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could increase the overall thickness of the slab, but using significantly
less concrete. Hybrid systems incorporate a deck of precast concrete
permanent shuttering to the soffit side, further reducing the need for
additional formwork.
The use of voided floor slabs can reduce the design loads of a buildings
and can therefore also save materials, costs and waste associated with
foundations.
Factors to take into account when using voided or
post-tensioned slabs for waste minimisation:
Any reduction in slab thickness will reduce the acoustic
properties of the floor, which may then require a
suspended ceiling to compensate, particularly in
residential properties
There may be a cost premium but this is offset by
savings elsewhere i.e. programme, materials, labour
Consider exposing soffits to reduce the need for
finishing materials and optimise thermal mass benefits
The use of slabs will almost certainly speed up the
construction programme but sequencing needs to be
taken into account. Post-tensioned slabs can save time
on site due to the reduction in reinforcement required
Specific training and guidance is often available from
the manufacturers of voided precast systems
Bonded post-tensioned slabs are easier to demolish
at the end of the building s life due to the reduction in
embedded reinforcement. Unbonded PT slabs require
specific sequencing for demolition
Using concrete to reduce use of additional finishes and wastage
Concrete can be used to provide design solutions to optimise the
materials function and reduce the need for other materials on site and
therefore reduce waste in general.
The use of concrete for floors, walls and or frame can meet the
many performance requirements of a room or building enclosure
without the need for many other materials to be used. These
include acoustic and fire separation, structural support, air
tightness and thermal mass as well as a durable, attractive finish.
Fewer materials and construction phases reduce the amount of
waste produced and facilitate recycling by simplifying the process
of segregating waste.
Significant cost savings are possible through reduction in
installation costs and construction programme by optimising the
structure as a finish.
The thermal mass benefits associated with heavyweight concrete
walls and floors are maximised by omitting subsequent wall
finishes.
Exposed concrete is very durable. Potentially less maintenance is
required than for other wearing finishes.
A wide variety of colours, textures and forms are possible either as
standard products or bespoke requirements.
Concrete is a robust material and is unique in that it is appropriate
for long term use internally, externally, below ground, on roofs and
in water.
Floor finishes, in particular carpets, are a major contributor to landfill
waste due to their manufacture, but principally through the frequency
of their replacement over the life of the building. They can also have a
very high embodied CO2 content. The specification of exposed concrete
floors can therefore make a significant impact on waste reduction of a
project. Exposed concrete floors provide an attractive hard wearing floor
finishes that is particularly cost effective over large areas.
Exposed concrete soffits are an excellent means of distributing comfort