EULOGIO “AMANG” RODRIGUEZ 

INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Nagtahan, Sampaloc, Manila

Research in

 Alternative Building Construction System

(ABT 415)

Submitted by:

Jaballas, Ragene S.

Submitted to:

 Arch. Rolan B. Alamillo

Submission Date:

June 17, 2013 

 

FLOOR SLAB SYSTEM

Floor Slab is a structural slab, usually concrete, used as

a floor or a subfloor. 

Floor systems are the horizontal planes that

must support both live loads  – people, furnishing, and

movable equipment  – and dead loads  – the weight of 

the floor construction itself. Floor systems must

transfer their loads horizontally across space to either 

beams or columns or to loadbearing walls. Rigid floor 

planes can also be designed to serve as horizontal

diaphragms that act as thin, wide beams in

transferring lateral forces to shear walls.

 A floor system may be composed of a series of 

linear beams and joints overlaid with a plane of 

sheathing or decking, or consist of a nearly

homogeneous slab of reinforced concrete. The depth

of a floor system is directly related to the size and

proportion of the structural bays it must span and the

strength of the materials used. The size and

placement of any cantilevers and openings within the

floor plane should also be considered in the layout of 

the structural supports for the floor. The edge conditions of the floor structure and its connection to

supporting foundation and wall systems affect both the structural integrity of the building and its physical

appearance.

Because it must safely supporting moving loads, a floor 

system should be relatively stiff while maintaining its

elasticity. Due to the detrimental effects that excessive

deflection and vibration would have on finish flooring and

ceiling materials, as well as concern for human comfort,

deflection rather than bending becomes the critical controlling

factor.

The depth of the floor construction and the cavities within it should

be considered if it is necessary to accommodate runs of mechanical or 

electrical lines within the floor system. For floor systems between

habitable spaces stacked one above another, additional factors to

consider are the blockage of both airborne and the structure-borne

sound and the fire-resistance rating of the assembly.

 

 

Except for the exterior decks, floor systems are not normally

exposed to weather. Because they all must support traffic, however,

durability, resistance to wear, and maintenance requirements are

factors to consider in the selection of the floor finish and the system

required to support it.

Concrete

  Cast-in-place concrete floor slabs are classified according to their 

span and cast form.

Precast concrete planks maybe supported by beams or loadbearing

walls.

Steel

  Steel beams support steel decking or precast concrete planks.

Beams may be supported by girders, columns, or loadbearing walls.

Beam framing is typically an integral part of a steel skeleton frame system.

Composite beam is astructural member composed of twoor more dissimilar materials joined together to act as aunit. An example in civil structures is the steel-concretecomposite beam in which a steel wide-flange shape (I or W shape) is attached to a concrete floor slab (seeillustration). The many other kinds of composite beaminclude steel-wood, wood-concrete, and plastic-concrete or advanced composite materials –concrete. Compositebeams as defined here are different from beams madefrom fiber-reinforced polymeric materials.

Wood

 

Cast-in-place Concrete Floor 

Slab

Steel-concrete Composite Beam Floor System

 

WAFFLE SLAB

A reinforced concrete slab with equally spaced ribs

parallel to the sides, having a waffle appearance from below.

A reinforced concrete floor and roof construction

employing a square grid of deep ribs with coffers in the

interstices.

 

WAFFLE SLAB

 A waffle slab is a type of building material that has two-directional reinforcement on the outside of the material, giving it the shape of the pockets on a waffle. This type of reinforcement is common onconcrete, wood and metal construction. A waffle slab gives a substance significantly more structuralstability without using a lot of additional material. This makes a waffle slab perfect for large flat areas likefoundations or floors.

The most common material for a waffle slab is concrete. These slabs are used as the foundation for many different types of buildings and structures, but are most common in commercial or industrialbuildings. Waffle foundations are resistant to cracking and sagging and can hold a much greater amountof weight than traditional concrete slabs.

The top of a waffle slab is generally smooth, like a traditional building surface, but the underside hasa shape reminiscent of a waffle. Straight lines run the entire width and length of the slab, generally raisedseveral inches from the surface. These ridges form the namesake square pockets of the entire length andwidth of the slab.

Other building materials have adopted the waffle design. It isn’t uncommon to find waffle ceilings inenergy-efficient homes. These pockets both support the structure and help insulate the floor above bytrapping hot air inside the pockets. This practice has spread to several other building materials such assheet metal and fiberglass insulation. In both of these substances, the inherent reinforcement andinsulating capabilities of the waffle shape are put to use, offsetting the parent material’s shortcomings. 

Resembling the food after which they are named, concrete waffle slabs are reinforced concrete floorsand roofs that use a square grid of deep sides. This form of construction is used in airports, parkinggarages, commercial and industrial buildings, bridges, residences and other structures requiring extrastability.

DesignThere are three basic designs for concrete slabs that improve the strength-to-weight ratio. For each

design, the top surface is flat while the underside is modulated with either a corrugated, ribbed or waffle design.

Corrugated slabs are created when concrete is poured into a wavy metal form. This shape preventsthe slab from sagging. Ribbed slabs add strength in one direction, while the concrete waffle slab designadds strength in perpendicular directions. Concrete slabs can be reinforced with rebar for additionalstrength.

ProductionConcrete waffle slabs can be purchased and shipped to the construction site as prefabricated or 

precast sections, or they can be poured on-site. If prefabricated products are not in the budget, consider purchasing casts for the concrete waffle slabs. According to Tradeline, waffle slab construction is definedas "a building system using concrete 'waffle slab' floors supported by columns. The waffle slab is amonolithic-poured concrete slab with a flat top surface and an under-surface made of a rectangular grid of deep concrete beams running at right angles. The floor area between the grid beams is a thin flooringsection. From the underside, the slab resembles a waffle. The floor is supported by columns spacedtypically 30 feet on center."

ImplementationsConcrete waffle slabs are often used in clean rooms or in other areas that require isolation from low-

frequency vibrations, and areas that require low-floor deflection.PolySteel sells concrete waffle forms for walls. According to the company, insulating concrete forms

earned a 4-hour fire rating and has a 27-year track record. The forms are available in 6", 8" and 10" sizes,plus 45 and 90 degree forms.

Whether purchasing precast products or pouring the concrete on-site, concrete waffle slabs havemany uses for commercial, industrial and residential projects.

 

WAFFLE SLAB

Waffle Slab Forms

Western produces custom prefabricated lightweight aluminum waffle slab forms to user specifications. The aluminum waffle slab form is made with special provisions to facilitate stripping evenwhen holes are drilled into the form. The quality of the finish is comparable to similar forms made of fiberglass and other materials. Yet durability and cost-effectiveness are higher. Unlike fiberglass, UV lightfrom the sun does not deteriorate the form surface. The consistent, durable forms are easy to arrangeprecisely. They nest closely for convenient stacking in the minimum space. The tapered shape, lightweight, and special interior pulling lugs make stripping easy. All Western Forms fabricated waffle formsare continuously welded and internally braced to insure a long useful life.

Floor Joist Forming

The five step process is pictured below. Floor joist slab forms are set in place. Once the forms areset the next step is to set the reinforcing steel. As soon as the steel is in position then it is time to pour the concrete. When the concrete is cured the forms are removed to leave the concrete floor joists in placefor the structure. Fast, quality construction to last a lifetime.

Advantages: Savings on weight and materials Long spans   Attractive soffit appearance if exposed  Economical when reusable formwork

pans used

Vertical penetrations between ribs areeasy.

Disadvantages: Depth of slab between the ribs may control

the fire rating  Requires special or proprietary formwork  Greater floor -to-floor height   Large vertical penetrations are more difficult

to handle.

 

 

LIFT SLAB 

It is the system of construction in which the floor slab and the flat roof are cast one over the other atground level at round columns or in situ cast service, stairs and lift cores.

Jacks operating from the columns or cores pull the roof and floor slabs up into position.

The consecutive slabs are separated through a medium like-waxdissolved in volatile spirit or polythene sheets or building paper.

The slabs are cast monolithically and can be designed to spancontinuously between and across points of support and so employleast thickness of slab.

Balconies and other extension columns are part of the slab.

Application

Lift slab floating floor systems that incorporate spring isolator assemblies to decouple concrete slabs

from non-isolated structural floors are used where vibration and impact are critical and of greater concern

than airborne noise transmission. In instances when vibration and/or impact noise control are severe, the

air space beneath the spring-isolated floor is vented. This enables the composite construction to yield the

lowest natural frequency (fn) possible thereby enhancing performance against lower disturbing

frequencies. If additional control of airborne noise is needed for a vented floating floor, the floor/ceiling

composite will require partitions on the floating floor at the perimeter and/or an isolated ceiling.

Representative examples of projects that can justify the use of spring lift slab isolators are bowling

alleys, weight rooms, gymnasiums, aerobic activities, and dance studios. Spring isolators also are

incorporated into lift slab floors supporting sensitive measuring equipment in order to mitigate vibrations

that could compromise performance. While the bulk of isolated slabs can be supported using fiberglass or 

neoprene pads, most often in formwork systems, spring-isolated lift slabs are needed for the most critical

vibration and impact noise isolation requirements.

Typically, the Model LSM system supports a four inch (4") thick standard weight (150 PCF) concrete

slab using spring isolator mounts spaced up to 54" on center. First, Perimeter Isolation Board (Model PIB)

is adhered to the perimeter of the floating floor area. Then, one (1) layer of 6-mil thick poly sheeting is

rolled-out across the structural slab and up Model PIB, serving as a bond breaker between the non-

isolated concrete structure and the concrete floor being floated. Next, isolator mounts are located and

placed on top of the poly sheeting according to approved submittal drawings. Isolator mount spacing and

capacity can vary depending on load requirements across the floating floor. Extra mounts may be

required to carry additional loads imposed by, for example, walls and heavy equipment placed on the slab

after it is lifted. Once the isolator housings are in place, steel concrete reinforcement bars are used to

 

interconnect the mounts. Additional reinforcement as dictated by conventional concrete slab design

requirements may be required before concrete is poured level to the tops of the mounts. Up to 30 days

may be required for the concrete to cure to strength. Once the concrete has cured properly, spring

assemblies are inserted into the housings and the slab is lifted to the specified height. When the slab is

lifted to specified height, the composite construction typically includes a 1" or 2" air cavity. Complete

installation guidelines and isolator array plans and details are included in the project submittal package.

 

LIFT SLAB 

 

LIFT SLAB

Stages in Construction

The steel and concrete columns are the first fixed in position and the rigidly connected to the

foundation and the ground floor slab is then cast.

When it has matured it is sprayed with two or three coats of a separating medium consisting of wax

dissolved in a volatile spirit.

Polythene sheet or building paper may also be used as an alternative.

The first floor slab is cast inside edge formwork on top of the ground floor slab and when it is turn

coated or covered with the separating medium and next floor slab in cast on top of it.

The casting of successive slab continues until all the floors and roof have been cast on one on the

other on the ground.

Lifting collars are cast into each slab around each column.

The slab are lifted by jacks, operating on the top of each column, which lift a pair of steel rods

attached to its lifting collar in the slab being raised.

 A central control syncronises the process for the uniform lift from all directions.

The sequence of lifting slabs in depends upon:

Weight of the slabs

Height of the building

Lifting capacity of jacks

Cross sectional area of columns during initial lifting

 

LIFT SLAB 

The bases of the columns are rigidly fixed to the foundations so that during lifting they act as vertical

cantilevers.

The load that the column can support at the beginning of the lift limits the length the length of the

lower column height and no. of slabs that can be raised one at a time.

 As the slabs are raised they serve as horizontal props to vertical cantilevers and so increasingly

stiffening them.

Lifting Collars

They are cast into each slab around each column providing a means to lift the slab and also providing

shear reinforcement.

They are fixed to columns by welding shear blocks to plates welded b/w column flanges and to the

collar after the slab has been raised in position.

The connections to concrete columns are made by welding shear blocks to end of steel channels cast

into the column and by welding the collar wedges.

Concrete is cast around steel wedges for fire protection.

The connections of extension columns are made by welding bolting or riveting splice plates to the

flanges of columns at their junctions.

Advantages of the System

Can be advantageous system in building with similar floor plans throughout the height of the building

and where flush slab maybe desired.

 

LIFT SLAB 

Eliminates need for redundant formwork as only shuttering required on the edges-hence simplicity in

casting.

May also be employed to give waffle grid however compromising on the ease of casting.

Drop Slab

His floor construction consists of a floor slab which is thickened b/w columns in the form of a shallow

but wide beam

 A drop slab is about the same dead weight and cost as a comparable slab and beam floor wil l have

up to half the depth of floor construction from top of the slab to soffit of beams.

For example on a twelve square column grid the overall depth on the slab and the beam floor would

be about 1.2 where the depth of a drop slab floor would be about 600.

Consequently this difference would cause a significant reduction on overall the height of construction

of multi-story building with appreciable savings and cost.

Benefits

Fabricated, non-cast isolator housings permit flexible product and system design that maximizes

application opportunities for any slab thickness, air cavity, and/or load options.

Spring isolator natural frequencies (fn) of 3.13 Hz for 1" rated deflection springs and 2.21 Hz for 2"

rated deflection springs. Other rated deflection springs available.

In-field acoustical testing yielded results of FIIC 72, FSTC 61 for a vented (non-vented floors can yield

higher FSTC values) floating floor.

Spring/neoprene cup combination improves performance against low-frequency noise.

Proven effective for vibration isolation applications ranging from floors for sensitive lab measuring

equipment (e.g., metrology and surgical labs) to sports floors over retail/commercial spaces.

Factory installation and/or supervision available.

SPAN STRESS FLOOR SLAB 

Stresscrete offers four 

standard types of flooring

units, Unispan, Interspan,

Hollowcore and Double

Tee. Each has it's own

unique characteristics and

advantages, but which one

is right for your project?

 

SPAN STRESS FLOOR SLAB 

1.)Unispan Floor Slab

The Unispan flooring system consistsof a series of 75mm thick precast,prestressed concrete slabs with areinforced concrete topping. Thiscomposite construction allows clear spans of up to 8.0 metres. 

Simple

Most contractors agree that Unispanis a simple form of construction. Slabs aretypically 1200mm or 2400mm wide.

Flexible

Unispan is easily adapted to any floor plan and individual slab widths can becustom made to suit individualrequirements. Service holes can beallowed for in the slabs.

Maintenance

The Unispan flooring system is trulymaintenance free. The slabs are cast on

 

a steel mould and the soffit is flat. This means that Unispan may be left untreated, painted or decoratively sprayed to match colour schemes. Painted surfaces may require a thin plaster coat.

Sound Transmission

 A major practical benefit of a concrete floor is its abil ity to reduce noise transmission. Unispanconcrete floors are quiet and do not creak with temperature and moisture changes. The table belowshows sound the transmission ratings achieved by Unispan.

Cantilevers

Balconies and decks can be created by cantilevering the slab up to 2000mm, while including aweather step at the building line.

Transport

Unispan slabs must be handled and stacked at two points, by, or directly beside, the lifting eyes.

Erection

It is recommended that Unispan slabs be seated 75mm onto the supporting walls/beams andbedded on wet mortar or plastic bearing strips to ensure an even bearing at the correct level first.

Fire Resistance Rating

Standard Unispan can provide up to a 1.5 hour FRR.

Materials

Unispan slab strength = 42 MPa at 28 days. Topping = 20 MPa at 28 days.

 

SPAN STRESS FLOOR SLAB 

2.)Interspan Floor Slab

The Interspan flooring systemconsists of 200mm wide precast pre-stressed concrete ribs spaced generallyat 900mm centres with timber infillsplaced between them. The ribs havevariable depth to suit the projectsload/span requirements. This multi piecesystem is tied together with a 75mm insitu concrete topping and meshreinforcing. This system has the benefitof being suitable for those tricky sites

where access is a problem or poor foundation conditions dictate the use of a comparatively lightweightfloor.

Flexible

Interspan is easily adapted to circular floor plans, where the use of other suspended flooringsystems is difficult. Large floor openings of up to 700mm between ribs are easily accommodated.

Timber Infills

Timber infill planks are merchant grade rough sawn timber. Timber infills should be dampened prior to placing the concrete topping. Alternative timber types can be left with an exposed underside finish tocreate an architectural feature, e.g. polyurethaned macrocarpa or rimu.

Sound Transmission

One of the major features of a concrete floor is the low sound transmission. The table below showssound transmission ratings achieved by Interspan.

Transport

Interspan Ribs must be handled and stacked at two points, at, or directly beside the lifting eyes.

Erection

It is recommended that Interspan ribs be ideally seated 75mm onto the supporting walls/beams, andbedded on wet mortar, vinyl or plastic bearing strips to ensure an even bearing at the correct level.

Fire Resistance Rating

Standard Interspan provides a 1 hour fire resistance rating. An increased fire rating can be achievedwith specific design.

Alternative Flooring Systems

Hollowcore and Double Tee’s, are available for longer spans, and/or heavier loads.

Materials

Rib Strength= 42 MPa at 28 days Topping strength = 20 MPa minimum at 28 days

GeneralTopping thickness =75mmPropping = from 1-4 propsRib centres = 900mmFire rating 60 minutes

 

SPAN STRESS FLOOR SLAB 

3.) Hallowcore Floors 

Hollowcore is a 1200mm wide extruded, pre-stressed,voided slab unit with a reinforced concrete topping.Standard unit depths are 200, 300 and 400mm. Units arecut to a c  Hollowcore is a 1200mm wide extruded, pre-stressed, voided slab unit with a reinforced concretetopping. Standard unit depths are 200, 300 and 400mm.Units are cut to a customised length and may have rakingends. Hollowcore is ideally suited for large floor spans withcommercial loading.ustomised length and may have rakingends. Hollowcore is ideally suited for large floor spans withcommercial loading. 

Sound Transmission

One of the major features of a concrete floor is the lowsound transmission. The table below shows soundtransmission ratings achieved by Hollowcore floors. Lifting and Handling

Hollowcore floor slabs must be handled and supportednear their ends at all times. Fabric strops, purpose madeclamps or lifting forks are recommended for installation.Chains or wire strops can be used but may cause someedge damage. Safety chains must always be used under units where clamps are used.

Erection/End Seating

 A seating length of 75mm is recommended. Top surface of support should be packed using either damp mortar or a plastic bearing strip. Slabs must be positioned in contact with neighbouring units(unless otherwise noted). It is recommended to start placement working from the centre of the buildingout (where possible) as any construction tolerance can be spread over both sides of the slab area.

Props

End props must be provided where they are required for stability of edge loaded beams.

Fire Resistance Rating

 A standard fire resistance rating of Hollowcore units in the load span tables is 2 hours. Fireresistance ratings are unrestrained ratings and are based on minimum strand cover and equivalentconcrete thickness requirements.

Shear Capacity

The shear capacity of extruded floor slabs is adequate for the uniformly distributed loads given inthe load/span graphs. Concentrated loads near supports may result in high shear or strand bondstresses. Extruded slabs are not recommended for highway loadings, in truck docks or similar areaswith high shear loads.

Fastenings and Suspensions

Light fastenings can be fixed in the area between strands by means of different anchors, bolts andscrews. No fastenings must be attached within a 30mm radius of the pre-stressing strands. Heavier fastenings can be attached either in the joint between slabs or through the slab itself. The extra load

 

due to suspension must be taken into account in the design calculations. A suspension point can be made at the joint between slabs by anchoringa steel rod into the joint concrete using a hook or welded steel piece onthe end of the rod.

Penetrations

Small holes and recesses between strands at the position of thevoids are usually made on the building site. Holes may be circular or rectangular, and up to three are permitted in the same cross section(two for 300mm and 400mm units). Holes are considered to be in the

same cross-section if they are less than 750mm apart in the longitudinal slab direction. When makingholes, great care must be taken not to damage the slab. It is particularly important that the pre-stressingstrands are not cut or exposed. 

Water in Cores

Some construction practices and weather conditions can result in water being trapped in the cores.Holes may be drilled in the ends of all units to drain this water.

Materials

Strand - Stress relieved 7 wire strand to BS 5896 Topping strength = 20 MPa minimum at 28 days.Unit strength = 42 MPa at 28 days minimum.Hollowcore may be designed for other uses such as wall cladding, and retaining wall structures.

4.) Double Tee Floors

Double Tee flooring units consistof two pre-stressed ribs and aconnecting top slab. The ribs canvary in depth from 200 to500mm.The connecting slab is2400mm wide x 50mm thick. DoubleTees are ideally suited for larger spanning floors with a wide variety of services suspended from the flooringsystem. Double Tees can easilyaccommodate large floor voids/penetrations through the slabregion. 

Sound Transmission

 A major practical benefit of aconcrete floor is its ability to reducenoise transmission. Double Teeconcrete floors are quiet and do notcreak with temperature and moisturechanges. The table below showssound transmission ratings achievedby Double Tees.

Material

Double Tee concrete strength = 42 MPa.Topping concrete strength = 20MPa.Topping thickness = 65 mm

 

SPAN STRESS FLOOR SLAB Fire Resistance Rating

2400 wide unit = 90 minutes.

Bearing Capacity

Where high shear loads are combined with support beams or walls of low material strength, abearing capacity check according to NZS3101 should be made; e.g. masonry bearing walls.

Lifting

Lift Double Tees only at the lifting points provided. Chains or strops must be of correct length tocarry equal load and must not be more than 300 off vertical.

Storage

Double Tees if stored on site must be supported at their ends on firm ground. Bearers betweenlayers in a stockpile must be vertically above each other and units of varying length should not bestacked upon each other. Ensure the bottom bearers are not pushed into the ground, resulting in thebottom unit being supported near mid span.

Seating

Flange supported Double Tees must be bedded on a sand cement mortar (the consistency of blocklaying mortar). This must be evenly spread just prior to the unit being placed. Double Tee legs shouldbe placed on cement mortar or on plastic bearing pads. Double Tees are designed as pre-stressedsections as per NZS3101: Part 1:1995. For minimum seating requirements refer to NZS3101: Part1:1995, section .3.6.4.

When choosing the right flooring unit for your project, you may need to consider the following:

Ceiling Profile

Unispan and Hollowcore have a flat unit profile, which may be left uncovered eliminating the needfor a suspended ceiling to achieve a flat look.

Interspan and Double Tees have a stepped profile and are easily fitted with a suspended ceiling toachieve a flat look. A stepped profile has the advantage of being able to run services parallel betweenthe vertical ribs.

Floor Loading And Design Services Each floor unit is individually designed to comply with the requirements of the New Zealand

standards and Building Code. To ensure best practice, our staff maintains contacts with internationalprofessional groups and industry leaders.

Overall Floor Depth The overall depth of the flooring system will vary depending on the concrete topping thickness

(typically a minimum of 65 mm), flooring unit depth (dependant on span and load) and the ceiling cavitydepth. For residential construction, Unispan is typically the shallowest flooring unit followed byInterspan. For commercial construction, Hollowcore is typically the shallowest flooring unit followed byDouble Tee's.

Floor Penetrations / Openings Interspan and Double Tee's can easily accommodate large floor penetrations. Most penetrations,

both large and small can be allowed for in the flooring units with forward planning and specific design. Itis more difficult to accommodate large penetrations in Unispan and Hollowcore because of the number and location of the pre-stressing strands in the units. Our designers are able to offer you advice on howbest to deal with each situation.

 

SPAN STRESS FLOOR SLAB 

Floor Finishes  All of the flooring units are typically designed to have a cast in situ concrete topping. The quality of 

finish and treatment of the concrete topping surface should be specified and be compatible with anysecondary finishes.

Transportation Individual flooring units vary in weight and size and normally require trucking and craneage

On Site Installation And Handling  All of our units require some form of on site mechanical handling. Crane capacity and site access

should be considered when choosing a flooring unit. Interspan is the easiest and lightest unit to install,followed by Unispan, Hollowcore and Double Tee's.

Durability Our standard flooring units can be designed for interior and exterior use. We should be made aware

of the particular conditions at time of placing order.

Fire Resistance Flooring units require different fire ratings depending on their utilisation and location within the

structure. We should be made aware of any special fire rating requirements and our design team willincorporate these requirements into our design.

Precamber   All of the flooring units are pre-stressed concrete elements. The pre-stressing force causes the unit

to have an upward (positive) precamber. Once the topping concrete is placed, the precamber willnormally reduce to a more level (neutral) position.

SLIP FORM FLOOR SLAB

Slip form is similar innature and application to

 jump form, but theformwork is raisedvertically in a continuousprocess. It is a method of vertically extruding areinforced concretesection and is suitable for construction of core wallsin high-rise structures  – lift shafts, stair shafts,towers, etc. It is a self-contained formworksystem and can requirelittle crane time duringconstruction. 

This is a formwork system which can be used to form any regular shape or core. The formwork risescontinuously, at a rate of about 300mm per hour, supporting itself on the core and not relying on support or accessfrom other parts of the building or permanent works. 

Commonly, the formwork has three platforms. The upper platform acts as a storage and distribution area whilethe middle platform, which is the main working platform, is at the top of the poured concrete level. The lower platform provides access for concrete finishing. 

BenefitsCareful planning of construction process can achieve high production rates

 

Slip form does not require the crane to move upwards, minimizing crane use.Since the formwork operates independently, formation of the core in advance of the rest of the structure takes

it off the critical path  – enhancing main structure stability. Availability of the different working platforms in the formwork system allows the exposed concrete at the bottom

of the rising formwork to be finished, making it an integral part of the construction process.Certain formwork systems permit construction of tapered cores and towers.Slip form systems require a small but highly skilled workforce on site. 

SafetyWorking platforms, guard rails, ladders and wind shields are normally built into the completed system.Less congested construction site due to minimal scaffolding and temporary works.Completed formwork assembly is robust.Strength of concrete in the wall below must be closely controlled to achieve stability during operation.Site operatives can quickly become familiar with health and safety aspects of their jobHigh levels of planning and control mean that health and safety are normally addressed from the beginning of 

the work. 

Other considerations This formwork is more economical for buildings more than seven storeys high. Little flexibility for change once continuous concreting has begun therefore extensive planning and special

detailing are needed. Setting rate of the concrete had to be constantly monitored to ensure that it is matched with the speed at which

the forms are raised. The structure being slip formed should have significant dimensions in both major axes to ensure stability of the

system. Standby plant and equipment should be available through cold jointing may occasionally be necessary. 

WALL PANEL SYSTEM

 A wall panel is single piece of material, usually flat and cutinto a rectangular shape, that serves as the visible and exposed

covering for a wall. Wall panels arefunctional as well as decorative,providing insulation andsoundproofing, combined withuniformity of appearance, along withsome measure of durability or ease of replaceability. While there is no setsize limit for a piece of materialfulfilling these functions, the maximumpractical size for wall panels has beensuggested to be 24 feet by 8 feet, toallow for transportation.

 

FLAT TYPE WALL SYSTEM

Flat Wall System is a factory-insulated flat wall system with concealed fasteners for a smooth,

monolithic appearance. 

Features & Benefits  Attractive broad-ribbed design and embossed surface produces interesting shadows and consistent

texture Special interlocking joint design allows panels to easily “lock” into place for faster installation Can be combined with other Butler 

®wall systems or brick, glass, and other conventional materials 

16” panel width, combined with the side “return leg,” enables application of almost any conventionalfinish on the interior of the wall system 

Factory-installed rigid insulation board for enhanced energy efficiency  Available in several visually appealing colors 

RIBBED TYPE WALL PANEL

For economy, Panel Rib beats wood, concrete, or masonry alternatives. Self-drilling, color-matchedfasteners and a 36" panel width give you rapid, economical installation. Panel Rib comes in lengths up to41', which can provide a continuous panel from foundation to leave. This eliminates the need for end-lapsand assures you of wall integrity and weather-tightness. These panels are available in 13 standard KXLfinish colors and a variety of custom colors. 26 gauges are standard, but you also have the option of 22 or 24 gauge.

Features Available in 26, 24 or 22 gauge 

36” wide panel with 1-1/4” high ribs 12” on center   Available up to 41’ in length 

Variety of color options with KXL finish and a 25 year paint warranty 

 

  Installed with self-drilling color- matched fasteners Optional crimped base feature 

Benefits 

Variety of gauge thicknesses to meet most codes and specifications 

Engineered for durability and aesthetically pleasing 

Long panel lengths minimize end laps for optimum wall integrity 

Superior paint finishes reduces maintenance costsEliminates the need for base trim, and accelerates installation 

Economical panel for most building applications 

WINDOW TYPE WALL PANEL

 

TILT-UP WALL PANEL 

Tilt-up is a technique of site casting concrete walls or 

element, normally on a horizontal surface and then tilting them

vertically into place.

Tilt-up, tilt-slab or tilt-wall is a type of  building and

a construction technique using concrete. Though it is a cost-

effective technique with a shorter completion time, poor 

performance in earthquakes has mandated significant seismic

retrofit requirements in older buildings.

With the tilt-up method concrete elements (i.e. walls, columns,

structural supports, etc.) are formed horizontally on a concrete

slab; usually the building floor, but sometimes a temporary

concrete casting surface near the building footprint. After the

concrete has cured, the elements are "tilted" to vertical

position with a crane and braced into position until the

remaining building structural components (roofs, intermediate

floors and walls) are secured.

Tilt-up construction is a dominant method of construction

throughout North America, several Caribbean

nations,  Australia, and New Zealand. It is not significantly

used in Europe or the northern two thirds of Asia. It is gaining

popularity in southern Asia, the Middle East, parts of Africa, Central and South America.

Concrete elements can also be formed at factories away from the building site. Tilt-up differs

from prefabrication, or plant cast construction, in that all elements are constructed on the job site. This

eliminates the size limitation imposed by transporting elements from a factory to the project site.