Footings & Slabs
Site classification (AS 2870) drives the footing system. Get the soil report in hand before you commit to a slab type.
Overview
Section 4 of the Housing Provisions covers the deemed-to-satisfy footing and slab systems for Class 1 and 10 buildings. The starting point is always a site classification per AS 2870. From there, you select a slab type — waffle raft, stiffened raft, or strip footings with suspended slab — sized for the classification and the building loads.
Key Clauses to expand
- Part 4.1 — Scope and application
- Part 4.2 — Footing and slab construction (AS 2870 reference)
- Part 4.3 — Concrete and reinforcement (AS 3600, AS/NZS 4671)
- Part 4.4 — Site preparation
On-site Checklist to expand
- Soil report received and site class confirmed
- Footing type matches site class and loads
- Reinforcement schedule on drawings
- Termite management system specified (AS 3660.1)
- Setdowns for wet areas / tiles allowed
Common Gotchas to expand
- Designing footings before geotech is back
- Forgetting articulation joints on H-class sites
- Missing slab edge insulation in cold climate zones (links to Section 13)
- Inadequate setdown for tiled wet areas
Notes & Examples to fill in
Add worked examples, diagrams, photos and project-specific notes here as you accumulate them.