Hollowcore

Hollowcore units are manufactured to BS8110: Part 1.
 
Their low self weight and rapid construction offers the designer a flexible and economic answer to flooring situations
 
The standard section is suitable for a ‘moderate’ exposure condition as defined in BS8110
 
The pre-stressed floor units will provide a fire resistance of one hour; however, ratings in excess of this can be supplied if necessary and on request
 
When structurally grouted, the effective shear key between adjacent Hollowcore planks ensures that the individual planks behave similarly to a monolithic slab
 
Hollowcore planks, supported on masonry structures require a minimum bearing of 100mm, steel structures require a minimum bearing of 75mm in accordance with BS8110
 
Flooring units are generally delivered on articulated vehicles, therefore appropriate site considerations must be made
 
The Contractor must inspect the floor units at the time of delivery on Supply Only contracts and sign the delivery ticket, as no liability for damage can be accepted at a later date
 
Ensure before lifting that the crane is sited on firm level ground and there is a sufficient clear working area for turning and slewing with no overhead obstructions
 
A method statement is available on request
 

Choke-hitched chains or slings should ideally be positioned no more than 300 mm in from the ends (600mm is the absolute maximum) otherwise specific permission must been received from the manufacturer
 
Lifting chains or slings should be of sufficient length so that the included angle is not greater than 90o (45o from vertical)
 
Slabs may be provided with lifting anchors in, to assist the installation with the first and last slabs in the bay. Where they are provided, these lifting eyes are for final placement only and not to be used for lifting from the delivery vehicle. Lifters will be a Capston or Modform type and sizes as stated below:
 
S150, H150,S153 & H153: a 2.5 tonne x 110mm double headed Capstan Anchor should be used
S250 & H250: a 5.0 tonne x 180mm single headed Capstan Anchor should be used

Timber bearers must be lined vertically through the stack at a maximum 300mm from the end of the units
 
In addition to the precautions to be observed when stacking, e.g. the position of bearers, care must be taken to ensure that the ground or surface on which the components are to be stacked is suitable
 
The ground must be firm and level, and wherever possible stacking of components should be on firm hard-core or oversite concrete
 
The height to which components can be safely stacked on site will be greatly influenced by the condition of the ground on which they bear
 
Another prime consideration should be the height to which a man can reach to pass lifting chains or slings around the components. Similar length units should be stacked together

The installation of Hollowcore does require a certain level of expertise and we strongly recommend that installation work is only undertaken by fully trained installation operatives
 
The Precast Flooring Federation has published a Code of Practice for the Safe Erection of Flooring and the advice within this document should be strictly adhered to
 
Hollowcore products are designed and manufactured to suit your particular contract, and each slab must be positioned exactly in the location shown on the layout drawings provided
 
Please contact us for further information on Hollowcore installation