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Old 07-05-2016, 07:10 PM
 
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Concrete is weak in tension and bending and strong in compression. The post-tensioning process stretches the cables through the concrete so it's (at least in theory) always in compression. If this is a modern properly designed foundation, it will also have deep sections called "beams" that crisscross the under surface of the slab to provide additional stiffness against bending as the underlying soil expands and contracts.


My guess is that what you are seeing is minor shrinkage cracking near the surface. It may seem like it goes "a long way into the slab", but it's probably an inch or two - compare to the 6" or so of slab thickness and probably 2 feet of beam thickness.
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Old 07-06-2016, 01:17 PM
 
Location: Chicago
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Someone told me that you have to be careful with foundations in North Texas because the soil composition can lead to foundation problems. I wonder if there is any truth to this?
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Old 07-06-2016, 01:49 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lepoisson View Post
Someone told me that you have to be careful with foundations in North Texas because the soil composition can lead to foundation problems. I wonder if there is any truth to this?
Yes. However I would say it slightly differently: ... soil composition will sooner or later lead to foundation problems, considering the way most foundations are built around here.
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Old 07-06-2016, 03:25 PM
 
Location: Chicago
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Originally Posted by serger View Post
Yes. However I would say it slightly differently: ... soil composition will sooner or later lead to foundation problems, considering the way most foundations are built around here.
Are most homes in the area build on a slab? As someone from the East Coast, this has been unusual to me.
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Old 07-06-2016, 04:53 PM
 
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As I described above, there is a big big big difference between the plain inadequately reinforced 6" slabs used in 1970s construction in N. Texas, and the deeply cross beamed post tensioned slabs used today.

Yes, the vast majority of houses are built on a slab nowadays.
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Old 07-06-2016, 09:57 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by turf3 View Post
As I described above, there is a big big big difference between the plain inadequately reinforced 6" slabs used in 1970s construction in N. Texas, and the deeply cross beamed post tensioned slabs used today.

Yes, the vast majority of houses are built on a slab nowadays.
Agreed, the post tensioned slabs are much better than the 70s stuff that could literally split in two, but still not nearly good enough.
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Old 07-06-2016, 10:02 PM
 
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Originally Posted by lepoisson View Post
Are most homes in the area build on a slab? As someone from the East Coast, this has been unusual to me.
yes, most are. Some of the very large footprint ones are piered slab. Also, contrary to the statement that "basements are impossible in north texas because of the soil", a lot of the multimillion new construction in Highland park has basements
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Old 07-07-2016, 06:59 AM
 
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It's possible to build a house with a basement, of course, but the cost is higher, and the "standard" has been not to put in basements. Any builder who starts putting in basements will not be price competitive, despite the advantages of having a basement. There are also the disadvantages, like keeping water out, which is not easy.
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Old 07-07-2016, 03:48 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by turf3 View Post
It's possible to build a house with a basement, of course, but the cost is higher, and the "standard" has been not to put in basements. Any builder who starts putting in basements will not be price competitive, despite the advantages of having a basement. There are also the disadvantages, like keeping water out, which is not easy.
The water problem is not that difficult to solve. My basement from my house in Dallas is bone dry and with a backup sump pump and a battery it is easy to keep water out. I only had a minor water problem once before I had the backup pump.
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Old 07-08-2016, 11:08 PM
 
Location: Fort Worth, TX
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Whenever you're building a home you should pay to have an independent inspection done during key points of the build. The foundation is one such example especially around here. I've lived in DFW all my life (grew up in Richardson) and it's common knowledge that the DFW area is known for foundation problems. We're planning to build in west Fort Worth and our structural engineer is recommending a pier and slab foundation.
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