CMA PUBLISHES TWO BROCHURES ON PRESTRESSED HOLLOW-CORE CONCRETE SLABS:

Originally conceived and developed as an alternative to in-situ cast concrete floor panels for multi-storey buildings, hollow-core slabs are today used for at least four other applications, security  walling, reservoir roofing, retaining walls and warehouse walling, and the first brochure expands on these applications, citing examples. It also gives information on down-lighting and tiling good practices.

The second is devoted exclusively to vertical walling, covering retaining walls, security walling, and walling for the construction of buildings in some detail. Some of the advantages of building vertical walling using prestressed hollow-core slabs include:

• Project can be completed ahead of schedule
• No requirement for shuttering or on-site curing
• The panels are extremely durable
• Upon delivery installation is immediate

When used as security walling, panels are cast using 50MPa concrete mix, making the walls highly resistant to breaking and entering. In addition electric fencing or razor wire can be easily attached to the walls.

CMA director, John Cairns, says in today’s world of innovation and fast-tracking, the prestressed hollow-core slab is a viable, and in many instances, preferable alternative to more conventional building materials.

“Besides the obvious advantages of simpler, faster construction, not to mention a more durable end-product, the secret of applying the material successfully is in the pre-planning. Get one of our member companies involved at the concept stage and their advice and design input comes at no charge, “ observes Cairns.

Cairns says there is huge potential for growth in the use of hollow-core slabs in South Africa.

“It is a concept which is still very much under utilized in South Africa, as compared with countries in the EU and Russia where it enjoys a much higher profile. We tend to be cautious in our approach to new construction techniques and there are still many engineers are not familiar with the technology.”

Cairns presented a paper on the alternative uses of prestressed hollow-core slabs at the recent International Concrete Conference & Exhibition (ICCX) in Cape Town. This was first time that the conference has been held in South Africa. Organised and sponsored by Germany’s Concrete Plant International (CPI) magazine, the conference attracted some 550 delegates, about 150 of whom came from overseas.

Delegates commented on how well organised the conference was, so much so that Sandton, Gauteng, was chosen as the venue for next year’s conference.

Anyone interested in obtaining copies of one or both of the hollow-core brochures should contact Pam Zukor at the CMA on 011 805-6742 or via email on main.cma@qmail.com .