When constructing a building, the choice of flooring system can have a significant impact on the overall cost of the project. In this article, we’ll examine the differences between traditional and beam and block floor slabs and provide a detailed analysis of the costs associated with each. Whether you’re a builder, architect, or simply someone interested in construction, this post will give you valuable insights into the financial aspects of selecting a flooring system for your next project.
Construction Works Rates
The construction rates prepared by consultants are priced for projects with fully equipped contractors working on large projects. For Individual builders and small contractors, the cost ends up significantly higher as they must hire machinery, equipment and means of transport.
There is a high amount of wastage in traditional slabs construction, arising from stockpiling of materials in heaps. The bottom layer of the heaps is wasted from mixing with soil, organic matter, and rainwater runoff. The construction rates do not allow for this wastage which is considerable. Ecoconcrete Beam and Block slab has less wastage has fixed cost and no hidden costs as the slab are manufactured in a controlled environment therefore the quality is also guaranteed.
Transportation
On a slab of 100m2, using the precast option requires one 27-ton lorry to deliver to site. The traditional slab option requires one 27-ton lorry ballast, one 12-ton lorry sand and one 7-ton Cement lorries, one 7-ton lorry formwork, one 7-ton lorry concrete mixer, poker vibrators.
This difference arises from the multiple construction items transported separately in traditional slabs compared to precast. Also, since the construction materials don’t fill up the lorry capacity, more trips will be required.
Sites with black cotton soils
For construction of ground slabs on sites with black cotton soils, would involve excavation and disposal of the expansive soil. Followed by backfilling the excavated areas with non-expansive soils before construction.
Precast concrete use on ground slabs reduces the volume of earthworks on sites as excavation is limited to the load bearing walls and/or column footings. Ground slab of 100m2 with average 1.5m deep expansive soil, traditional slab requires 25 Trips while precast slab requires 5 Trips.
Storage Space Constraints
Traditional concrete works require a large space is required for stockpiling concrete material therefore for sites with limited space, execution is a challenge making the traditional option less cost effective. In such cases a precast slab is more practical as it is a ready slab and requires less space for storage. Therefore cubbing construction costs .
Formwork Shuttering
Conventional slabs require formwork and propping to support the slab as the concrete cures.
Setting up and erecting formwork is not only costly but also time-consuming. Moreover, it demands skilled personnel, including masons, carpenters, and steel fixers, to execute the work efficiently. Additionally, a curing period of at least 21 days is necessary before stripping off the formwork, further delaying construction progress.
However, the Ecoconcrete beam and block slab eliminates the need for formwork entirely, as its self-supporting system allows beams and blocks to fit seamlessly into each other. Furthermore, it does not require skilled labor for installation, significantly reducing labor costs. Most importantly, the floor provides an immediate working platform, enabling construction to proceed without delays.
Construction costs that way will be minimized
Comparison table
| EcoConcrete beam and block slab | Traditional slab |
| 1. Fixed cost (no wastage, theft) | 1. Variable cost (wastage, theft) |
| 2. Quality assured (factory produced) | 2. Quality variable depending on personnel skill |
| 3. No skilled labor required to execute | 3. Requires various skilled labor to execute |
| 4. Weather resistant | 4. Affected by weather |
| 5. No curing time, precast | 5. Requires minimum 21 days curing time |
| 6. Formwork shuttering not required | 6. Formwork shuttering required |
| 7. No propping required | 7. Propping required |
| 8. Low transportation cost | 8. High transportation cost |
| 9. Minimal Excavation and backfill works | 9. Large volumes of Excavation and backfilling works |
| 10. No steel reinforcement required | 10. Steel reinforcement required |
Conclusion
The Ecoconcrete beam and block option offers numerous benefits, including fixed costs, minimal wastage, and lower transportation expenses. Moreover, since production takes place in a controlled factory environment, it guarantees higher concrete quality. Additionally, this system works exceptionally well for sites with black cotton soil and limited space, significantly improving construction efficiency.
On the other hand, traditional slabs come with variable costs, excessive material wastage, and higher transportation expenses. Furthermore, they require costly installation on sites with black cotton soil. As a result, they often lead to lower concrete quality, which ultimately affects the structure’s overall durability.
That’s why you need Ecoconcrete to get of these construction costs.