Concrete Encasement??

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Alwayslearningelec

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NJ
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Estimator
Ok here is the scenario. PVC can be used but must be concrete encased. They call for (2) pipes to be run under slab on grade so accoriding to spec it must be RGS. Why wouldn't you just use PVC and put it IN the slab on grade thus fullfilling the concrete encasement requirment. Do you think just because the say to run it UNDER slab that's how it should be run?
 
Designers/engineers/architects often don't want the conduit IN the slab as it reduces the concrete thickness and can lead to cracking.
 
augie47 said:
Designers/engineers/architects often don't want the conduit IN the slab as it reduces the concrete thickness and can lead to cracking.
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If the slab needs cut, removed, replaced for any reason, you would rather have it in the dirt below the slab also.
 
Thanks. So if you had a choice of running PVC in the dirt(concrete encased) or RGS in the dirt what would you choose. Guess that would depend if the concrete encasement was by the electrical contractor???
 
"Green Building" design often prohibits the use of PVC within the building footprint even under the slab or encased in concrete.
 
How much oil, coal, natural gas or other fuel is needed to make a piece of GRC? Probably not too big of a difference.

The perception of "green" is often nearsighted.
 
The primary “green” issue with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is it doesn’t recycle as conveniently as some other plastics and, when it is burned, it releases some known persistent toxins. This is NOT to say it can’t be recycled; it can be, but it is a relatively expensive reclamation process to obtain "virgin" PVC and a bit harder to find useful secondary applications for simple reclaimed PVC. In my opinion, “products of combustion” is a legitimate concern but the degree of hazard may be debatable.
 
If it's specified to be a certain way, why do you even question it?
If a rationale is needed, send an RFI to the GC for a response from the EE.
 
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