Stiffened raft slab weighbridge foundation result for Gatton Waste Facility`s brand new 20m atop ground concrete deck infill weighbridge.
Before construction, an independent soil test report suggested moderately to highly reactive soil circumstances with a low soil compaction – Australasia Scales standard Weighbridge Foundation’s design is supported on stable soil conditions having a minimum soil bearing capacity of 160kpa, so this required a redesign. A professional structural engineer with over a decade in weighbridge foundations redesigns was referred, and the consultant’s recommendation was for a stiffened raft/floating slab foundation.
Spacious clay soils and other uncontrolled fills decrease and swell enormously throughout the year in response to moisture levels and are frequent in Queensland and parts of other Australian states. This shrink / swell rotation puts large pressures on in-ground foundations and is accountable for weighbridge foundation cracking and movement which can cause unreliability and poor weighbridge operation. The raft foundation prevents many of these issues by having a lattice (crossed and fastened together) of steel support concrete ribs and beams to provide support and stiffness.
An independent soil test report prior is paramount to determine and establish suitability of a weighbridge foundation solution, and comprehensive engineers structural calculations are provided by Australasia Scales for any special redesigned, as outside of a grade design, these are not “one size fits all”.
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