Concrete is a versatile, strong building material that can be used in almost any shape. It also saves you money on construction costs because it requires less skilled labor.

It can be poured into virtually any mold or frame and is very easy to maintain and repair. However, it does need to be cleaned properly before pouring.

Slab-on-Grade

Slab-on-grade foundations are a type of shallow concrete Layers foundation that is poured directly onto the ground below. The ground is then compacted and gravel is added to the area to provide drainage so water doesn’t accumulate under the slab and cause problems.

Typically, the slab is about 4 inches thick. However, it can be up to 6 inches in thickness depending on the load being placed on the slab.

Before the slab is poured, batter boards are used to form the shape of the concrete and mark its corners. Soil investigation is also done to ensure that the foundation will be strong enough for the structure to support itself.

Slab-on-Pile

Slab-on-pile is a type of foundation that is installed when the ground is too soft for a traditional slab. The slab sits on piles that have been driven deep into the soil and into a layer of hard gravel.

The piles are typically made of steel, which is strong and durable enough to withstand the pressure of heavy loads. They are used to support large buildings, skyscrapers and highway bridges.

This method of construction also reduces the amount of time required for installation, as piles can be cast at a casting yard and then transported to the job site.

Slab-on-pile can be a great choice for building passive solar homes, because it allows you to bury electrical work, plumbing and central vacuum tubes underneath the slab. It can also be a good place to lay down tubing for radiant floor heat.

Suspended Slab

A suspended slab is a type of floor that is supported by joists or beams that are not in direct contact with the ground. This type of floor is commonly used in residential construction projects.

Suspended slabs have a number of advantages, including being faster to construct than traditional floors and being more efficient. However, they are more vulnerable to damage from earthquakes and other natural disasters and require more maintenance than standard floor systems.

There are several types of concrete slabs, which differ in size and design. A one-way slab consists of concrete panels or planks that span only in one direction.
Beam and Block

A system that is becoming increasingly popular in both residential and commercial housing, beam and block flooring consists of inverted prestressed ‘T’ shaped concrete beams laid down with standard concrete blocks between them. It is rot proof, draught proof and fire resistant.

This method of floor construction is a very quick way to get a good quality floor up. It also requires a much smaller amount of ground preparation compared to other methods such as insitu or semi-insitu floors.

Aside from being incredibly fast to install, beam and block flooring systems can also help to reduce noise transfer between storeys. This can be especially important for families with young children or anyone who wants a quieter home.

Cast In-Situ Slab

Cast-in-place concrete is the preferred technique for pouring foundations, slabs and other concrete components. It involves preparing, casting and curing the concrete at the construction site.

A ready mix truck will deliver the concrete to the site where it is placed into a dumper or pump. Once the concrete is poured and hardened it can then be lifted into place.

Unlike precast concrete, this method requires no form work on site and therefore can be faster and more economical. It also eliminates the need for onsite curing.

Cast-in-place slabs can also be fitted with insulation, saving both labor and architectural design space when constructing a building. They are also stronger than traditional concrete due to the steel reinforcement bars inserted into each segment.