Cast-in Channel and Post Tensioned Slabs

Another good reason to use cast-in Channel from Halfen.

Post tensioned (PT) floor slabs are being increasingly used in the UK, and it’s not difficult to see why.

PT slabs can allow for larger spans with fewer columns – providing greater flexibility of floor layouts. The thinner PT slabs can also provide added storeys per building, giving greater usage per square metre of land. The economic and environmental benefits go on – less concrete means less transportation, less energy usage, lower costs and so on...

However, when considering the provision of fixings for services, the decision to use PT slabs becomes less straightforward.

Drilling is often seen as the “quick fix”, but in order to drill into reinforced concrete you must first survey and mark out where the reinforcement lies to avoid drilling through, and damaging the reinforcing bars. Drilling through post tensioned cables or “strands” can be catastrophic, so it is of even greater importance that extra care is taken to avoid causing damage to the strands. Whilst these checks and surveys are obviously necessary they can be time consuming and cause delay when fixings are required on site.

There is a solution.

Cast-in channels specified at the design stage provide fixings that can avoid the need for time consuming surveys and marking out. The channels are able to take loads immediately, they avoid the health and safety risks of noise, dust and vibration, help designers to fulfil their CDM obligations, and can speed up the installation process of services when on site.

To further increase the adjustability of cast-in channel used in this application, suspending channels perpendicular to the cast-in channel gives virtually infinite adjustability in both directions.

For those that use cast-in channels, when time is of the essence – the decision is easy.

Find out more about cast-in channels, and how they can work for you by calling Halfen on 01582 470 300, or visit our website: Cast-in Channels Page