Next generation building systems and technologies.
Providing construction companies & independent builders with innovative solutions to manage their turn-key projects more efficiently.
Executive Summary
The construction industry around the world is constantly reinventing itself to keep up with demand for better
quality buildings, safer, stronger systems and better insulation qualities which result in reduced electricity,
a ‘Green Solution’.
One only has to look at all the recent disasters around the world, where thousands of people have been killed by substandard buildings. Not to mention, increasing labor costs and demands.
We need to realize the “Norm” in some countries is no longer acceptable. Building better, stronger buildings that withstand Earthquakes, Floods and Cyclones can only be achieved by innovative design, and use of modern materials.
Advanced Building Systems (ABS), have developed a proven system and Block that resolves all of the fore mentioned issues. ABS has been tested by world recognised testing laboratories, to demonstrate it’s Cyclone 4 rated & Earthquake resistant qualities. ABS delivers a solution that has considerable benefits in material cost and time. The system is unique in that it comprises of 3 components of which can be used collectively or individually.
ABS Blocks
These are similar in size to a conventional concrete block, however the distinct difference being is what is called a dry-stack system. This means there is no cement between the joints.
The unique design is similar to that of a Lego block. This enables a semi-skilled person to lay up to 500 blocks per day rather than the 90 to 100 a day for the conventional concrete block.
The ABS blocks can also use up to 20 litres of shredded plastic in each block, whilst still maintaining their strength. This helps to dispose of plastic in an environmentally safe manner. A mixture is developed to suit whatever materials are available in any particular location.
Polystyrene Waffle Pods
These are a polystyrene section measuring approximately 1090mmx 1090mm with varying thicknesses. Using this product for a floor slab on buildings up to 4 stories high eliminates the need for deep footings, which can take days or even weeks in countries such as India or Indonesia. This product has a saving of approximately 40-45% in concrete and acts as a thermal insulator. (See detailed explanation)
Why Waffle Pods ?
The waffle pod footing system is a better way of building concrete slabs for new homes, extensions or commercial
buildings. The most efficient way to construct waffle pod slabs is to use advanced interlocked components, which ensure maximum control of every concrete pour.
Waffle Pod Footing System allows more accurate specifications of concrete quantities, reduces waste and provides a substantial boost to building site efficiency.
It has minimal impact on the environment – there is less soil disturbance and no excavated rubble from trenches to dispose of. The on-ground slab, with air pockets created by the pods, forms an insulating layer between the structure and the ground.
The Waffle Pod Footing System is the winner of an Engineering Excellence Award from the Institution of Engineers Australia, and complies with all relevant Australian codes and standards.
Polystyrene rafts and waffle pods have
revolutionized the concreting industry over the last decade. A waffle pod
system can save considerable money. The waffle pod system uses polystyrene void
formers arranged on the levelling building area in a grid (waffle) pattern with
reinforcing between and above the void formers.
Concrete fills the spaces
between and across the Ribbed Raft to form a slab over the entire area.
The
spaces between the void formers effectively become concrete beams on ribs
resulting in a slab which is a structural element of immense strength.
Speed Slab
These are what we call in-situ formwork.
It eliminates the need to erect plywood or similar materials to form a structure to pour concrete onto, which when set and cured becomes a floor, as distinct from the ground slab which uses waffle pods. Speed Slab requires less
props, uses 45% less concrete and saves around 80% in time. (See Diagram)
The Polystyrene section has 2 metal
strips running along it’s entire length. This enables workers to walk on them
with minimum propping, around 5-6 feet apart. Manufactured in 6 metre lengths
with Tongue and Groove joining profile. It can be easily cut to size as
required. No removal of ply etc. “Stripping”. The polystyrene also
serves as a great noise insulation for lower and upper floors. Huge time saving
can be as much as 80%.
Key Features of the Waffle Pod Slab System
– Less site work/ no trenching
– Time savings and greater efficiency
– Lower costs, especially on reactive soil sites
– Work can continue in adverse weather conditions
– More accurate specifications of concrete volumes and less wastage
– Simplicity of construction using interlock components
– Better insulation from ground and less environmental disturbance
ABS Plant - Higher Automation, Higher Efficiency
The production of blocks and other brick products is a fully automated process.
Once the products are pressed from the Mould, they are removed by an operator with the help of a trolley.
They are then transferred to a curing area. They are manually palletized at a later stage.
This step can be automated by adding additional machinery components.
This is an economical model perfect for developing countries.
It is robust, extremely user friendly and only requires 3-4 people to operate it.
A vast range of molds can be fitted within 30-40 minutes.
The Selection of molds that can be fitted are only limited by one’s imagination.
Land Size Requirements
Approximately 2000sqm is required with a
covered area for the plant and block drying process.