The Placing Begins — Concrete in voided concrete slabs is placed in two sequential steps that ensure slab integrity.

F.A. Wilhelm Construction introduced an innovative voided concrete slab to create efficiency, both in construction and over the long-term in Seymour, Indiana’s new Schneck Medical Office Building.

The new addition to the Schneck Medical Center has changed the face of the hospital and introduced building technology that is changing the way concrete slabs can be built as well.

This Slim-Line CobiaxUSA system, introduced in North America 10 years ago, created a lighter and more efficient for each floor of the five-story medical office building. The system uses void formers made from recycled plastic in areas of concrete slab where solid concrete is not needed which greatly reduces the weight of the slabs.

Not only did this remove heavy materials from slabs, it reduced the weight the foundations must carry, a cost savings there as well.

“It creates an air void in the center of the slab,” said Jason Fee, the Director of Facilities at Schneck. “It makes it lighter weight, but doesn’t hurt the strength”

PROJECT VOIDED SLAB ACHIEVEMENTS:

• Matched existing building with low floor-to-floor heights

• Concrete Reduction: 639 cubic yards

• Slab Reduction: 14” to 10”