CFS Building
Foundation Design
Project:
The Pet Hospitals Lakeland
Cold-Formed Steel (CFS) Framing has been around in commercial construction since the 1960s. Utilizing cold-formed steel in place of structural steel can significantly reduce costs.
CFS buildings streamline construction timelines by taking advantage of off-site prefabrication.
There can be significant reductions in the cost of materials due to CFS framing’s lighter weight, eliminating the need for large, costly foundations.
Material Selection
CFS bearing walls with bar joist and metal deck roof is a good choice for a low-rise commercial space with open floor plan.
Soils Design
A solid foundation begins by understanding the earth at the site. Soil bearing capacity is analyzed, footing size and depth calculated, the slab's stable dry base ensured.
Pier Footings Where Needed
Stable footings assure the performance of bearing walls. Drilled piers are required in areas of soft soil.
Pour Footings
High Volume Fly Ash (HVFA) concrete mix is used for the footings because it is better at protecting the reinforcement AND it diverts a waste product from landfills.
Footings Complete
The footings pour is completed. Next step the slab forms.
Slab Forms
The slab forms, plumbing and electrical "rough-ins" and rebar are installed as specified in the Contract Documents.
Moisture Barrier
A 4" gravel base and plastic sheeting work together to keep ground moisture from reaching the slab.
Slab Pour
Concrete mix has to be dry to minimize shrinkage cracking yet flowable enough to be pumped by boom on a hot day.
Slab Leveling
It takes a well coordinated effort to pour the concrete, level the slab, and finish it in one continuous operation.
Slab Finishing
Finishing the slab is all about flatness, burnish and attention to detail. Control joints are installed per design. Timing of finishing steps is critical and requires expertise.
Wet Cure
Once poured, the slab is wet cured for 7 days to assure a tough, tight finish and reduced long-term cracking. Proper curing is even more important in hot weather.