Ontelolaattojen

Ontelolaatat, also known as hollow-core slabs or voided slabs, are a type of precast concrete structural element used in construction. They are characterized by the presence of circular or oval voids running horizontally through their length. These voids significantly reduce the weight of the slab compared to a solid concrete slab of the same dimensions. The manufacturing process involves extruding concrete through a machine that simultaneously creates the hollow cores.

The primary advantage of ontelolaatat is their reduced weight, which translates to lower material costs for concrete and steel reinforcement. The lighter weight also means less load on the building's foundations and supporting structures, potentially leading to further cost savings. Ontelolaatat can span longer distances than solid slabs, reducing the need for intermediate supports. This can create more open and flexible interior spaces.

These slabs are commonly used for floors and roofs in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Their precast nature allows for rapid installation on-site, speeding up the construction timeline. The manufacturing process is controlled in a factory setting, ensuring consistent quality and dimensional accuracy. While they offer weight and span advantages, their load-bearing capacity needs to be carefully calculated for each specific application, and they may not be suitable for extremely heavy loads or specific seismic requirements without additional design considerations. The voids can also be utilized for routing services like electrical wiring or plumbing in some designs.