How to cover a garage inspection pit?

[evisbal]

Hi Community,

I've been thinking on the best way to permanently cover a car inspection pit in the garage as I'd prefer to have a gym, rumpus or even a home office; on the other hand, I want to eliminate the risk of someone falling through the hole.

The opening is 1.6m x 0.7m, and the depth is 1.50m. Underneath the slab, the space extends all over the garage area.

If I decide to use concrete and rebars  to seal the opening, what would be the best treatment for the space underneath? Should I apply product to reduce humidity?

Thanks.

[JacobZ]

Hi @evisbal,

Covering the inspection pit using concrete and rebar tied into the existing structure seems like a good option, although I wouldn't recommend it as a D.I.Y. solution. Considering the height of the fall, the weight of concrete and the likelihood of additional weight being added over the top, I wouldn't risk doing it yourself. If you wanted to do this, I would contact a structural engineer and a concreting business that specialises in suspended concrete slabs, as they will be able to ensure that everything meets or exceeds the requirements of the relevant regulations and construction standards. 

To handle humidity in a subfloor space, the typical solution is to simply add ventilation to allow for airflow through the area. Assuming you have access to the outside of these walls, you could install some Brick Vents.

Allow me to tag our experienced member @Dave-1 to see what his thoughts are.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good Afternoon @evisbal 

Wooohooo you have gold! Well a potential space which is the same I actually wouldnt seal it up with a concrete top. I would make up a cover for the hole so it sits within that inset. You could frame it out with timber but I think a welded frame would be a better fit. that way you can potentially use that area below as a car pit or whatever down the track. 

The added weight of concreting the hole I would suggest to get an engineer to ok it as I have the same questions with weight bearing as @JacobZ . A steel frame and solid top, (id still go with some hardwood timber for the top, the frame would sit within that inset edge, the timber would be the same level as the floor so you wouldnt get so much of an echo as you exercise above it).

I would also put in several air vents to the brickwork below, the effervescence on thos ebricks tends to make me think its not particulary well ventilated.

Dave

[AlanM52]

Hi @evisbal,

Holy moses... that looks like an archaeological site.

I would not go in there you may never be seen again 🙂

I agree with @Dave-1 and would do the cover the hole thing.

Cheers

[Nailbag]

Hi @evisbal 

I would cover it with a thick gauge checker-plate with small vent holes. There is already a rebate in the concrete floor to accommodate it so it fits flush with the garage floor.

Nailbag