Initially, NZS 3604:2011 Timber-framed buildings continued the previous practice of not requiring slab reinforcing (if it was used) to be tied into the foundation wall reinforcing. However, this changed with Amendment 11 to Building Code compliance document B1/AS1, which was introduced in response to the damage to slabs during the Canterbury earthquakes. Full details of the modifications and deletions to NZS 3604:2011 details are given in Section 3.0 of B1/AS1.
The amended B1/AS1 Section 2.0 also modifies the slab details for NZS 4229:1999 Concrete masonry buildings not requiring specific engineering design, and Section 4.0 modifies the requirements of NZS 4299:1998 Earth buildings not requiring specific design.
Tying correctly
To tie the slab to the foundation, R10 starters at 600 mm centres are required. Starters should lap the mesh by 300 mm (see Figure 1). When installing the starters, the end embedded within the wall must be hooked around the bottom bars (see Figure 2).
Alternative to 500E mesh
While grade 500E mesh is now available in limited quantities, Figure 3 details a slab reinforcing option using bars.
