John Sayers' Recording Studio Design Forum Archive

As we progress in construction, we realize that we *may* need to cut some cable troughs into the slab. So, I thought I'd get some information before deciding...

The troughs would be about 6' long and go from the console position to the typical 'producers desk/position' towards the rear of the control room. They can be however wide they need to be I guess.

What is the best way to accomplish this? We are unsure the thickness of the slab but I can tell you that the building used to be a detached garage. Do we just cut all the way through the slab, remove the 'trough', then repour concrete to create a 'bottom' in the trough?

Thanks!

-Brad

I personally would never cut reinforced concrete without knowledge of how it was designed. You could compromise the integrity of the foundation, and loose your superstructure.

Tape everything down, or build troughs in a floated floor.

Good point. However, floating the floor is not an option for us.

Perhaps I should consult a Struc. Engineer?

-Brad

Can you build troughs above the concrete w/ wood?

When you say 'above the concrete', do you just mean wooden 'raceways' that sit on the finished concrete floor? That seems like a trip hazard to me

Maybe some of those plastic raceways would be better. The kind that are beveled on each side to make rolling and walking over them easier?

Still, I'd love an in floor system if possible.

Thanks,
Brad

Brad

You can safely cut your slab if needed, no eng. required in this case. You probably have a 4" thick floor. It makes an unholy mess, though; that purple fabric will end up gray. You would need to cut all the way thru, then jackhammer out the slab, then repour.

Yuk; but do-able. How'd we miss that?

Frank

Frank,

It was missed because, when we planned the studio, the other engineer wasn't 'in the picture'. Now he's considering moving all his outboard gear up here and we'll need somewhere to put it. So I'm considering the typical 'producers desk/outboard rack' behind the mix position.

Talk to you soon!

-Brad

I've had no problems cutting through slabs. Cut out what you need and lay plastic piping for the ducts and then refill with concrete.

cheers
john

John... any reason *not* to refill woth concrete? I was thinking covering them with a nice playwood or steel covering for easy access in the future. These troughs will not be running from one room to another; just from one location to another in the same room.

Thanks for your input!

-Brad

Couple things; I would "tent" the entire cutting area with clear plastic and duct tape before starting to keep the mess more controlled; wet saws make more mud but less dust, and vice versa.

Also, a few people have reported strange resonances that were traced back to un-sealed conduits - be sure after all wires are in to stuff both ends with rockwool or similar... Steve

Steve: Heck yes I will tent the area! I already thought of that one. Also, thanks for the tips on stuffing with rockwool. Great idea.

Thanks all. If we do this, I now know how to proceed.

-Brad