A filler slab is an alternate slab construction technology where part of the concrete in the bottom of the slab is replaced by filler material. This technique is an innovative approach to traditional reinforced concrete slabs.
Understanding Filler Slabs
Filler slabs are designed to reduce the amount of concrete used in the tension zone of a slab (the bottom part where concrete is less structurally critical for load bearing in tension compared to the steel reinforcement). By replacing some of this concrete with lighter, often less expensive filler materials, the overall dead load of the structure can be reduced, and material costs potentially lowered.
Key Characteristics
- Material Efficiency: Replaces a portion of concrete with other materials.
- Reduced Dead Load: Lighter filler materials decrease the weight of the slab itself.
- Alternate Technology: Represents a different method compared to standard solid concrete slabs.
Materials Used
Various materials can serve as fillers in filler slabs. The provided reference specifically mentions the use of:
- Terracotta pots: Used to replace part of the concrete at the bottom of the slab. This is a common example of a filler material, often visible from the underside of the slab, contributing to a unique ceiling aesthetic.
Other potential filler materials might include bricks, hollow concrete blocks, or specially designed lightweight blocks, depending on regional availability and design requirements.
Construction Technique Tip
When constructing filler slabs, achieving a smooth finish on the underside (which becomes the ceiling) is important. The reference notes a practical tip:
- Mud plaster is recommended on top of shuttering sheets during construction. This helps to ensure an even and smooth finish for the ceiling surface after the concrete cures and the shuttering is removed.
In essence, filler slabs offer an alternative construction method focusing on optimizing material use and potentially reducing structural weight, utilizing various materials like terracotta pots for the 'filling'.
