From subgrade and vapor barriers to rebar, joints, and drainage—then the specifics for Rigid Frame (red iron) vs Cold-Formed (C/Z): footings, grade beams, and anchor bolts that fit your stamped drawings.
Strip organics, proof-roll, and compact per geotech/engineer. Provide positive drainage away from the slab (target ~5% fall for the first 10′ where feasible). Keep splash-back off panel bases.
Install a continuous vapor barrier with lapped/taped seams and puncture protection. Place reinforcement (rebar/WWF) at designed cover; typical slabs are 4–6″ — verify with engineering and code.
Tip: Coordinate slab thickness with door thresholds and base trim fastener zones.
Cut control joints per layout and timing; align at re-entrant corners and openings. Use isolation/expansion joints at grade beams, footings, columns, and dissimilar materials.
Set finish floor elevation high enough for site drainage and snow/ice. Confirm drive widths, turning radii, and crane/lift staging if the structure requires it.
Loads drive concrete: Verify your loads & code (IBC year, wind, snow, seismic, frost) via CodeSmart™ before finalizing foundation design.
Isolated spread footings at main frames, tied by grade beams or slab per design. Sizes/depths resist soil bearing, overturning, and uplift; top elevations coordinate with anchors and grout space.
| Component | Notes |
|---|---|
| Main Frame Footings | Set to elevation for base-plate grout; verify bearing and rebar per plan. |
| Anchor Rods | Steel templates, correct projection/embed; protect threads and check X-Y. |
| Grade Beams | Tie footings laterally or support edges when specified. |
| Slab | Sequence with erection as designed; confirm F-numbers where required. |
Follow the manufacturer’s anchor-bolt plan exactly. Use rigid templates; verify location, projection, and plumb prior to pour. Maintain grout space and keep rods clean through finishing.
Common flow: footings → cure/strip → verify anchors → erect frames → slab. Some designs pour slab first; always follow stamped drawings and erector plan.
Expect inspections for forms/steel, anchors, and possibly special inspections for bolting/welding. Keep stamped drawings, RFIs, and change orders on site.
Don’t freehand anchors: Field-moving anchors without engineer approval risks fit-up issues and voided warranties.
Continuous perimeter grade beam with thickened edges or piers as needed. Columns land along the beam; the interior slab serves as the floor.
| Component | Notes |
|---|---|
| Perimeter Grade Beam | Reinforced and below frost where required; width/depth per engineering. |
| Anchors/Straps | At column lines per pattern; maintain straightness and projection for base trim. |
| Slab-on-Grade | 4–6″ typical; continuous vapor barrier; isolation joint to grade beam if specified. |
Extend grade beam below frost per local criteria. Keep top of beam above exterior grade to protect panel bases. Coordinate base-trim fasteners and wall-panel laps with anchor layout.
Typical: excavate/grade → form & pour grade beam → set/verify anchors → backfill → prep/pour slab. Record dimensions and take photos for close-out.
Plan gutters/downspouts and surface drainage to keep the perimeter dry. Tie site swales to discharge points away from slab edges.
Align finishes and penetrations: see Sheeting & Trim Standards and moisture strategy in Insulation 101.
Educational guidance only. Foundations must be designed and stamped by a licensed engineer for your site conditions and loads. Always confirm requirements with your local building department.
