BubbleDeck
concrete — By Blaine Brownell on February 27, 2006 at 1:43 pmBubbleDeck is a method of virtually eliminating all concrete from the middle of a floor slab not performing any structural function, thereby dramatically reducing structural dead weight. BubbleDeck is based on a new patented technique which involves the direct way of linking air and steel. Void formers in the middle of a flat slab eliminate 35% of a slab’s self-weight, removing constraints of high dead loads and short spans.
BubbleDeck’s flexible layout easily adapts to irregular and curved plan configurations. The system allows for the realization of longer spans, more rapid and less expensive erection, as well as the elimination of down-stand beams. According to the manufacturer, BubbleDeck can reduce total project costs by three percent.
Contact: BubbleDeck, Farum, Denmark.
Find more information in Transmaterial 3.
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2 Comments
Is there any problem with the steel mesh reinforcement that are not fully covered with concrete because they are touching the plastic spheres?
The steel mesh reinforcement and bubbles are fully surrounded with concrete. Minimum concrete cover of 20mm is provided fully encasing reinforcement and bubbles. Where the steel mesh reinforcement touches the recycled plastic bubbles there is a small tangential zone where there is no concrete surrounding one side or the reinforcement but this is technically acceptable and covered by at least 30mm or more concrete within the depth of the slab. The BubbleDeck system has been fully tested and is accepted by British Board of Agrement (BBA), has a British & European Standard EN13747:2005, and been given Dutch Technical Certification KIWA KOMO K22722/01