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Concrete Slab Expansion - what happens?

  • 26-04-2010 11:57am
    #1
    tails_naf
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭


    Hi all,

    You may have seen the thread on the burst underfloor heating
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055821386

    I've tentatively decided to go with the 'cutting channels' solution.
    The idea is to leave the burst pipes where they are - cut 1 inch wide by 1.5 inch deep channels where the new pipe will go, lay the pipe, and then cover with a straight sand/cement mix (fine mix to ensure it goes all around the pipe).

    The question I have is - how will the concrete slab react with this mix when the heat is on?

    The slab currently is 2.5-3 inches deep, and would be untouched for for 7 inch widths, then the 1 inch (by 1.5 inch deep) channel with sand/cement infill, and this would repeat over the whole floor.
    Note: there is also a light 8" steel mesh in this slab, right at the very bottom. This would be unaffected by the cutting as it would not go deep enough.

    Questions:
    1) would shrinkage expansion be much different than a normal floor - would it really matter?
    2) as long as I took the normal precautions with UFH (slowly ramp up the temp over 3-4 weeks and then turn back to operating temp (18 degress) to allow for flooring to go down - will this be ok?
    2a) was thinking of taking added precaution of using self-levelling compound and flexible tile adhesive for the polished porcelan tiles that would be going down in the hall-way - should allow for movement, I guess.

    Can anyone see any major issues with this idea?
    Other than the fact this is unusual, is it 'incorrect' from a structural point of view.

    Any and all answers are greatly appreciated - we intend to go ahead with this next week, so please let me know if you think I'm going to mess it up!


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