Hollow core slabs are long prestressed concrete planks with continuous voids running through them. The voids cut weight without cutting much strength, so the planks span a long way and go up fast. They are used for floors and roofs in apartment blocks, offices, schools and large houses. ConcreteSlab.co.za is a free quote service. You fill in one form and we pass your request to independent precast manufacturers and suppliers in your area, who quote you directly. We do not make, sell or install planks. There is no fee and no obligation.
What hollow core slabs are
A hollow core plank is made by extruding or slip-forming concrete over tensioned steel strands on a long casting bed. Round or oval voids run along its length. The bed is cut into planks to your lengths once the concrete has gained strength.
The strands are prestressed, which means they hold the plank in compression before any load arrives. This lets a shallow plank span much further than ordinary reinforced concrete of the same depth.
Planks are usually about 1.2 m wide. Depths range from roughly 150 mm to 400 mm, and the right depth depends on the span and the load.
Where hollow core is the right choice
Hollow core planks suit projects with repeated spans and clear access for a crane.
- Apartment and student blocks: fast floor-by-floor construction.
- Offices, shops and schools: long spans with fewer columns and beams.
- Parking decks: heavily loaded floors designed by an engineer.
- Large houses: where a wide span or a big living space is wanted.
The planks give a flat soffit, which is good for ceilings, and some fire resistance. They are less suited to small jobs, awkward shapes or sites a crane cannot reach.
Design, installation and finishing
An engineer designs the floor to SANS 10100-1 and specifies the plank depth, strength, bearing and topping. Prestressed planks are made at high strengths, commonly 40 MPa or more, so confirm this with the maker.
- Cutting: do not cut planks on site or chase large holes without the engineer's approval.
- Bearing: planks sit on beams or walls with bearing pads or mortar.
- Joints: grout fills the joints between planks, and a structural topping is often added.
- Services: openings for pipes and stairs are planned and cast in the factory where possible.
Plan the crane, the stacking area and the delivery route before the first load arrives.
What affects your quote
People search for hollow core slab prices, but a price depends on the project. We never give prices here. Makers will look at:
- Total floor area, plank depth, length and quantity.
- Engineer's design, loads and fire rating.
- Cut-outs, edges and cast-in fixings.
- Delivery distance, truck size and crane hire.
- Topping concrete, mesh and grouting.
- Production slot and lead time.
Send drawings with your request. Planks are made to order, so exact lengths matter.
Comparing hollow core slabs quotes
Concrete products are priced on the detail, so compare like with like. When quotes arrive, check:
- Exact product: the strength class, size, grade or reference number, and that it meets the relevant SANS standard.
- Quantity and minimums: the unit (m³, m², sheets, bags or panels), any minimum order and part-load charges.
- Delivery: the delivery fee, the truck size, offloading and whether the site can take the truck.
- VAT and validity: whether VAT is included, how long the price holds and the lead time.
What to include in your request
- Attach drawings or give the spans and total floor area.
- State the loads and any fire-rating requirement.
- List the openings for stairs, pipes and ducts.
- Describe crane access and where planks can be stacked.
- Add your town and your delivery date.
Frequently asked questions
Does ConcreteSlab.co.za supply hollow core slabs?
What is a hollow core slab?
How far can a hollow core slab span?
Can I make holes in a hollow core plank?
Hollow Core Slabs by province
- Hollow Core Slabs Gauteng
- Hollow Core Slabs Mpumalanga
- Hollow Core Slabs North West
- Hollow Core Slabs Limpopo
- Hollow Core Slabs Northern Cape
- Hollow Core Slabs Free State
- Hollow Core Slabs KwaZulu-Natal
- Hollow Core Slabs Eastern Cape
- Hollow Core Slabs Western Cape
Hollow Core Slabs by city and town
- Hollow Core Slabs in Johannesburg
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- Hollow Core Slabs in Sandton
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- Hollow Core Slabs in Klerksdorp
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- Hollow Core Slabs in Newcastle
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- Hollow Core Slabs in East London
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- Hollow Core Slabs in Cape Town
- Hollow Core Slabs in Bellville
- Hollow Core Slabs in Paarl
- Hollow Core Slabs in Stellenbosch
- Hollow Core Slabs in George
- Hollow Core Slabs in Worcester
