Rural Assembly

Step 1

Clear all vegetation and rubbish before levelling the site. Set out the location of the slab and holding down devices by making profiles to hold string lines.

Step 2

Excavate for edge beam and fill area beneath the slab to required levels. Note that extra trench beam may be required for slabs to support heavy machinery or for residential use.

Step 3

Clean out trenches to required depth and level the fill. Note the battered (chamfered) edges of the fill so there are no sharp corners under the slab to create future cracking points.

Step 4

Tape edges of moisture membrane so no soil contacts the concrete. Place reinforcing fabric and tie together being careful not to penetrate the plastic. Position holding down anchors.

Step 5

Spread concrete evenly, working it into all corners so there are no voids. Care needs to be taken so the reinforcing is kept at least 50mm above the membrane and that it is not penetrated.

Step 6

Do not try to pour and finish the slab in one go. Place a part at a time and screed it off as you go. When the first section is ready, trowling may begin while placement continues.

Step 7

Screeding remove excess concrete while levelling the slab. Trowling brings air bubbles to the surface and must be carried out before the concrete sets.

Step 8

Concrete is said to be "green" before it hardens properly. Although it looks hard, it can easily be damaged and should be protected and kept moist while curing.