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Subgrades and Subbases for Concrete Slabs

Having good support for your concrete slab on ground is critical to success

By Bill Palmer, Concrete Network Columnist

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FAQs about Concrete Subgrades

What happens to a concrete slab if support isn't uniform?

What is a subbase/subgrade?

What about the soil?

How does the subgrade affect slab design?

How to Prepare the Subgrade

How to compact soil before pouring concrete

Placing the concrete: How to check for proper compaction

Subgrade preparation for commercial floors

Subgrade preparation for concrete driveways

Compaction requirements for concrete pavers

Compaction Equipment

Compaction equipment: How to choose the right machine

Plate compactor video: See how to use a vibratory plate compactor

Related Information:

How to build high-quality slabs on grade

Preventing cracks in concrete

Other Resources

Concrete Contractors: Find A Concrete Product Supplier or Distributor

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Bill Palmer

Author Bill Palmer, ConcreteNetwork.com Columnist

Wacker Neuson Corp.

Properly compacting a slab subgrade is one of the most important things you can do to achieve a successful slab. Wacker Neuson Corp.

People ask me why a concrete slab needs a subbase underneath it—isn't a concrete slab strong enough to support itself and the loads placed on top of it? The short answer is "no." The long answer is "yes, but..."

Use the links to the left to learn why properly compacting the base for a concrete slab is essential to good performance, and what can happen if you fail to provide adequate support.
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