Shoe blocks are used in concrete construction and masonry to provide stability and support for the foundation of a building. They can be solid or hollow and are subject to inspection by building inspectors to ensure they can support the weight of the structure.
A shoe block is used in concrete construction and masonry applications as a means of providing stability and support for concrete slab work that serves as the foundation for any type of building. The shoe block is placed under the concrete slab, usually around the edges, and is made from reinforced concrete. The block shape of the shoe allows the formation to support a weight placed upon it.
The slab or foundation walls rest on a portion of the shoe block, called the bearing portion. It can also rest on another portion below and outside the foundation slab. This provides internal support for the structure’s vertical weight distribution.
There are generally two different types of shoe blocks that can be used in these building applications. One is solid in construction and the other is hollow in shape. The solid type of shoe block construction is used in cases where the weight of the foundation will be large. In most cases, this means that the building being constructed above the foundation will be of significant size.
Hollow forms, however, are generally used as a means of securing a floating concrete slab so that it is not allowed to move or lift outward as the weight of the building being built upon it becomes heavier during the construction. These hollow blocks also allow anchor bolts to be attached during primary framing construction above the concrete foundation. Such bolts are used as a structural means to tie the foundation to the building’s support system. The use of hollow shaped blocks also provides stability to the concrete foundation. As the building is secured, this prevents any outward movement of any part of the foundation.
Whether hollow or solid shoe blocks are used in an application, the use of any concrete shoe block for any construction purpose is subject to inspection by a state or regional building inspector. It is imperative to the efficiency of the construction project that the shoe block used to support the insole is rated to support the weight of the insole. If the block was deemed insufficient, the inspector could go so far as to order the removal of the slab to replace the blocks.
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