Slabbuilding

Slabbuilding is a construction method that uses flat, horizontal concrete slabs as the primary structural elements. Slabs can form floors, roofs, and sometimes walls, and are typically reinforced with steel and connected to vertical elements such as columns or bearing walls. The approach emphasizes modular, repeatable elements and allows relatively rapid on-site placement.

Common slab types include slab-on-grade, where concrete is poured directly on a prepared subbase, and suspended slabs, which rest on beams or a frame. Suspended slabs can be one-way or two-way in how they carry loads, and variants such as ribbed slabs, hollow-core slabs, waffle slabs, and flat-plate/slabs are used to optimize thickness and stiffness. Post-tensioned or pre-tensioned slabs use tensioned tendons to increase strength and reduce thickness in some designs.

Construction typically proceeds from site preparation and formwork to reinforcement placement, concrete pouring and vibration, and curing to achieve target strength. Slab-on-grade installations may include a vapor barrier, insulation, and a compacted base. Suspended slabs require formwork and shoring, and post-tension systems use ducts and tendons that are stressed after casting. Crack control through proper detailing, joint placement, and curing is an important design consideration.

Advantages of slabbuilding include relatively rapid installation, good load distribution for repetitive layouts, and ease of integrating mechanical services within floor structures. Limitations include the substantial mass of concrete, the need for significant formwork or temporary supports, potential cracking if not properly designed or cured, and thermal or moisture considerations in some configurations.

In practice, slabbuilding is widely used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction, including high-rise concrete frames, parking facilities, and warehouses, with design governed by regional codes and standards.