Posted: 5/28/2006 11:23:07 PM EDT
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I'm going to be building the vault in my basement, but I don't have any way of pouring the ceiling out of cement. Can I use the cement blocks I'm using for the walls to build the ceiling also? If so, how would I do it? Thanks, Kris |
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Cinder blocks have about 0 tensile strength. You have to put rebar and concrete in them. It would be a pain in the ass. You could build a dome, which would also be a pain in the ass. Poured concrete is way easier, although it requires some strong formwork for ceilings, and rebar of course, also have very little tensile strength. If it's existing construction you be better off just getting a sheet of cast iron for the ceiling. |
Well, it's a new construction with bad planning on my part.  The house is already framed and there is no way I could get concrete down there for pouring a ceiling unless I cut out blocks.  I'm sure a piece of iron that size wouldn't be too cheap. Any other ideas??
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Are the floors finished above it? Could you cut some floor up and use a pumper trck? Cinder block would be next to worthless. |
Exactly. A slab would've been the way to go, but since the house is framed in, it might be hard to get it in. I'd go for the idea of cutting out a hole to pump it in once the forms are in and shored up (rebar too). The hole can always be patched, and will be hidden by the finished floor or carpeting. |
| Talk to your general contractor you might be amazed at what he can do to help you out. Those guys have seen/done most everything out there. If he says that it will be a huge cost to install something now then it probably will be, how much do you want this. If nothing else maybe he can come up with a idea or two. |
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Have you thought about precast concrete planks or tilt up? Pour the ceiling and drop it in place. Using cmu blocks for a ceiling would be harder than pouring a ceiling. You would still need to put up form work. You would need to break out the walls of the blocks to place reinforcing. Check into a precast concrete plant. |
| I lag bolted and welded 2"x4" x1/4" along the tops of my inside "walls and then, with LOTS of help, slipped 3/8" hardplate sheets over the top outside edge of my vault walls until they rested on the steel "lips" on the inside of the vault. Welded them to the steel structure I had previously installed, from inside the vault. Then slipped (many) some sheets of 5/8 drywall over the top to form a fire and heat barrier and then bricked in the unfinished outside lip of my vault. Fini. |
If the floor is not finished then cut a hole in it, pour concrete. Steel plates. You can cast some concrete panels with a cast in key and then slide them in. They are going to be heavy. Good luck. |