearing soils need no
enhancing (by excavating, using gravel or lean concrete) which saves considerably on costs.
Figure 3.7 – Stiffened Ribbed Slab
CUPOLEX® STRUCTURAL CONCRETE SLAB
VAPOR, HUMIDITY, RADON, METHANE
VENT RISER PIPE TO ROOF
BETON STOP® FORM
CUPOLEX® FORM
UNCOMPACTEED OR POOR BEARING FILL
PONTEX® REINFORCED INTERNAL
RIB BEAM
BEAM POCKET OR DOWELS CONNECTING FLOOR TO WALL
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
3.2.3 Stiffened Ribbed Slab
In situ PONTEX® ribbed CUPOLEX® slabs are an efficient design solution for structural slabs on ground.
Benefits of PONTEX® ribbed CUPOLEX® slabs are:
Longer spans can be achieved that with flat slabs
Reduce concrete volumes
Reduction in Reinforcement and foundation costs
Post tensioning of PONTEX® ribbed CUPOLEX® slabs can achieve even longer spans and/or reduce the concrete volume.
Figure 3.8 – Stiffened Ribbed Slab
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
An infinite number of structural "types" are possible using either the unidirectional or crossed PONTEX® types.
Table 3.5 – PONTEX® one directional
Table 3.6 – PONTEX® two directional
Figure 3.9 – PONTEX® Concrete
Table 3.7 – PONTEX® forms
Table 3.8 – PONTEX® Standard Slab Types and Concrete Consumption to the Top of the CUPOLEX® Forms
TYPE
CONCRETE
CONSUMPTION
m3/m2
CONCRETE
CONSUMPTION
YARD3/SF
CONCRETE
CONSUMPTION
m3/m2
CONCRETE
CONSUMPTION
YARD3/SF
1x0 0.077 0.0095 0.136 0.0165
1x1 0.102 0.0127 0.249 0.0321
1x2bin 0.149 0.019 0.289 0.0360
2binx0 0.093 0.0114 0.174 0.0218
2binx2bin 0.101 0.0124 0.162 0.0196
2x1 0.091 0.011 0.165 0.0205
2x2 0.08 0.012 0.116 0.0140
PONTEX-CUPOLEX H.26 (10") PONTEX-CUPOLEX H.45 (18")
NOTE* The CUPOLEX®-PONTEX® Software
calculates the concrete consumption automatically
m3/m2 yards3/sf m3/m2 yards3/sf1 0.0163 0.02182 0.0151 0.04763 0.00175 0.0084
Pontex H.26 Pontex H.45
TYPE PONTEX CUPOLEXhorizontal 1 1
vertical 1 1horizontal 1 2
vertical 1 1horizontal 1 2
vertical 1 2horizontal 1 3
vertical 1 3horizontal 2 2
vertical 2 2horizontal 3 2
vertical 3 2
1 x 1
1 x 2
2 x 2
3 x 3
2bin x 2bin
3bin x 2bin
TYPE PONTEX CUPOLEX1 x 0 1 12 x 0 1 23 x 0 1 34 x 0 1 4
1bin x 0 2 12bin x 0 2 2
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
3.2.4 Slabs on Swelling Soils
The problem of ground movements or swelling soil is well known to engineers and builders. It affects construction sites throughout
North America, and particularly those in the South West.
Whether the cause is clay heave from naturally occurring shrinkable clay soils, expansive shales or overburden recovery associated with
excavation, if the movement is restrained the lateral and uplift forces produced are massive.
To avoid the build up of these potentially damaging forces, foundations must be designed to accommodate any ground movement that is
anticipated.
The amount of ground movement that may occur will vary by site, and be dependent on a number of factors including;
The plasticity index of the soil
The degree of dessication of the soil
The removal or planting of vegetation and trees
Ground levels and excavation depth
A suitably detailed Site Investigation conducted by a Geotechnical Engineer should indicate the extent of ground movement expected.
The Engineer can then design appropriate protection measures to ensure the long term integrity of foundations and ground floor slabs.
The PTI Institute and the ACI provides detailed and informative data on the subject. Additionally, there are many companies offering
specialist services in this field.
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
CUPOLEX® provides a new method for the structural analysis and construction of slab foundations on expansive soils. The structural
function of the CUPOLEX® foundation is designed to resist moisture-induced deformations in the soil maintaining the top surface within
permissible tolerance. The Concrete verifications are performed according to national and local standards by using reinforcement
threaded bars or post-tensioning tendons.
Expansive soil swell models
Figure 3.10 - Edge lift: soil is wetter at slab edge than inside slab
Figure 3.11 - Center lift: soil is drier at slab edge than inside slab
impervious (flexible) membrane
EM
YM
Rainfall
YM
impervious (flexible) membrane
Evaporation/Transpiration
EM
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
Soil parameters
· Geotechnical investigation and classification of the soil (IBC)
· edge-lift and center-lift differential deflection Ym
· edge-lift and center-lift edge moisture variation distance Em
· modulus of subgrade reaction kw
Expansive soil parameters:
· Edge Moisture Variation Distance depends on:
- Thornthwaite Moisture Index (climate)
- Soil Permeability
- Vegetation
· Unrestrained Differential Swell depends on:
- Activity of clay
- Depth of clay
- Soil suction
· Ym and Em are defined for both edge-lift
and center-lift swelling conditions.
Example:
EDGE LIFT CENTER LIFT
YM
EM 3.0 ft 5.0 ft
2.0 in 2.5 in
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
Cupolex® slab on expansive soil
Cupolex® slab:
reduced contact area
and free expansive volume Standard slab
free expansive
volume
uplift pressure 'p'
uplift pressure 'p'
uplift force = contact
(reduced) area x p
uplift force = contact
(total) area x p
CupolexCupolex … and Beton Stop… and Beton Stop… + Pontex… + Pontex
Ribbed, stiffer, slab (for expansive soil)
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
Cupolex® + Pontex® => ribbed foundation system
· Reduced slab-soil contact area
· Lighter than a traditional ribbed slab
· High punching resistance (‘dome’ effect)
Figure 3.12 - Cupolex® & Pontex® ribbed slab on plan
Figure 3.13 - Cupolex® & Pontex® ribbed slab detail
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
Soil-structure interaction on expansive soil: numerical procedure
Soil model:
The mechanical behaviour of the soil is represented through the modulus of subgrade reaction (k)
subgrade modulus k defines the relationship between soil pressure and the resulting deflection.
deformation
Pressure p
p k=
p
Soil Ks, kcf Ks, kN/m3
Loose sand 30 – 100 4800 – 16 000 Medium dense sand 60 – 500 9600 – 80 000 Dense sand 400 – 800 64 000 – 128 000 Clayey medium dense sand 200 – 500 32 000 – 80 000 Silty medium dense sand 150-300 24 000 – 48 000
Clayey soil qu 200 kPa 75 – 150 12 000 – 24 000
200 < qu400 kPa 150 – 300 24 000 – 48 000 qu>400 kPa >300 >48 000 [1] J. E. Bowles, "Foundation analysis and design", McGraw Hill 4th Edition, 1988
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
3-d slab model
Accurate 3-d geometry and inelastic constitutive model
+
Boundary conditions
+
Non linear fem analysis
=
Accurate results
(stress and displacement)
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
3-d vs. 2-d model
3-d slab model
- High number of dof (degree of freedom)
- Very time-consuming analysis
=> not appropriate for standard
foundation slab
Figure 3.14 – 3D CUPOLEX slab Model
2-d slab model
acceptable number of dof (degree of freedom)
- more appropriate for standard foundation slab
- equivalent slab thickness and equivalent subgrade modulus
Figure 3.15 – 2D CUPOLEX slab Model
33--dd
22--dd
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
Expansive soil model
Non linear contact on a deformable (curved) support:
Figure 3.16 – Expansive Soil Model
The proposed numerical procedure is based on a non-linear contact analysis. Contact area between slab and soil is a priori unknown.
The determination of the effective contact area represents an important part of the solution as the soil pressure, displacements and
internal forces on the slab.
For more detailed information on designing CUPOLEX® Slabs on expansive soils, contact out technical department. You may
also refer to the Power Point Presentation – “CUPOLEX® Slabs on Expansive Soils” in our Technical Library.
EDGE LIFT
CENTER LIFT
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
Figure 3.17 - Typical plan of a slab foundation on Expansive Soil
Total slab foundation sq.ft ………………………2541
CUPOLEX H 10”…………………………………….391
PONTEX LONG10’…………………………………178
PONTEX SHORT 10”………………………………..175
BETON STOP 10”………………………………….…86
CONCRETE CONSUMPTION
SLAB…........................................................ ............36 Cubic Yards
DEPPENED EDGE BEAM…………………..……….TYPICAL
STEEL REINFORCEMENT
WWM 6x6x6…………………………………………2541 sq.ft
REBAR………………………………………………..4932 Total Pounds
Total slab foundation sq.ft ………………………2541
CUPOLEX H 10”…………………………………….391
PONTEX LONG10’…………………………………178
PONTEX SHORT 10”………………………………..175
BETON STOP 10”………………………………….…86
CONCRETE CONSUMPTION
SLAB…....................................................................36 Cubic Yards
DEPPENED EDGE BEAM…………………..……….TYPICAL
STEEL REINFORCEMENT
WWM 6x6x6…………………………………………2541 sq.ft
REBAR………………………………………………..4932 Total Pounds
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3.2 STRUCTURAL SLABS ON GROUND
3.2.5 Structural Slab Design Program Software
The CUPOLEX-PONTEX® program, with an on-line guide, is the finite element calculation code for the numerical modeling of lattices
and half-plane floors or reinforced concrete beams obtained by placing
CUPOLEX® and PONTEX® together as required.
This program has graphical functions for entering geometrical data,
material characteristics and contour conditions. Any perimeter beams (with
a rectangular section, T or L beams) can be included in the analysis.
Having defined the elementary load conditions and the combinations, the
stress parameters are calculated together with their envelopment if
required. Predimensioning is the next phase. The CUPOLEX-PONTEX® program provides the quantity of longitudinal reinforcements
necessary to meet the resistance verifications according to either the permitted tensions or limit states method. To this end, the
reference standard complied with are DM 96, Eurocode 3, ACI and Canadian Standards.
Reinforcement layout, both length ways and sideways, calculated in automatic predimensioning, can be modified and adapted to suit the
designer's requirements. The results are given in a very clear schematic graphical version.
The resulting layouts can be printed or exported to a metafile graphical format, becoming a good base to start drawing the executive
tables.
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NOTES