Building designs have evolved over time with structural engineers continually developing innovative concepts that prioritise both environmental sustainability and cost savings.
One of those modern concepts is Cobiax technology, which utilises a unique hollow-core slab system to reduce the amount of concrete needed in floor and roof construction. This is done by incorporating spherical void formers made of plastic.
Cobiax is a company name from Germany that utilises modern designs to create innovative building solutions.
Currently, most structural engineers and developers use concrete to build rooms, a practice that is more common in residential and commercial areas where storied buildings are necessary.
How it works
According to experts, this method is used at two stages of construction, either at the foundation or at the roofing level.
In this new technology, once the house reaches the preferred level of use, spherical balls are placed inside metal reinforcement bars filling up the space that was initially taken up by a lot of concrete in old construction models. A layer of concrete is then added to spherical balls.
Benefits
The old roofing and flooring methods often employed a risk factor though minimal, where a lot of weight was added to the overall structure due to the large amount of concrete used.
Experts, however, swear that this method reduces the weight load by eliminating dead load. Further, it offers the construction of a membrane-reinforced concrete slab in the upper and lower beams as well as the formation of internal network 2 along the placement of the balls across the central space.
A single truckload of preassembled Cobiax void balls can replace the equivalent of seven truckloads of concrete, while one truckload of unassembled Cobiax components can substitute up to 25 truckloads of concrete.
This method also reduces the amount of steel required to reinforce the concrete, translating to a more cost-effective and efficient construction process.
By recycling the waste plastics to make the balls, the technology offers an immediate alternative to recycle the waste materials.
Cement production is also associated with a complex industrial process that is associated with carbon emissions. The reduction of the amount of concrete used means that its use is reduced significantly.
Additionally, the technology allows for better energy efficiency in buildings. The hollow cores in the slabs help to improve insulation, reducing the need for heating and cooling. This contributes to lower energy consumption and sustainable building practices.
Application
This technology can be applied in the construction of any type of house. Currently, the technology is highly used in developed areas where large-scale commercial and residential buildings where open spaces are required without excessive weight.
The Cobiax technology is also appropriate for the construction of high-rise buildings, bridges, and parking garages.
This technology is set to significantly redefine the construction industry, especially at a time when the world seems to be moving to environmental sustainability and design flexibility.
