Should I let my contractor drill and set rebar dowels in my concrete storm shelter to secure a concrete patio that will be poured around it?

Question

I want to pour a 16 x 22 patio from my house foundation (slab) and encasing 3/4 sides of the storm shelter.  The contractor states he will drill and place rebar dowel every 2 feet into the foundation AND storm shelter.  I have concerns with him messing with the storm shelter.  I believe it has 8” wall.
Does this sound like the way to do this.  I sure don’t want to mess with the integrity of the shelter or foundation.
Any guidance appreciated.

isherwood · Answer

I don't consider it appropriate to hang slabs on foundation walls. First, it doesn't keep the slab up. If the interior of the slab settles the slab will almost certainly crack and sag, creating a saucer with raised edges. Secondly, it threatens the foundation walls with undue stress.
I can see connecting multiple slabs with such dowels, but not foundation walls. My $.02.

Should I let my contractor drill and set rebar dowels in my concrete storm shelter to secure a concrete patio that will be poured around it?

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