Foundations and Slabs
Concrete foundations and slabs form the structural base for most residential, commercial, and agricultural buildings. At Aldana Construction, we specialize in constructing durable, code-compliant foundations and flat slabs throughout Tonica, IL. Whether you’re building a home, a garage, a pole barn, or a commercial facility, our experienced crew ensures your project starts on solid ground.
Each foundation we pour is tailored to the site’s soil conditions, load requirements, and layout. From traditional spread footings to monolithic slab-on-grade designs, we provide precision forming, reinforcing, and finishing that aligns with Illinois building codes and local engineering standards.
Types of Foundations We Build
The soil and climate conditions in central Illinois make foundation design a critical aspect of construction. We offer several foundation systems based on your site, structure, and intended use.
Spread Footing Foundations
This system uses poured footings beneath load-bearing walls, providing a wide base to distribute weight evenly. It’s ideal for homes and small buildings in areas with stable subsoils.
Slab-on-Grade Foundations
A popular option for garages, sheds, and pole barns, slab-on-grade combines footing and slab into one continuous pour. This reduces labor and provides a durable, low-maintenance base.
Basement Foundations
For homes requiring livable or storage space below ground, we excavate and pour full-depth basement foundations with properly reinforced walls and floors.
Pier and Beam Foundations
Used in areas with unstable soil or uneven terrain, pier and beam foundations raise the structure off the ground and support it with vertical piers and horizontal beams.
Structural Concrete Slabs
Concrete slabs serve as the floor structure for many buildings. They must be properly formed, reinforced, and poured to carry both dead load (the weight of the structure) and live load (furniture, machinery, or vehicles). We construct high-performance concrete slabs.
Garage Floors
Garage slabs are reinforced with wire mesh or rebar and poured with control joints to prevent cracking. We ensure proper slope toward floor drains for water management.
Commercial Interiors
Warehouses, shops, and retail spaces require level, high-strength slabs that can withstand equipment and high traffic. Our commercial slab installations meet both load-bearing and flatness specifications.
Agricultural Buildings
Barns and storage buildings in Tonica need slabs that resist moisture, chemical exposure, and animal waste. We offer custom slab thicknesses and finishes suited for farm structures.
Pole Barn Slabs
For pre-engineered buildings, we pour slabs with accurate anchor bolt layouts and edge control to match the structure’s specifications.
Reinforcement and Subgrade Preparation
No slab or foundation will last without proper base preparation and reinforcement. Before we pour any concrete, our team completes the following steps. These steps are essential for structural integrity, particularly in central Illinois where freeze-thaw cycles and high groundwater can compromise poorly built foundations.
Excavation and Compaction
We excavate to proper depth and use mechanical compactors to ensure a firm, stable subgrade. This reduces the risk of cracking and settlement after construction.
Gravel Base Installation
A layer of compacted gravel improves drainage and provides a uniform surface for concrete placement.
Vapor Barrier Placement
To control ground moisture, especially in basements or garages, we install a vapor barrier beneath the slab.
Steel Reinforcement
Rebar or welded wire mesh is added to reinforce the concrete and reduce cracking from tension forces.
