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6/5/2012 5:49:22 PM EDT
I am looking to purchase a safe this summer and plan to place it in the basement.  The basement is relatively dry and I run a dehumidifier in my gun room.  Unfortunately, during my 12 years here we have lost power twice during rain storms that have resulted in basement flooding of < 1 inch, but still standing water.  I have done several things to reduce the risk, French drain in the back yard, new down spouts to push water away from the house and I have a generator, but that won’t work if I am not home.  So, I would like to build a cement platform to place the safe on and mount it to the new platform just to be sure the safe does not flood.
The platform will go against a cinderblock wall.  So, I have a few questions:
1. Should I use 2x4’s or 2x6’s for the forms?
2. Should I consider any rebar in the platform?
3. Should I do anything to protect against a sledgehammer attack from the side?  Steel plates along the side?
Any thing else?
Thanks
6/5/2012 8:22:41 PM EDT
[#1]
DSB

I did the same thing in my basement.  I used 2 x 4's for my forms.  I made mine big enough to hold two safes side by side.  I drilled something like 10 or 12 holes in the existing concrete floor and inserted a long bolt in to the hole so the it would be covered by about 1 inch of concrete.  I also had rebar in the form.  I also measured out where the holes in my safes floors were out and had a piece of all thread sticking out of the concrete in the appropriate spot.  Prep time was the most important thing to make sure it all worked out.  I am very happy with the pad I poured.  Good luck
6/6/2012 4:46:12 AM EDT
[#2]
You might also consider getting one of the newer sump pumps that use a car sized 12 volt battery for backup.  They are always charged, and if you're only getting that small amount of water, it should handle it if you're away.
6/6/2012 8:21:39 AM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
DSB

I did the same thing in my basement.  I used 2 x 4's for my forms.  I made mine big enough to hold two safes side by side.  I drilled something like 10 or 12 holes in the existing concrete floor and inserted a long bolt in to the hole so the it would be covered by about 1 inch of concrete.  I also had rebar in the form.  I also measured out where the holes in my safes floors were out and had a piece of all thread sticking out of the concrete in the appropriate spot.  Prep time was the most important thing to make sure it all worked out.  I am very happy with the pad I poured.  Good luck


Pics plz

Grove
6/7/2012 5:00:53 AM EDT
[#4]
Pics would be nice.  Thanks for the info guys. I'm in the exact same situation and have been thinking about doing this myself.

CM
6/7/2012 8:48:52 AM EDT
[#5]
Instead of threads stickingout, you could put a stainless steel plate in the concrete and drill and tap it.  It would provide more flexibility down the road if needed.
6/7/2012 4:12:40 PM EDT
[#6]
Thanks for the feedback so far.  I was considering drilling into the existing slab and installing lugs with washers or eye bolts to keep the new platform from potentially sliding.  I also like the stainless idea for drilling and tapping.

Does the existing slab need to be conditioned before putting on new concrete?  Are there any adhesives / binders that should be used?

I also considered using two sided adhesive or sealant under the wood forms to keep the excess water from leaking under the forms as it cures.
6/8/2012 1:39:59 PM EDT
[#7]
I will try to take some pics of it now, I didn't think to take pics when I poured it.
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