Beam-to-beam flooring (BBF) can be described as an economic, safe and functional system currently being utilized in slab construction both locally and internationally. It comprises of high performance pre-stressed concrete beams, concrete hollow blocks and a topping that work together to result in a robust slab.
The pre-stressed concrete T-beams have a 100mm wide and 50mm deep flange with a web that is 50mm wide and 100mm deep. It is these T-beam joists that work in tandem with the concrete hollow blocks to support the 50mm topping and all manner of design loads imposed on them.
The hollow blocks used in this system have a high compressive load i.e. 3N/mm2 thus function as structural elements unlike your typical hollow blocks that function as “fillers” meant to achieve required structural depth. These hollow blocks lock by 100mm on either side of the pre-stressed concrete beams. The load path is therefore from the topping to the hollow blocks to the pre-stressed beams to the reinforced concrete beams of that particular floor to the columns and finally to the foundations.
Production
The pre-stressed concrete T-beams are cast in a pre-stressing yard where all the necessary design parameters are controlled to achieve a high quality product. A concrete mix design that achieves class 60 i.e. a compressive load of 60N/mm2 is used. 5mm tendons are stretched between stable end-anchorage points and concreted over a casting bed before being allowed to sufficiently cure. The tendons are released after the concrete has achieved minimum desired strength. The length requirements for each beam is determined prior to casting to avoid wastage.
Usually, all stresses induced by loads on reinforced concrete structures are mainly carried by reinforcement bars. However, in pre-stressed members such as the beams in Beam2beam the stresses are induced in the entire member. The end result is a structural product that is better at managing vibrations and shocks compared to conventional concrete.
Applications
Pre-stressing is typically used to allow for longer spans and/or minimize the structural depth of beams and slabs. Pre-stressed elements are commonly used in the following areas, span being a major consideration; floor beams, bridges, water tanks, runways, roofs, railroad ties, poles etc. A key benefit is that pre-stressed concrete elements can more economically span longer distances than conventionally-reinforced concrete elements. This is of benefit in infrastructure e.g. bridges as well as in buildings with respect to beams and slabs.
It is now commonly used for floor beams, piles and railways sleepers, as well as structures such as bridges, water tanks, roofs and runways. Generally, prestressed concrete is not necessary for columns and walls, however, it can be used economically for tall columns and high retaining walls with high bending stresses.
As a general rule, traditional reinforced concrete is the most economic method for a span of up to 6 m.
DESIGNED TO BE BETTER
Simplicity of design means quick and easy on site assembly of Tee- Beams. Once erected this floor provides a safe working platform for site operatives the space between joist to joist is filled with Hollow blocks. Service pipes, electrical wiring etc can all be easily incorporated into the build. Tee- Beams offer longer spans than timber floor construction; this is beneficial when building larger rooms.
EFFICIENT AND SAFE
A superior alternative to traditional timber floor construction Tee-Beams and block filling not only offer warm energy efficient buildings but also quieter ones.
The mass of prestressed concrete floors provides an effective sound barrier, offering future inhabitants a more appealing habitat. Due to the fire-resistant nature of pre-stressed concrete structures are also safer. These inherent qualities make concrete homes better homes.
Benefits
The benefits of utilizing BBF system are:
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