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Unique product saves slabs from perils below One of the biggest threats to the long-term integrity of any concrete structure lies often beneath it, in the ground conditions. BildaVOID products provide an ecologically responsible and entirely cost-effective solution, with patented sacrificial self-collapsing form work which can protect structural concrete slabs from the impacts of reactive soils, ground movement, mine subsidence and vibration effects. Developed and patented by Frederick Mancer, these void forms are manufactured from recycled fibreboard, with a unique internal partition construction which gives them weight-bearing capacity to provide a temporary support platform for concrete placement and curing, after which their moisture-absorbent properties enable them to decompose, leaving a void between the slab and the ground, which allows for ground expansion without damage to the structure above. BildaVOID products are used between drilled piers, pads, intermittent footings or other supporting concrete work, with only a hand saw required to facilitate pipes and services. “Back in the 1970’s, Mr Mancer saw a need in the construction industry for a product that could create a void under a concrete slab. This came about from Mr Mancer’s 50 years operating a successful construction business (FJ Mancer Building Company Pty. Ltd.), and his experiences with reactive soil, and the damage caused to foundations and structures post-construction,” explained BildaVOID Director, Christine Mancer. “Mr Mancer spent many years perfecting a system, successfully patenting the product in Australia and New Zealand. The product was later redesigned to 1100mm x 1100mm dimensions, which is ideal for stacking on pallets without overhang for transporting to sites.” BildaVOID’s range of products includes FilaVOID, an Expanded Paper Honeycomb (EPH) panel which is sheet faced top and bottom. 28
ANCR SPECIAL FOCUS
FilaVOID is available in standard depths of 50mm, 75mm, 100mm, 125mm, 150mm, 175mm, 200mm and any other depth can be custommanufactured as required. BildaVOID’s SupaVOID is manufactured from recycled cardboard, with an interior of corrugated fibreboard sections for strength. The outer sleeve has a polymer coating to give the void formers water resistance. SupaVOID load bearing capacity has been independently tested as between 7740kg (77.4kN) to 10250kg (102.05kN) per m2, depending upon thickness of the panel. The panels can also be stacked to achieve greater void heights. BildaVOID also supply Polystyrene waffle pods for use in ribbed raft slabs, and Expanded Polystrene (EPS) to ratings L, SL, S, M, H & VH, for use as thermal insulation, as a permanent void former and as a concrete displacement product which can reduce the amount of concrete required for construction. Some of the nations’ biggest projects have been using BildaVOID products, including Sydney Opera House; Barangaroo; The Olympic Stadium at Homebush; Queensland’s Curtis LNG; the Centre for Advanced Animal Studies; George Bass School; BUPA Baulkham Hills; and BER projects throughout New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. Director Christine Mancer brought to BildaVOID 20 years of experience in the construction industry. Her expertise as a project coordinator and understanding of the construction process enables BildaVOID to work with clients to develop the right solution for the construction task at hand, and then deliver it in a timely manner which coordinates with the works program. For more information contact BildaVOID Concrete Void Forming Systems, phone 1300 369 253, fax 1300 768 272, email: info@bildavoid.com.au, website: www.bildavoid.com.au AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW