Reinforcing concrete floor slabs
Lessons from the Canterbury earthquakes mean that all concrete floor slabs must now be reinforced with steel bars or welded mesh with a reasonable degree of ductility.
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By Graeme Beattie – 1 December 2011, Build 127
Lessons from the Canterbury earthquakes mean that all concrete floor slabs must now be reinforced with steel bars or welded mesh with a reasonable degree of ductility.
By Neil Lee – 1 February 2006, Build 92, Feature article
Fresh concrete contains significiant water which evaporates over time. Installing floor coverings on the floor slab before it’s dry is a recipe for disaster, so how do you know if it’s dry enough?
By Ian Cox-Smith – 1 December 2015, Build 151
Heating costs could be cut if we do as Americans and Europeans do and add perimeter edge insulation to heated concrete floor slabs.
By Ian Cox-Smith – 1 June 2007, Build 100
BRANZ has been researching how to improve the insulation of concrete slab-on-ground floors and has found an alternative method which is practical and improves performance.
By Des Molloy – 1 October 2010, Build 120
Many builders have had a concrete and formwork failure that they would rather forget. It’s an area of construction where listening to the wisdom of experienced tradespeople is vital, but the following pointers may also help.
1 August 2005, Build 89
Concrete shrinks as it sets and will continue to shrink for at least 12 months after placing, depending on drying conditions. About 50% of the shrinkage occurs within the first 4 months.
By Ann Galloway – 1 August 2016, Build 155
Renovations or extensions can often mean a new slab is laid abutting an old one. There’s plenty to consider before starting work to ensure the junction is weathertight, strong and Building Code compliant.
By Malcolm Cunningham – 1 April 2008, Build 105
Covering a concrete slab too soon can result in the floor covering being damaged. To get the timing right, it helps to understand what the various measurements are telling you.
By Malcolm Cunningham – 1 April 2005, Build 87
Although steel framing in domestic construction has only a small market share, there are signs it may be on the increase. Since steel is a good conductor, builders need to be aware of potential pitfalls, such as thermal bridges and condensation.
By Mohamed Mostafa – 1 February 2020, Build 176, Feature article
Earthquake damaged precast concrete floors are the focus of detailed investigation to help understand the role system response plays on the performance of precast floors. The ultimate goal? To improve building safety and reduce damage.