posted 7 years ago
That is entirely dependent on the strength (size of joists, current load, and existing support structure)
but....... it is entirely feasible and gives many options, beside thermal mass it can be poured (usually 2" deep or less) and in floor radiant, or hydronic, heating installed at that time.
If your considering going with less than an inch depth the thermal mass effect will be marginal, even at 2" it will be a significant amount of time before it pays itself back into your coffers.
If weight is a concern aircrete can be used but there is a significant insulating value with its adoption, (not really a desirable feature in thermal mass).
This is a piss poor place to cut corners though, Dry concrete is (very roughly ) 150 lbs per cu ft, and several times that in wet weight. (FWIW 1 cu ft at 2" = 6 sq ft area) so dry weight is rarely a problem but often it needs to be poured in sections and allowed to cure, to avoid dumping massive tonnage on the structure
Hire an engineer for a structural analysis,if your structure is marginal in any way, or the area you wish to cover is large. and possibly a soil analysis if your current footings are on piers, or if your basement/foundation is pre 70's / or built without rebar reinforcement.
Other options to consider are water walls, while they're not pretty they can give you an idea of the impact of thermal mass on your budget / climate for very little investment.