Tested and Approved.

Research.

Research topics included:

  • Structural security

  • Bending

  • Shear force

  • Punching

  • Dynamic behavior

  • Fire protection

  • Bond

  • Serviceability

  • Deflection

  • Cracking

  • Shrinking & Creep

  • Phonic behavior

  • Corrosion

  • Core thermal activation

  • Other aspects

  • Execution details

  • Recycling

  • CO2 savings

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Performance.

Tested Performance. Bending tests each for solid and voided slab samples confirmed that voided concrete slab behavior, using the systems offered by Cobiax USA, Inc. does not differ from a solid slab.

Extensive research conducted around the world has demonstrated voided concrete slab performance. Essential structural research has been conducted at universities in Europe and the United States to ensure that voids, and completed structures that will contain them, will perform as expected.

Research methodologies included:

  • Academic

  • Theoretic

  • Lab testing

  • On-site assessments

Fire Rating.

Fire Protection Tested. International building code (IBC, chapter 7) mandates two prescriptive parameters for specific fire ratings: minimum effective thickness, and concrete cover on rebar.

CobiaxUSA voided slabs were tested to determine a fire rating in accordance with ASTM E-119. The test was conducted at NGC Testing in Buffalo NY and consisted of a full-scale slab measuring 8” thick by 14’x18’. The slab was reinforced with two mats of #4 reinforcing steel with conventional ¾” cover, normal weight 4,000 psi concrete and SL-100 CobiaxUSA voids. The slab was loaded with water filled canisters to simulate a live load of 80 psf. The test lasted approximately three (3) hours and was terminated once the E-119 threshold requirements were met. As a result of this test, IBC 2021 (722.2.2.1.4) recognizes voided slabs with a fire rating of up to two (2) hours.   

“The technology offered by Cobiax USA, Inc. can be effectively incorporated in a voided concrete flat plate slab and is in conformity with the existing concrete construction standards and design procedures.”

— MICHAEL A. RUSSILLO, P.E.