One of the most important steps in building your own home is selecting the appropriate floor slab. The floor slab affects everything from comfort to structural integrity as it forms the base for the flooring in your house. Making an educated choice can be difficult given the variety of options available, but it’s necessary for long-term happiness and safety.
It’s crucial to take your budget, the local climate, and the style of your home into account when choosing a floor slab. It is important to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of each type of floor slab as they differ. Whether you’re considering more modern materials or conventional concrete slabs, knowing your unique requirements will help you make the best decision.
The installation procedure is an additional crucial element. You might be able to save time and money by installing certain floor slabs more quickly and easily. Others might need longer installation times and skilled labor. You may more efficiently arrange your construction schedule if you are aware of what to anticipate during this stage.
Furthermore, it’s important to consider the floor slab’s longevity and upkeep. When selecting a material for your floors, take into account the amount of wear and tear they will experience. Purchasing a premium floor slab up front can help you avoid later, expensive replacements and repairs.
You can choose a floor slab that not only meets your immediate needs but also contributes to the stability and long-term health of your house by taking the time to learn about and comprehend your options. Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an old one, making the right decision will provide a solid basis for the success of your endeavor.
Purpose of floor slabs
Single- and multi-story buildings both use reinforced concrete PPs. They take in loads from people, furniture, plumbing fixtures, suspended structures, and equipment that is on them. Plates serve as stiffeners as well as load-bearing components. They provide stability to the building by binding its spatial frame together.
A panel with longitudinal reinforcement composed of structural concrete, either light or heavy, is called a PC floor slab. At the bottom are the working rods that take up the entire load. The panels have cylindrical air voids created in them to lessen the amount of concrete used.
They improve a structure’s ability to insulate against heat in addition to lowering weight. Mounting loops are positioned closer to the ends of reinforced concrete products to facilitate installation. The voids on four sides, which can be anywhere in the panel, must run parallel to the panel’s length if the slab is laid on two or three sides.
In industrial construction, ribbed PR floor slabs are more frequently utilized. They are not as popular as hollow ones because they are more difficult to finish.
Classification
Floor slabs are produced in compliance with GOST 9561-91 and GOST 26434-2015. Types, primary parameters, dimensions, and general technical requirements are all described in the standards.
The GOST classification allows for the distinction of the following types:
- Single layer – 1P, 2P. They are solid section, have a thickness of 120 and 160 mm.
- Round hollow — 1 pcs, 2 pcs with a thickness of 220 mm, contain round voids with a diameter of 159 and 140 mm, respectively.
- PB – formless slab with a smooth surface and oval-shaped voids. It is not equipped with mounting loops; installation is carried out using long slings or traverses.
- ETC – ribbed. Ribs can point up or down.
- All products can be supported on 2 sides, 3 or along the contour — 1PK, 2PK, as well as 1P and 2P, subject to formation at the stand.
For your private home, selecting the appropriate floor slab is crucial to maintaining the stability, insulation, and general comfort of your space. Think about things like soil type, load-bearing needs, climate, and budget when choosing a floor slab. There are a number of options to choose from, such as precast, timber slabs, or reinforced concrete, each with their own advantages. Speaking with a construction expert can assist you in making an educated choice that best meets your unique requirements and guarantees a sturdy foundation for your house.
PC board sizes
GOST states that panels have to be modular in order to allow different objects to be assembled from a limited number of components.
Standard PC floor slab dimensions:
- length — at intervals of 300 mm starting from 1000 mm and ending at 12000 mm;
- panel width – 1000, 1200, 1500, 1800, 2400, 3000, 3600, 4800 to 6600 with an interval of 300 mm, maximum 7200 mm;
- panel thickness — 160, 220, 330 mm;
- void diameters — 114, 127, 140, 159, 180, 203 mm.
A wide range of sizes offers numerous building space planning options. PC slabs up to 6 m long and 1500 mm wide are most frequently used in private construction.
Material requirements
Hollow core slabs have to meet interstate GOST 9561-2016 quality standards. It governs the specifications for concrete’s strength, water resistance, and frost resistance as well as the grade of steel needed for embedded components and functional reinforcement.
In accordance with the accuracy class (which ranges from 1 to 8), deviations from straightness, linear dimensions, flatness, and perpendicularity cannot be greater than the allowable GOST parameters.
The working documentation and the appearance must match. Stains of grease and rust, as well as cracks (apart from shrinkage and technological ones) that extend beyond 0.3 mm on the upper surface and 0.2 mm on the lower and side surfaces, are prohibited.
Except for reinforcement outlets used during installation, reinforcement exposures are not included. Cement mortar or bitumen varnish shields them from corrosion.
Prestressed reinforcement shouldn’t extend more than 10 mm past the product’s edges. Mounting loops, sling holes, and mortar flows on embedded components have all been eliminated.
The operating conditions determine the minimum thickness of the concrete protective layer:
- Closed dry rooms – 15 mm;
- Wet – 20 mm;
- open air – 25 mm;
- In contact with the soil – 35 mm.
It is evident that not all the subtleties are visible upon a quick glance from the outside. Find out the concrete’s class, the reinforcement’s type and scheme, etc. Maybe just in the exam periods. For products made of reinforced concrete, it is therefore preferable that the seller has manufacturer’s documentation or a certificate.
| Criteria | Considerations |
| Material | Choose between concrete, wood, or steel based on your budget and the structure of the house. |
| Load-bearing Capacity | Ensure the slab can support the intended load, including furniture, people, and appliances. |
| Insulation | Consider slabs with built-in insulation to improve energy efficiency. |
| Installation | Opt for a slab that is easy to install with your available resources and expertise. |
| Cost | Balance the initial cost with long-term benefits like durability and maintenance. |
| Thickness | Ensure the slab thickness meets the structural requirements for stability and safety. |
| Moisture Resistance | Choose a slab with good moisture resistance, especially for areas prone to dampness. |
For your private home, selecting the appropriate floor slab is essential to the comfort and structural soundness of your building. It’s important to take your needs and preferences into account when choosing between the many options available, which range from conventional concrete to contemporary insulated panels.
Because they are strong and long-lasting, concrete slabs are a popular option for locations that see heavy traffic. Additionally, they have a high thermal mass, which helps control interior temperature. But, in order to improve comfort, they might need more insulation because they can be chilly.
Conversely, insulated floor panels can drastically lower heating expenses and provide exceptional thermal efficiency. They are a good choice for do-it-yourselfers because they are lightweight and simpler to install. They might not be as durable as concrete slabs, though, and they might not be appropriate for all kinds of building.
The ideal option for your floor slab will ultimately rely on your project’s particular requirements, climate, and budget. Speaking with an expert can assist you in weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each choice and helping you come to a decision that will benefit your house for many years to come.
