The post tensioning of slabs on ground is providing many developers and builders with a cost effective pavement solution. Benefits realized with post tensioned slabs on ground include:
Large joint free slab area (no saw cuts)
Reduced construction costs
Less sub base preparation and/or excavation
Enhanced performance on weak ground
Faster construction time
Reduced on going maintenance costs
Water resistant properties
Potential for increased loading for future use
Facilities that have adopted a post tensioned slab on ground system include:
Distribution warehouses
Freezer stores
Large retail stores
Container terminal facilities
Heavy duty apron slabs
Industrial manufacturing and storage buildings
Aircraft hangers
Water retaining structures
Sporting venues
Raft slabs
Design of Slabs on Ground
The design of post tensioned slabs on ground involves the careful analysis of the loads applied to the slab, the interaction between the slab and the ground that supports it, restraint forces and temperature effects. The BBR Network has refined the design process and achieves outstanding results on a routine basis. The techniques can be extended to deal with weak ground where the ground acts as the permanent formwork and the slab bridges between piles and/or ground beams. This avoids expensive ground improvement work. Our design and construction expertise for preliminary design advice through to final design and construction activities is available to assist builders, engineers and developers in achieving optimum solutions for slab on ground applications.
Construction of Slabs on Ground
Prepare subgrade to required compaction
Place two layers of polythene slip layer
Lay out ducts
Install strand and end anchorages
Place supplementary anchorage reinforcing
Install end forms and dowels as required
Place and finish concrete
Initial / partial stressing of tendons
Final tensioning at full design concrete strength
Crop tendon and grout
Slabs on Ground
Fruit Juice Warehouse Floor Leczeszyce (Poland)
Storehouse Floor Hamilton (New Zealand)
The BBR Network works very closely with architects, designers, builders, concrete supplier and rack/equipment suppliers to ensure that the design and floor configuration meets the specified performance requirements. The interaction and close team work is very important to ensure that a premium floor is delivered. Stringent quality control measures are implemented and detailed pre-pour meetings are undertaken to ensure that all people associated with the floor placement are aware of the process and necessary inputs. The final quality of the floor is often a function of the environment at the time the concrete is placed. In the majority of cases, the building frame, walls and roof are installed prior to the pour so that the floor can be placed, finished and cured in a controlled environment. When planned carefully, this enhances the overall building programme and allows finishing trades to complete work without any disruptions from weather or segmented floor pours. Very large floor plates can be placed in short time frames reducing the overall programme and enabling clients to commence business operations at the earliest possible time.
