Slab house building code highlights

The new building codes would:

* Require soil testing and analysis at any building site, with the results provided to city building officials for permitting purposes.

* Require plasticity index testing, a test that determines the potential for expansion and movement of soil over time based on the moisture content of the soil.

If the plasticity figure is greater than 45, the footings, foundation and slab systems must be designed by a Kansas-licensed structural engineer to obtain a building permit.

* Require steel reinforcement bars and/or wire mesh in all slab foundations. Fiber reinforcing material may still be used, but only in addition to required steel reinforcement.

* Establish specific materials and criteria for the fill dirt directly beneath slabs, as are appropriate depths, depending on soil analysis and required minimum footing and foundation design.

* Emphasize foundation and surface drainage design to minimize the potential for water damage to foundations.

* Require an additional city inspection in the building process. Inspectors will check and verify required steel reinforcement and under-slab material placement before the concrete is poured for the slab foundation.

This story was originally published August 2, 2011 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Slab house building code highlights."