Simple Slab Elements for Environmentally Friendly Construction Technology

Abstract

Concrete industry poses a great threat to the environment not only by its consumption of natural resources, but also in its role on the global emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from cement industries which in turn results into global warming. In light of these scenarios, serious interventions have to be incorporated in designs to promote sustainable construction and prevent environmental pollution and degradation. In order to minimize the use of cement, a study has been done by developing simple soil arch elements which can be used to support the topping concrete slab of around 30 mm thick. The technique utilizes the semi-prefab technology and therefore eliminates the use of shuttering for slab panel construction. Through this study, it has been shown that the consumption of cement is reduced to 49.32% while the timber formwork is reduced to 60.00%. The technique is recommended for application in upper floor slab casting as it reduces the cost of construction and is environmentally friendly.