Thread: Installing a 2 post lift some cement questions

I am building my garage finally and in the one bay I am planning on putting a 2 post lift and want to see how everyone else installed theirs.

My plan for the lift is to dig out a footer the width of the lift left to right and build a rebar cage then have it filled with cement. The rest of the garage floor would consist of 6inch thick concrete. I am just wondering if that is overkill or is a good idea to prevent cracking or other problems. The heaviest thing I plan on lifting is my Chevy K3500 dully. Some people I have talked to say that will be more then enough some say its overkill. I just don’t want to crack the floor or have issues. Any thoughts or help would be great.

Thanks

The heaviest thing you are going to lift is a big ass full size truck eh? Piece of cake.

Call a concrete company

Chad, sounds more than adequate. It all depends on which two-post lift you are getting. The manufacture will have requirements listed in the install guide or through an installer.

Originally Posted by VII

The heaviest thing you are going to lift is a big ass full size truck eh? Piece of cake.

Call a concrete company

For now that is the heaviest thing I own that would be on the lift. In the future I may lift a skid steer, and hopefully a c4500.

Everyone I spoke to seems to say 6 inches is thick enough but I dont want any issues.

Your problem there will be safe loading capacity of the lift. Not concrete strength

You're over-doing it. If you run 6" thick of concrete that is atleast rated to 3000psi you will be fine....no need for rebar.

Originally Posted by TheEngineer

You're over-doing it. If you run 6" thick of concrete that is atleast rated to 3000psi you will be fine....no need for rebar.

Thats a pretty bold statement. Every location is different, frost heaves, wash outs, how the ground is compacted, the temp and humidity during cure, it all changes the strength. From the sounds of the OP, he isn't looking for good enough, he wants to know that over the long term with some heavy ass equipment, it wont give him future problems. Good enough, never is

Pick out your lift, and ask the manufacturer what their required concrete specs are, period.

The op states his location in PA/IL. With a properly prepared sub grade and 6" of concrete at 3000psi that thing isn't going any where. There shouldn't be any frost heaves or wash outs if the contractor lays a solid foundation with footing drains(if needed) and vapor barrier. Slab on grade is a very common building practice and any contractor that is properly licensed should know how to install this. You want some assurance? Put some extra rebar in there, but you won't need it. When I said earlier you don't need rebar I was referring to extra on top of what should be laid for the actual floor. I hope I clarified things. If you have any questions I will be happy to help as my background is in engineering.

Originally Posted by TheEngineer

The op states his location in PA/IL. With a properly prepared sub grade and 6" of concrete at 3000psi that thing isn't going any where. There shouldn't be any frost heaves or wash outs if the contractor lays a solid foundation with footing drains(if needed) and vapor barrier. Slab on grade is a very common building practice and any contractor that is properly licensed should know how to install this. You want some assurance? Put some extra rebar in there, but you won't need it. When I said earlier you don't need rebar I was referring to extra on top of what should be laid for the actual floor. I hope I clarified things. If you have any questions I will be happy to help as my background is in engineering.

I concur. A consultation with a contractor will go a long way.