Precast hollow-core slabs are widely used structural elements in modern construction, valued for their strength, efficiency, and speed of installation. Typically made from high-strength, prestressed concrete, these slabs contain multiple continuous cylindrical or oval-shaped voids (cores) running longitudinally through their full length. The cores significantly reduce the self-weight of the slab—often by up to 40%—which not only lowers transportation and lifting costs but also decreases the overall load on the structure, allowing for longer spans without intermediate supports, often up to 12 meters or more, depending on the slab thickness and load requirements.
Manufactured in a controlled factory environment, these slabs maintain strict quality standards and consistent performance. The prestressed steel tendons embedded in the slab are tensioned before casting and released after the concrete has cured, imparting compressive strength that helps resist bending and cracking under load. Typical slab thicknesses range from 150 mm to 500 mm, depending on the design.
Installation on-site is rapid and efficient: slabs are lifted by crane, placed directly onto prepared supports like beams or walls, and aligned with minimal need for in-situ concrete work. Joints between slabs may be grouted or topped with a structural concrete screed to form a composite action with the building frame. The hollow cores also serve practical purposes—such as conduits for electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC systems—reducing the need for additional drilling or cutting.
In addition to their high load-bearing capacity, hollow-core slabs offer excellent fire resistance, acoustic insulation, and thermal performance. Their smooth underside allows for a clean ceiling finish without additional plastering. Common applications include residential buildings, office floors, parking garages, schools, hospitals, and industrial warehouses. Their durability, cost-effectiveness, and construction speed make precast hollow-core slabs a preferred choice in both traditional and modern construction projects worldwide.
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