68 | CONSTRUCTION Slabline T T Rusell Fredric Innovative system a game changer The Slabline system comprises high-strength galvanised steel rib, which supports high-density EPS (expanded polystyrene block) void formers, completed by the placement of reinforcing bars between the EPS blocks in both directions, and reinforcing mesh above the blocks. An Auckland company is close to releasing a new suspended slab system that is expected to be a game changer in New Zealand’s commercial construction industry. Developed by Slabline, which is based in Mt Eden, the Slabline TASS (thermal acoustic slab system) is currently well through the rigorous BRANZ appraisal and quality assurance programme. Slabline is owned by former South Africans Walter Hendrikz and Brad Hall, who established the company three years ago, providing concrete construction services, consultancy, design and project-management expertise in all concrete foundations, piling, retaining walls, raft slabs, reinforced concrete ground slabs and suspended slabs. The two hold industry-related tertiary qualifications and Walter completed many projects in South Africa that incorporated TASS Group’s licensed system, which has been modified by Slabline to meet New Zealand building code standards, including seismic requirements. Development started early 2023, with the release of the New Zealand system, dubbed Slabline TASS, expected in about six months. It comprises high-strength galvanised steel rib, which supports high-density EPS (expanded polystyrene block) void formers, completed by the placement of reinforcing bars between the EPS blocks in both directions, and reinforcing mesh above the blocks. Concrete is then poured to fill the channels and encapsulate the rebar and mesh to form the structure of the floor slab. The beams, which are created by the concrete infill and rebar in the gaps between the EPS blocks, create a monolithic, two-way spanning coffer slab structure. “I saw a large gap in the market because I could see a marriage between the composite decking floors in New Zealand and the rib and infill slab systems and flat slabs,” Walter says. “This is a combination of everything that kind of competes with all of those. The application is any suspended floor, anything from one level up to as many as you require. “The advantage of the TASS system is it has a polystyrene void former, which has greater acoustic and thermal properties than any other system that’s currently in New Zealand.” Slabline TASS requires less reinforcing and concrete, is light enough to safely be lifted manually for ease of installation, and will be more cost-effective, in addition to limiting reliance on precast concrete floor systems, potentially reducing supply risk and lead times. Further, it has been supported in writing by Slabline’s key structural and engineering consultant partners, Enovate and LDE. “We sent them all the details on the product; they highly scrutinised it before they would officially back it and they have come back with some great reports and a letter of commitment that they would, once it’s been approved and is in production, be specifying it on their projects because of the various advantages.” The Slabline TASS system will have the flexibility to offer various thicknesses and lengths, and can be designed for specific load applications, with studies showing it to be more versatile than other systems, Walter says. Consequently, it can be specified in anything from residential and school buildings to high- loading areas of a structure. Slabline has the exclusive New Zealand licence for the system, and Walter expects it to be widely adopted. “The architectural advantage is huge. Just the thermal and acoustic value being greater is very good for the architects, and obviously the building. It helps them with all their energy- efficiency ratings as well,” says Walter. Slabline offers consultancy through to project management and the construction of piling and retaining walls, all foundation types, raft slabs, reinforced floor slabs, suspended slab systems and solid concrete walls, as well as steel-fixing services. It maintains strategic partnerships with trusted, proven subcontractors, who are committed to upholding Slabline’s rigorous quality standards. “The advantages in that, is that it enables us to provide a larger and full scope, providing the client with a full turn-key service, which is what they really like.” Slabline TASS requires less reinforcing and concrete, is light enough to safely be lifted manually for ease of installation, and will be more cost-effective. Office: 021 891 863 | Walter Hendrikz: 021 081 39166 | e: quotes@slabline.co.nz | www.slabline.co.nz
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