Composite Concrete

Slabs
 Composite concrete slabs:
Combination of elements

How does this differ from in-situ, reinforced

concrete slabs? Example:
1. Pre-cast elements combined with in-
situ, reinforced concrete
2. Other types of materials pre-
manufactured (metal, plastic etc.)
combined with in-situ, reinforced
concrete
 Composite concrete slabs
Rib-and-block slabs:
combination of pre-cast “ribs or
beams” & hollow concrete blocks
+ reinforcing
+ mesh reinforcing
+ in-situ concrete
Spacers? Yes, most definitely
 4
5

The engineer’s design will determine how many blocks must be placed in a row
before the next in-situ concrete beam is created i.e. 4, 5 or 6 blocks. It is very
important to follow the design layout as per the engineer’s instructions.
 6

In-situ cast beams Pre-cast beams or ribs

Pre-cast beam/rib In-situ cast beam created
Electrical reticulation in place prior to concrete casting
 In-situ cast beams

Pre-cast beams 6

6 blocks in a row positioned on top of the pre-cast beams with the in-situ beams
being created in between
Electrical conduits
reticulated on top
Section
Section

Concrete
or brick
wall
Mesh reinforcing to go on
top

Down stand beam on edge

of slab/perimeter beam
 Blocks

“Ribs” or
beams

Temporary
support (false
work)
Before the concrete is cast, the necessary support (false work) needs to be in
place
In-situ concrete

Mesh reinforcing with

spacers
Hollow blocks
“Ribs”/Beams
Support work
 Notice that the blocks placed at the end of each row are open. What is
going to happen when the concrete is placed? Will it not run into the cavity,
defeating the purpose of creating a “hollow” slab? How does one prevent
the plastic concrete to flow into the cavity?

Special “stop” or “end” blocks need to be

ordered and placed. These are blocks that are
manufactured with a closed-up end.
Alternatively the openings need to be plugged
with wet cement bags or something similar
 “Solid” end blocks to prevent
concrete from flowing into cavities
Depending on the engineer’s design, the thickness of the blocks will be
specified and ultimately the thickness of the slab
Depending on the engineer’s design, the thickness of the blocks will be
specified and ultimately the thickness of the slab
Sometimes the engineer’s design will call for 2 beams / ribs next to each other
Sometimes the engineer’s design will call for 2 beams or ribs next to each
other
These beams have been manufactured with reinforcing hooks sticking out
creating additional connection with the concrete being cast on top
Final product from below
 Where to be
used in this type
of structure?
Similarity?
Different block sizes in terms of width and depth. Notice the allowable
thickness of the concrete on top of the block.
Typical section through the slab
 Mesh Spacer High tensile Hollow block
reinforcing reinforcing
connected to
the high tensile
T.O.C.
Brick work

False work Rib or beam

Details as per previous slide
 Voidcon

This is not a “combination” slab in the same sense as the rib + block slab. Here
permanent formwork is placed with conventional reinforcing and concrete on
top of the metal sheeting in position.
The metal sheeting is placed as permanent formwork.
Notice the “beams” created, similar to the trough slab but upside down
 Similar to that of a trough slab
with deep beams created

Effect: Permanent formwork

visible from below
 Beams created

Similar to what type of slab?

Trough slab
Notice there are no pre-cast
hollow blocks used here
Bubble Deck®
Bubble Deck®
Bubble Deck®
 “Beam” created with expanded footing at the bottom
Bubble Deck®
 “Beam” created with expanded footing at the bottom
Bubble Deck®
Bubble Deck®
Bubble Deck®
Holedeck®
Holedeck®
Holedeck®