Plattenfundament

Plattenfundament is a type of shallow foundation consisting of a flat, reinforced concrete slab that transfers the loads of a building to the underlying soil over a wide area. The slab can be cast monolithically with the superstructure or poured separately and connected to it. It is commonly used for low-rise buildings such as houses, garages and small commercial structures, especially when the soil has adequate bearing capacity and frost protection is required.

Construction typically involves preparing a well compacted subgrade, laying a moisture barrier, and, if needed, insulation. A reinforcement mesh or bars are placed, formwork is set for the slab edges, and concrete is poured and compacted. The slab is cured to gain strength. In cold climates, insulation under or around the slab and proper drainage help reduce heat loss and prevent frost-related movement.

Variants include monolithic slabs poured in one operation and insulated slabs, or slabs with additional edge beams for stiffness. A Plattenfundament distributes loads evenly across a wide area, making it suitable where settlement is to be minimized and soil conditions are favorable. It is generally quicker to build and provides a stable platform for simple layouts, but may be less suitable where the soil bears poorly or where significant differential settlement is expected without additional stabilization.

Advantages include uniform load distribution, straightforward construction, and compatibility with simple building layouts. Limitations involve dependence on soil bearing capacity, potential cracking from shrinkage or temperature changes, and possible thermal bridging if insulation is inadequate. Maintenance is usually limited to crack sealing and ensuring proper drainage.