New Concrete Dock Platform

Client Goal

Build a new, code-compliant concrete loading dock platform running the length of the building, tied properly into the existing foundation.

Challenge

The new structural concrete had to dowel cleanly into the existing foundation and meet precise slope and drainage tolerances, all without taking the facility's loading operations out of service for long.

Approach

Removed the existing asphalt and saw-cut all edges, formed and poured a reinforced 6-inch, 30 MPa slab on an 8-inch concrete support wall with a 5/8-inch rebar grid doweled into the existing foundation, sloped correctly away from the building, and finished with a steel dock edge angle and a 45-degree low-side step at the road end.

Outcome

A durable, properly draining concrete dock platform that's held up to daily freight traffic since completion.

Scope of Work

• Platform approx. 33.5 ft long by 8 ft wide, from the existing stairs to the end of the building
• Removal of existing asphalt under the new platform, saw-cut at all visible edges, to keep water from collecting under the slab
• 6-inch 30 MPa concrete slab with a 5/8-inch rebar grid at 24 inches on centre, doweled into the existing foundation
• 8-inch concrete support wall on footings
• Surface set 1/2 inch below the top of the foundation, with a 3/4 to 1 inch slope away from the building for drainage
• Existing dock pad cut down and repaired to match the new slope
• 45-degree low-side step at the road end
• Steel dock edge angle with anti-tip edge
• Concrete placed to allow cure time before normal operations resumed