2.1.3 Monolithic slab

A monolithic slab is a one-piece load-bearing foundation structure. Concrete is poured into special polystyrene foam forms that completely isolate the foundation slab from direct contact with the soil. It is the single type of foundation where the load-bearing monolithic slab has no contact with the soil and has the highest thermal resistance value. The thermal resistance value R of this foundation may be as high as 9.7 (R = 9.7 m<sup>2</sup> K/W) and higher. Thus, thermal bridges, frost and foundation deformations are avoided. The monolithic slab bears the load of the building across the entire plane rather than individual segments. The monolithic slab has from 3 to 20 times bigger supporting area than conventional foundations. For this reason it is less susceptible to movement and is firm and stable. All traditional foundation structures create thermal bridges because there are no structural possibilities to avoid them. Monolithic slab is the only exception where the entire concrete slab can be thermally insulated at 100%. A properly installed slab has no thermal bridges, and the main advantage of this foundation is high thermal resistance and tightness.

Estimate calculations of strip, pile and monolithic slab foundations are done. A private two-storey house is selected for the calculation. The calculated foundation area is 110 m<sup>2</sup> . Labour, materials, machinery and total costs for foundation installation are calculated.
