What Does a Prefabricated House Slab Look Like?

A prefabricated house slab is a cement component manufactured in a factory, typically made by mixing raw materials such as cement and gravel, and then shaped and cured in a mold. Its appearance and structure vary depending on the type.

Appearance, Shape, and Types

The shape and size of prefabricated slabs can be customized according to actual needs. Common shapes include rectangular and circular, with rectangular being the most prevalent. Based on their internal structure, prefabricated slabs are divided into two types: solid and hollow. Hollow prefabricated slabs achieve lightweighting by reducing the amount of concrete in non-load-bearing parts. They usually have regularly arranged holes inside, which reduce weight while maintaining structural strength. During production, a hollow mold is first made using wooden boards. After arranging steel bars in the hollow part of the mold, cement is poured in and allowed to cure. Once dry, the wooden boards are knocked off, forming a hollow slab with holes.

Dimensions and Specifications

The dimensions of prefabricated slabs must meet the requirements of the building structure. Common parameters are as follows:

• Span: The span of prefabricated slabs for residential use generally does not exceed 4.2 meters. Excessive length may lead to insufficient load-bearing capacity or deformation risks.
• Width: They are mostly 500 millimeters or 600 millimeters wide, matching the spacing between building walls or beams to ensure installation stability.
• Thickness: Common thicknesses are 120 millimeters or 150 millimeters. Increasing the thickness enhances load-bearing capacity but also increases self-weight.

Structural Characteristics

• Solid Prefabricated Slabs: These have no holes inside and are entirely composed of concrete and steel bars. They have strong load-bearing capacity but are relatively heavy, suitable for scenarios with high load-bearing requirements and small spans.
• Hollow Prefabricated Slabs: By reducing the amount of concrete through internal holes, they are lighter in weight, facilitating transportation and installation. Meanwhile, the steel bar framework ensures structural strength, making them suitable for buildings with large spans or moderate load requirements.

Manufacturing Process

Prefabricated slabs are produced in a standardized manner in factories, with the process including:

1. Making molds according to design requirements (e.g., rectangular or circular).
2. Arranging steel bars inside the mold to form a framework that enhances tensile strength.
3. Pouring a cement mixture (cement, gravel, sand, etc.) and vibrating it to remove air bubbles.
4. Waiting for the concrete to cure and then removing the mold to form the finished prefabricated slab.

Prefabricated slabs ensure dimensional accuracy and quality stability through industrial production, making them commonly used floor or roof slab components in modern buildings.