Betongplatta

A betongplatta (Swedish: concrete slab) is a flat structural element made of cast concrete used as floors, pavements, or foundations in buildings and civil engineering works. Common forms include slab-on-grade (ground-bearing), suspended slabs (supported by beams or columns), raft foundations (a continuous slab supporting an entire building), and precast elements such as hollow-core slabs.

Design considerations include thickness, reinforcement (steel mesh or rebar), load-bearing capacity, thermal and moisture insulation, and control joints to limit cracking. Slab dimensions and reinforcement are determined by imposed loads, soil conditions, and applicable building codes or standards. For ground-bearing slabs, subgrade preparation, compaction, and drainage are crucial to prevent settlement and moisture-related damage.

Typical construction steps are site preparation, installation of a compacted base and vapor barrier, placement of reinforcement and any embedded services, pouring and levelling of concrete, finishing the surface, and controlled curing to achieve designed strength. Joints—construction, contraction, and expansion—are incorporated to manage shrinkage and thermal movement.

Advantages include durability, load distribution, fire resistance, and low maintenance. Disadvantages can be environmental impact from cement production, limited flexibility for later modifications, and potential cracking if not properly designed or constructed. Lifespan depends on exposure, mix quality, and maintenance. Betongplattor are subject to national building regulations and structural design codes; alternatives for floors or foundations include timber systems, steel structures, and engineered modular foundations.