What is the thickness of a basement slab mentioned in the context?

In the context of basement slab construction, a thickness of 150 mm is often specified to ensure structural integrity and support. This thickness provides sufficient strength to withstand the loads applied from both the building above and any additional pressures from soil and moisture, which is crucial for preventing cracking and ensuring durability in a potentially damp environment like a basement.

Choosing a thickness of 150 mm allows for effective control of cracking due to shrinkage and settling. It also accounts for the standard practices in residential and commercial construction, where a thickness of this measurement often meets both building codes and industry standards for adequate load-bearing capacity.

Thicker slabs, such as 180 mm or 240 mm, may be used in specialized applications or heavily loaded scenarios but are not generally required for standard basement constructions. A thickness of 120 mm, while adequate in some cases, may not provide the necessary safety margin for the structural and environmental challenges typical in basement settings. Thus, 150 mm strikes a balanced approach for most applications.