In building constructions, the slab is a very important structural member and it is one of the

largest member consuming concrete. A slab being the essential part of the structure has to
be effectively designed and utilized. It tends to use more concrete than requirement, hence
has to be optimized. When the load acting on the slab is large or clear span between
columns is more, the deflection of the slab is also more. Therefore the slab thickness has to
be increased. Increasing the slab thickness makes the slabs heavier because self-weight of
slab also increase, and will increase column and foundations size. Thus, it makes buildings
consume more materials such as concrete and steel reinforcement. To resolve the problem
of heavier slab, consumption of more amount of concrete and other materials and to
incorporate advantageous features, UBoot Beton may be preferred.

U-Boot Beton is a recycled polypropylene formwork that was designed to create lightened
slabs and rafts with large spans which are able to support large loads without beams. The
U-Boot Beton formworks in the concrete casting will create a grid work of mutually
perpendicular beams closed from the bottom and the top by a flat plate that is created with a
single casting, this results in considerable reduction in the use of concrete and steel. This
method is quick and easy to position, due to their modularity the designer can vary the
geometric parameters as needed to adapt to all situations with great architectural freedom.

1.2 ADVANTAGES

By the use of U-Boot Beton in the construction work, there will be many advantages than
that of traditional construction. The advantages are as follows:

1.2.1 LIGHT THIN AND BIDIRECTIONAL

When compared to traditional system, there will be reduction of weight up to 40%, as the
dead weight becomes lesser because of these U-Boot Beton formwork. The thickness of the
slab also becomes less. And the load distribution will be bidirectional as shown in the figure
below and not the unidirectional way as in case of traditional system.

Fig.1.2 Bidirectional load transfer in slab with U-Boot Beton

1.2.2 FLEXIBLE

With this technology, a slab with span up to 20 m can be built with no beams between pillars
and also there will be reduction in the number of pillars. Can be used together with prefabs.
Does not require handling and hoisting equipment. and hence this reduces the

amount of concrete that is consumed by the beams as well as coloumns. and we obtain
more
space.
Fig.1.3 More no of beams and columns m traditional construction
Fig. 1.4 Less no beams and columns for the construction work with U-Boot Beton

1.2.3 EARTHQUAKE PROOF

Fig l 5 Traditional buildings susceptible for more vibrations than buildings built with U-Boot
Beton

Generally a structure is designed keeping in mind such that it resists the vibrations that is
especially caused by seismic waves. Use of this technology makes it resistant to any sort of
vibrations. especially in earthquake prone areas this technique is going to be very useful so
that the building is safe against seismic vibrations and remain safe and sound.

1.2.4.OPEN SPACES

Fig.1.6 Smaller available spaces due to more number of columns

Fig.1.7 Larger available spaces due to more number of columns

In traditional buildings there will be generally smaller spaces due to more number of columns
and hence most of the space is occupied by columns itself Therefore use of U-Boot Beton
makes the building to construct with lesser number of columns and hence more space is
available as shown in figure.

1.2.5 FIRE RESISTANT

Fig.1.8 Traditional buildings is less resistant to fire than buildings with U-Boot Beton

Buildings might be at risk due to fire accidents and the fire might expands to entire building
and therefore U-Boot Beton which is made up of polypropylene material is more resistant to
fire and causes less damage when compared to traditional buildings.

1.2.6 IMPROVED ACOUSTIC BEHAVIOUR

Fig.1.9 Traditional buildings has more transmittancy to sound than buildings with U-Boot
Beton

U-Boot Beton in slabs will have less transmittancy for sound that is acoustic transmittancy
will be less than that of traditional buildings due to the increased stiffness of the lower and
upper slabs which is obtained due to the polypropylene formwork.

1.2.7 ECONOMICAL

Fig. 1.10 Slab thickness of traditional slab and slab with U-Boot Beton

When compared to traditional slab, A slab with U-Boot Beton will be built with small
thickness which is a unique character of using this and also there are various advantages by
using this like lower concrete cost with an desirable thickness. Lower steel cost. Savings in
useful height on each level as there are no emerging beams. Possibility to gain floors at the
same building height (towers) and building volume. Quick and easy to implement. Possibility
of large span at equal load or high load bearing capacity at an equal span. Economical and
easy to transport, handle and store, also outdoors. The sofiit has a flat surface that is ready
to finish and does not require a false ceiling for aesthetic purposes. If a false ceiling, is
required it can be created faster.

1.2.8 ENVIRONMENTAL COMPATIBILITY

Daliform Group has again demonstrated to be extremely precise with regard to respecting
health and the environment having been the first to obtain Environmental Compatibility
Certification (CCA) for its products. This certificate is very important for U-Boot Beton
because it demonstrates: the lack of dangerous substances in its composition (even if
recycled materials are used); the lack of emissivity of toxic substances during the various
phases of the product's life and operating cycle, which benefits the health of the intermediate
users (production and installation personnel) as well as final users (people living in the
building) as well as the environment in general.

1.3 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN U-BOOT BETON AND TRADITIONAL SYSTEM

Fig. 1.1 I Comparison between Traditional and slab with U-Boot Beton

1. Increased number of floors

2. Large span and great architectural freedom

3. Reduced slab thickness

4. No beams between pillars

5. Optimisation of the section of pillars

6. Reduction in the number of pillars

7. Less deep foundation excavation

8. Improved acoustic behaviour

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 GENERAL

For the study of U-Boot Beton formwork, to know more in detail on that like, basic theory
behind using that formwork, its advantages specifications and implementations the following
papers have been referred

2.2 PAPERS REFERRED

[IJIERT] ISSN: 2394-3696 volume 4, issue 5, may-2017"International journal of innovations
in engineering research and technology" Novateur publications
U-Boot is a recycled polypropylene formwork that was designed to create lightened slabs
and rafts. U-Boot is used to create slabs with large span or that are able to support large
loads without beams. It is a recyclable material which is used in construction. It is a
lightweight material; its Tensile strength is quite high. It shows strong resistance to stress
and cracking. It can be moulded in any shape. It is an excellent insulator. Its melting point is
above 160°C. It is corrosion resistance. It is good moisture absorbent. It is a nontoxic
substance. It does not get stained easily. It can retain its stiffness and flexibility intact at high
temperatures.

Gorgon al Monticano, Treviso, (2011) Two-Way Voided Slabs Made Of Reinforced Concrete,
Cast On Site And Lightened With The Use Of Formwork. U-Boot Beton. Italy: daliform
Group.

U-Boot Beton® is a recycled polypropylene formwork that was designed to create lightened
slabs and rafts. The use of U-Boot Beton® formwork makes it possible to create mushroom
pillars, with the possibility to have the mushroom in the thickness of the slab. Thanks to the
conic elevator foot, immerging the U-Boot Beton® formworks in the concrete casting will
create a grid work of mutually perpendicular beams closed from the bottom and the top by a
flat plate that is created with a single casting; this results in considerable reduction in the use
of concrete and steel. U-Boot Beton® is used to create slabs with large span or that are able
to support large loads without beams. Light and quick and easy to position, thanks to their
modularity the designer can vary the geometric parameters as needed to adapt to all
situations with great architectural freedom. There are many advantages compared to
traditional system like increased number of floors, reduction in the overall load of the
structure weighing on the pillars and the foundation, optimisation of the section of pillars,
reduction in the number of pillars, large span and great architectural freedom, reduced slab
thickness, less deep foundation excavation, no beams between pillars, improved acoustic
behaviour.

ISSN 2304-6295.No.6 (21). 2014. Biaxial hollow slab with innovative types of voids”,
Construction of Unique Buildings and Structures

In 2001 an Italian engineer, Roberto ll Grande, developed and patented a new system of
hollow formers, in order to decrease the transportation costs (and C02 production). The
U-Boot formwork is a modular element made of re-cycled plastic for use in building lighter
structures in reinforced concrete cast at the work-site. The biggest advantage of U-boot is
that it is stackable. A truck of U-boot® means approximately 5000 m2 of slab, once hollow
formers are laid down at building site. The second innovation is the shape: U-boot® creates
a grid of orthogonal "I" beams, so the calculation of the reinforcement can be effected by any
static engineer according to Eurocode, British Standards or any local standard. U-boot®
earliest projects were executed in 2002 and since that time it has been used all over the
world. U-boot® system can be combined with other technologies like pre-fabricated slabs
and post tensioned steel. The technology of hollow slabs with post tensioned steel reduces
the weight of slab and its thickness.
2.3 APPRAISAL OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW

From the lntemational journal of innovations in engineering research and technology it has
been referred that U-Boot Beton formwork has been prepared from polypropylene material
and properties of formwork and in this report more details of polypropylene material is
mentioned and given.

More details were provided by the paper published by Daliform group Applications of U-Boot
Beton like in rafts slabs and other various structures and even the technical data has been
collected from this paper.

the use of U-Boot Beton and its advantages like light weight, stackability and its combination
with pre fabricated slabs and post tensioned steel has been given by ISSN 2304-6295.No.6
(21). 2014. Biaxial hollow slab with innovative types of voids”. Construction of Unique
Buildings and Structures.