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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Practical how-to articles for builders and designers showing good industry practice and interpretation of the NZ Building Code and standards.
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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 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 Trevor Pringle – 1 October 2016, Build 156
In Build 155 Within tolerance, we outlined some of the allowable tolerances to work within for a quality result. Here, we’ve summarised that information into convenient tables.
By Alide Elkink – 1 June 2009, Build 112
Natural drying of a concrete slab will take several months and it’s important to ensure fixed floor coverings aren’t installed too soon.
By Alide Elkink – 1 June 2010, Build 118
A waterproof coating is essential to maintain the weathertightness of single skin concrete block walls since concrete masonry, and particularly the mortar joints, have little resistance to water penetration.
By Trevor Pringle – 1 April 2016, Build 153
Do you know the minimum bending diameter for reinforcing steel and its cover requirements in concrete footings? This determines the minimum width you need to make your concrete footings.