We are finalising plans for a bungalow and are looking at options for the slab. Bedrock is chalk with sand and gravel on top. A soakaway test revealed that we have 300mm soil, 300mm sandy soil/gravel and then 100mm gravel/chalk before we hit the water table (which rises more if it is a wet winter). We are hoping to use an insulated pad but open to other options so interested in views.

10 minutes ago, saveasteading said:

The ground sounds great. The 300mm topsoil has to go, and be replaced by stone.

If you can stick to traditional construction methods, the cost is much lower, local builders can do it, and to some extent it is more adaptable to any particular details you want.

 

Why are you worried about high water? does it flood/ puddle visibly?   

Thanks. Not flooding, but in really wet winters the ground right up to where we are going to build does get very wet and some bits can puddle. We realise we’ll need to spend on a good drainage solution but wanted to make sure foundation can cope with wet conditions. 

Pretty sure that your Structual Engineer will specify Block and beam We are in a flood zone and ours have both been BB

54 minutes ago, Macfracam said:

Thanks. Not flooding, but in really wet winters the ground right up to where we are going to build does get very wet and some bits can puddle.

and that will suck more heat frrom your slab as wet ground wil conduct heat transfer  better maybe 50% better or worse if you look at cooling effect  -

-so as nod says block and beam  all the way 

Edited November 23, 20241 yr by scottishjohn