DOCK LEVELER PITS

Commercial Loading Dock Construction: Built to Code, Ahead of Schedule

A commercial loading dock is the heartbeat of your supply chain, enduring the weight of 80,000-pound transport trucks, continuous forklift traffic, and harsh Canadian weather. Because a failing dock is a major safety and operational liability, Concurb Concrete builds them to last.

On our most recent loading dock build, we put our "Zero Harm" philosophy to work. By strictly enforcing our site-specific safety policies, we completed the entire structural build with zero injuries and zero near-misses—all while delivering the finished dock three days ahead of schedule.

Here is how we execute heavy-duty, commercial-grade loading docks in strict compliance with the Ontario Building Code (OBC):

Phase 1: Site Assessment & Excavation

A loading dock is only as strong as the ground it sits on. We ensure the earth is prepped to handle massive, repeated weight transfers without settling.

Grading and Trenching: We excavate the area to the precise depth required for the dock walls, footings, and approach ramp.
OBC-Compliant Bearing Capacity: In accordance with OBC Section 4.2 (Foundations), we heavily compact the subgrade and install an engineered crushed stone sub-base. This guarantees proper drainage and meets the structural bearing capacities required to prevent the slab from shifting or cracking under heavy loads.

Phase 2: Forming & Structural Reinforcement

Because loading docks face immense shear forces from reversing trucks, the internal skeleton of the concrete must be flawless.

Footings and Retaining Walls: We build custom forms to shape the dock's retaining walls and foundation footings.
The Rebar Matrix: We engineer a dense, tied-steel rebar grid within the forms. This reinforcement is installed in strict accordance with OBC Section 4.3 (Design Requirements for Structural Materials) and CSA A23.3 standards for the design of concrete structures. This ensures the dock can absorb the stress of heavy impact and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Dock Leveler Pits & Embedded Hardware: We precisely form the recessed dock leveler pits for hydraulic or mechanical units to the manufacturer’s exact specifications. Crucially, the dock leveler angle irons are rigidly secured directly into the formwork so they become permanently embedded in the concrete during the pour, creating an indestructible edge for your equipment.

Phase 3: The Concrete Pour & Specialized Finishing

This is where our precision and site management allow us to beat project deadlines without sacrificing quality.

High-Strength Mix Pour: Adhering to CSA A23.1 (Concrete Materials and Methods of Concrete Construction), we pump in high-PSI commercial-grade concrete, using industrial vibrators throughout the pour. This eliminates weak spots and trapped air inside the walls, slab, and around the embedded angle irons.
Drainage Slopes: We carefully trowel and slope the approach pads and dock floors to ensure water drains safely away from your building.
Slip-Resistant Finishing: To maximize safety and prevent forklifts or workers from slipping in wet or icy conditions, we apply a heavy broom finish to the surface for maximum traction.

Phase 4: Curing & Final Hardware Installation

Proper curing is what gives commercial concrete its ultimate strength.

Controlled Curing: We execute a controlled curing process so the slab reaches its maximum structural hardness before it sees heavy traffic.
Bumpers and Bollards: We drill and anchor heavy-duty rubber dock bumpers to protect the concrete from reversing trucks, and install safety bollards to protect your overhead doors.
Final Inspections: We verify that all embedded angles, leveler pits, and protective edging are perfectly aligned and ready for the dock leveler installation team.

Need a Reliable Concrete Contractor for Your Next Build?

Whether it is a new installation or an emergency compliance repair, Concurb Concrete delivers on time, on budget, and without safety incidents. Contact our 24/7 dispatch team today for a site assessment and structural estimate.

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