What is a Floor slab?

The term "floor slab" refers to a floor made from concrete and generally steel reinforcement. It may also form part of a building's structure. It can be used to form the basement floor at ground level, or at higher levels.

It can be prefabricated or formed on-site. A floor made from timber or another material is not considered a floor slab.

Concrete slabs used to form the ground floor in a building can be supported either on beams (called a suspend slab) or directly on the subsoil (via hardcore for example, a ground-bearing slab').

A concrete slab that forms part of the roof structure of a building is commonly referred to as the "roof slab".

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Concrete Floor Slab Construction Process

1. Assemble, assemble and erect formwork for slab

Formwork must be constructed to withstand construction loads, such as fresh concrete pressure and the weight of operators and workers. For the design of formworks, the Guide to Formwork for Concrete ACI347-04 should be used.

There are many construction aspects to consider when erecting formworks. It should be properly positioned, levelled and lined, with joints sealing adequately to prevent nails from protruding into concrete. For the concrete floor slab formwork, you can use different materials like aluminum, steel, or wood.

2. Prepare Reinforcements for Slab

Before concrete floor slab construction reinforcement is placed, inspect and verify the forms. This will ensure that the concrete members are in accordance with the structural plans.

The forms must be cleaned and oiled properly, but not so much that they run onto concrete joints or bars. Drawings provide necessary reinforcement details. It is enough to understand the designated bar size and cut required length and create hooks and bends.

Once preparation is complete, steel bars can be placed in their correct positions using the provided spacings and concrete covers. Concrete cover and floor slab spacing can be maintained with spacers or bars supporters. To tie main reinforcement, shrinkage and temperature reinforcement (distribution reinforced), wires are used.

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3. Concrete floor slabs that are ready to be poured, compacted and finished

Concrete mixing, transporting and handling must be coordinated with the placing and finishing of concrete. Concrete should be placed along one side of floor slab. Each batch must be placed against the concrete previously delivered. Concrete should not be placed in its final place, but as close as possible.

This will prevent any segregation. Concrete should not be placed in large, separate piles and then moved horizontally to its final position. Site engineers should monitor concrete carefully and identify signs of problems.

Loss of grout, for example, is an indication that joints are not properly sealed or moved. Cracking, excessive deflection, level, and plumb should all be addressed to avoid further problems.

4. Curing concrete and removing formwork

Once the concrete has been cured, suitable techniques should be used. Concrete curing methods include water cure, concrete is flooded or ponded and mist sprayed. Water retaining methods include covering slabs with burlap, canvas, burlap, or straw to keep them wet.

Chemical Membranes and waterproof paper, or plastic film seal, are also available. For curing, it is best to remove formworks within 14 days.

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