MANUEL S.

ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

RESEARCH 1

SHAIRA SHAINE G. BALANDRA

BT115 – BLK A

MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

COLOF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

PROF. AR. JEARLENE LIPA

 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

I. Floor and Roof Slab System

LIFT SLAB

Lift slab construction, created by Youtz-Slick in the early 1950s, is an economical way to
build with concrete, commonly used for structures like office buildings, apartments, parking
garages, and hotels. This method consists of pouring concrete slabs on the ground, stacking
them, and then raising them onto columns using hydraulic jacks. It is especially beneficial for tall
buildings, as it significantly reduces the need for formwork.

The process starts with laying the foundation and putting up columns that have special
lifting collars. Slabs are constructed on the ground, one above the other, and then lifted into place
with hydraulic jacks positioned on the columns. Initially, slabs were lifted individually, but a
new system was later developed to lift them in groups, placing one slab at each floor level. These
lift slabs are precast concrete panels made on a base slab at ground level, separated by a bond-
 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

breaking membrane. Steel collars are built into the slabs and fit loosely around the columns.
Once the slabs have cured, they are raised to their final positions using a patented jack system on
the columns, and the collars are welded to the columns to secure the slabs. This technique nearly
eliminates the need for formwork and reduces the number of joints compared to other precast
systems. Typically, columns are built first, and the floor slabs are poured in order near the base
of the columns, with a parting compound used to prevent bonding. The roof slab is poured last,
on top of everything.

Special lifting collars or shearheads are installed in the slabs at the columns, and a bond-
breaking substance is used between the slabs to keep them apart. Once the slabs have cured
sufficiently to achieve the required strength, strong hydraulic jacks placed on top of the columns
lift the slabs into their designated positions. A console linked to each hydraulic jack ensures that
the check nuts turn the same number of times, allowing the concrete slab to be raised evenly at
all points.
Lift slab construction is suitable for buildings up to about 16 stories high and allows for
economical column spacing between 22 and 32 feet. This method provides excellent fire
resistance and sound insulation, along with thermal storage capabilities that help manage
temperature fluctuations caused by sunlight, outdoor temperature changes, and indoor heating.
Additionally, concrete flat plate floors and roofs minimize building volume, which can lead to
lower taxes and reduced heating and wall expenses.
 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

An improved lifting procedure

In the last 33 years, construction methods have changed, leading

to better lift slab work. The introduction of pumping and pre-
stressing has enhanced the efficiency of cast-in-place flat plate
work. Improvements in jack positioning now enable the
construction of columns up to 6 stories high without needing
field splices. Each jack is held up by a welded plate, which will
eventually support the slab shearhead.

Another enhancement regulates the lift amount at each column.

A steel tape connects each column to a central sensing unit in a
console, which tracks movements and automatically controls
pumps to keep the floor level. Safety is ensured by electrically operated nuts that move with the
hydraulic cylinders. If a space appears above a nut, an alarm sounds, and the pump halts,
providing backup protection in case of hydraulic issues.

With these advancements, a company in Florida has built twenty 2- and 3-story structures, saving
up to five weeks of time per building and reducing costs by as much as 20%. The elevated
concrete floors are priced at $3.45 per square foot, fully installed, and the second-floor slabs can
be raised in just one day. Recently, the company completed a 350,000-square-foot, 6-story
building for HUD and produces around one million square feet of lift slab buildings annually.

A new lift slab system has been introduced in Latin America, enabling the simultaneous lifting of
concrete bearing walls along with the slabs. A contractor has utilized this technique to construct
more than 20,000 apartment units, covering a total area of 14 million square feet. In this method,
 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

concrete bearing walls are poured flat alongside the slabs and connected to them using loops of
plastic rope, which act as hinges. When the slab is
lifted, each wall panel automatically positions itself,
removing the necessity for costly steel columns or
lifting collars. The steel columns used during the setup
can be taken out and used again in other projects.

The building process uses a crane, a bottle jack, and

shoring to raise the second floor a bit at specific spots,
which helps with the final plumbing of the ground
floor wall. The columns are made stable by fastening
them to the second-floor slab, while the beams are
connected to the stack of slabs using rods at their ends.
The design allows for thin, 5-inch floors because of the short spans during and after the lifting.
Walls that are only 4 inches thick work well due to their long support length. Additionally, the
columns and bridges can be reused many times and are easy to move to new locations.

SPAN STRESS SYSTEM

 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

Span stress is a lightweight and efficient system that reduces or removes the need for
scaffolding, making it easier to move and manage. It features span-stressed pre-stressed T-joists
that can work with filler blocks, foldable steel forms, or plywood forms. The concrete is poured
in one go and is secured to the structure with connection reinforcement. This floor span system is
ideal for situations where there are floor slabs without suitable fixing points in between. Custom
brackets are attached to the floor slabs, and a strong aluminum box section connects the floors.
Cladding can be attached either with visible or hidden fasteners to this box section. The Span-
stress system is lightweight yet supports heavy loads and long spans, ranging from 3.00 to 9.00
meters. It uses less concrete on-site and minimizes the need for steel reinforcement. By
eliminating wooden frameworks, it can save up to 20% compared to traditional systems and
speeds up the construction process. This system provides a durable, minimal, and nearly
maintenance-free structure, keeping the job site clean and safe. There is no universal solution for
different buildings since needs vary based on usage. Designers should choose the simplest
solution that meets the project’s needs, as this familiarity will ease the design, fabrication, and
assembly processes. Simple steel floor systems also lead to lower labor and costs, with fewer
structural components, less fabrication, fire-protected surfaces, and reduced design time.

SLIP FORM METHOD

Slip formwork is a contemporary technique for pouring concrete that uses a moving
framework system. As the formwork ascends, concrete is continuously poured until the desired
 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

height is achieved. This method requires

careful observation of the pouring and
setting process to avoid overheating. It is
ideal for quick construction of unique
structures such as cooling towers,
chimneys, silos, roadways, and bridges, but
it is only applicable for buildings taller than
16 meters. The process is highly
automated, making it the quickest method
in the construction field, which reduces
labor costs and increases efficiency. Slip formwork is versatile and can be used for various
projects, including high-rise buildings, chimneys, steel tanks, and water towers, by vertically
shaping reinforced concrete to form regular structures. This technique is particularly beneficial
for constructing large chimneys, cooling towers, and piers, as it allows for different wall
thicknesses and designs. It is also a cost-effective solution for creating large cisterns in industrial
settings, ensuring consistent and high-quality construction for water towers.

Components Of Slip Formwork

1. Vertical forms are constructed from materials like metal, wood, plywood, or glass-fiber
reinforced plastic, and their primary role is to shape the concrete during the pouring process.

2. Wales are essential components that secure the vertical forms in position and provide support
for scaffolding and other work platforms.

3. Yoke legs are designed to lift and support the weight of the entire structure, effectively
transferring lifting forces from the jacks to the wales, and they also connect with beams and
scaffolding.
 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

4. Jacks are attached to jack rods and are responsible for generating the lifting force needed for
the entire slip form system.

5. Jack rods serve as the vertical elements that the jacks climb to provide the necessary height
and support for the slip formwork.

Types of Slip Formwork

1. Vertical slip formwork utilizes the concept of extrusion in concrete construction. It relies on
the quick-setting nature of concrete, which allows for initial strength gain while still being
workable. During the pouring process, both the concrete form and the working platform are lifted
together in a continuous vertical motion using hydraulic jacks.

2. Horizontal slip formwork is designed for creating pavements and traffic separation walls. In
this approach, concrete is poured, vibrated, and settled in place as the form gradually moves
forward.

3. The cantilever jump form method is a slipforming technique that operates independently of
cranes. It is connected to a large formwork area at the height of each story, providing maximum
safety and a self-climbing system for walls, columns, supports, and floor slabs.

4. The egg-shaped slip form system is based on the jump form principle and can be adapted to
various geometric shapes. It allows for individual adjustments in curvature by modifying the axis
and vertical slope, ensuring optimal working conditions on each side of the wall.

5. Canonical slip formwork enables monolithic construction with varying layouts without steps.
It employs horizontally movable formwork structures mounted on hydraulically adjustable
tapering elements. The overhead girder star serves as the central point of the tower, connecting
all main beams to create a uniform scaffolding while also functioning as an upper work platform.
 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

This technique is particularly useful for building structures with continuously changing
dimensions and wall thicknesses.

Advantages Of Slip Formwork

Slip formwork allows for continuous and fast concrete pouring, leading to high
production speeds and seamless structures. It does not require scaffolding, provides improved
concrete finishes, lowers labor costs, creates a safer work environment, and increases available
workspace while removing the need for cranes. This method conserves materials, enhances
strength and precision, and results in consistent wall sections and designs. Additionally, it
removes the need for plastering and saves on formwork materials, offering greater strength and
accuracy compared to traditional methods.

Disadvantages of Slipform Construction

Slipform construction comes with various drawbacks. These include high upfront expenses, a
lengthy assembly process, the necessity for skilled oversight, challenges in storing materials, the
importance of effective coordination, the requirement for substantial equipment, and the need for
ongoing work regardless of weather. Additionally, it demands specialized supervision and
management.

II. Wall Panel System

Different types of end-uses for buildings have different requirements for the exterior
treatment of each building. The wall system used for an office isn’t going to be the same as the
one used for a food packing facility and you wouldn't use the same for a warehouse as you would
for a school or a church. The framework of buildings can all be very similar, however, the
 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

exterior cladding or the wall systems can vary and can change the functionality, the appearance,
and the cost of the building itself.

FLAT WALL SYSTEM

The flat wall system is a pre-insulated solution

that improves energy efficiency inside buildings while
providing a sleek outside appearance. It can be paired
with other Butler wall systems or traditional materials
such as bricks and glass. Its interlocking joint design
makes it simple to fit panels together, speeding up the
installation process. With a panel width of 16 inches, it supports nearly any standard interior
finish. The rigid insulation board, installed at the factory, enhances energy efficiency. Offered in
a range of attractive colors, this system is perfect for manufacturing facilities, office buildings,
and community centers.

RIBBED TYPE

Ribbed metal

Ribbed metal panels are a unique and aesthetically

pleasing option for wall systems. These panels feature
sloping sides and trapezoidal-shaped voids at the side lap,
providing bending strength and a unique approach to traditional metal panels. Available in
lengths up to 43', they eliminate the need for end laps, ensuring wall integrity and weather-
tightness. Available in 26-24 gauge, these panels are 36 inches wide and 12 inches high, reaching
lengths of up to 41 feet. They come in multiple color choices, a KXL finish, and a 25-year paint
 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

warranty. Installation is done using self-drilling supports matching the panel color, and an
optional cracked base feature is available. These panels offer strong durability, appealing looks,
long panel sizes, high-quality paint finishes, no need for base trim, and cost-effectiveness for
various building uses.

Ribbed Type concrete site-cast

Ribbed concrete site-cast walls are made using special

formworks that create a series of grooves or ridges on the
concrete surface. This design is visually attractive and
enhances the wall's strength, as the ribs provide added
support. The ribbed effect is produced by pouring concrete into formworks designed with a
repeating rib pattern. This method is flexible and suitable for various uses, including both
decorative and structural purposes. Ribbed concrete walls combine appealing textures with
strong construction and can help minimize material use.

Ribbed Type Concrete Panel

Ribbed concrete walls, created from precast

panels featuring ribs, provide strong support and
good sound insulation. The ribs help absorb and
scatter sound waves, which minimizes echoes and
reverberation. This is especially useful in areas that
require high sound quality, such as auditoriums, conference rooms, or homes. The panels are
made off-site and are easy to install, making the construction process more efficient and
versatile.
 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

Advantages and Disadvantages of ribbed type concrete

Ribbed concrete panels come in different thicknesses and are known for their strength
and attractive look. They are available in long lengths, have high-quality paint finishes, and
require less maintenance. These features also mean that base trim is not needed, making them a
cost-effective choice for many construction projects while ensuring strong walls and quick setup.
The drawbacks involve being prone to oil canning, possibly facing corrosion from material
interactions, and having a chance of getting dents.

WALL TYPE & WINDOW TYPE

A wall system made of materials like metal

cutstone, precast concrete, or panelized brick is connected
to the building but does not support the floors or roof.
Instead, it transfers weight and gravity loads to the
building's structure at the floor level. This design provides
advantages such as being lightweight, cost-effective, easy
to install, quick to set up, and available in various product
designs. Main attributes are pre-built at the factory, common sizes range from five to six feet in
width, quick and simple setup, complete building system, parts can be combined in various ways.

Wall panels made of window types provide endless architectural choices and are an
important design element for all kinds of buildings. They are built to be high-quality and cost-
effective, allowing for quick production of frames and glass. These panels also offer flexible
design possibilities and help in assessing vulnerabilities. On the downside, they need heavy
machinery for installation and can be challenging to modify because they are often custom-made.
 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

TILT UP WALL PANEL SYSTEM

Tilt up wall panel systems are a construction technique where concrete walls are placed on a
horizontal surface and tilted vertically using a mobile crane. These panels are attached to the
building's roof and flooring system, offering
fast, simple, and economical construction.
They eliminate the need for expensive
material transportation, require no vertical
formwork, and are flexible, allowing easy
removal and relocation if needed. However,
they require special equipment and third-
party engineering to calibrate the lifting
loads. The fire safety rating of concrete
buildings provides a fire endurance of two hours or more.
 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

III. References

Admin. (2024, April 15). Lift slabs. Civil Engineering X.

https://civilengineeringx.com/bdac/Lift-Slabs/

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (n.d.). Lift-Slab Construction | Building

Construction. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/technology/lift-slab-
construction

LIFT-SLAB CONSTRUCTION. (2012, December 7). theconstructor.org.

https://theconstructor.org/concrete/lift-slab-construction/6824/

Garing, J. (n.d.). 01-1 Spanstress Floor System. Scribd.

https://www.scribd.com/presentation/680232621/01-1-Spanstress-Floor-System

Pattung, F. (n.d.). Spanstress Floor System.

https://www.scribd.com/presentation/422807694/SPANSTRESS-FLOOR-SYSTEM-pptx

» Product categories » Floor span systems. (n.d.). https://www.plastestrip.com/product-

category/fastframe/other-system-types/floor-span-systems/

Floor system and roof slab system | Sheila Mae Boliver. (n.d.). Sheila Mae Boliver.
https://smbboliver.wixsite.com/website/floor-system-and-roof-slab-system

Team, D. (2021, October 27). Slip Formwork – Types, Components, Advantages &
application. DAILY CIVIL. https://dailycivil.com/slip-formwork-types-components-
advantages/

Slipform Construction Technique – uses, components and features. (2019, April 14).
theconstructor.org. https://theconstructor.org/construction/slipform-construction-uses/185/

Tagoon, E. J. (n.d.). Ribbed Type Wall Panel System Presentation.

https://www.scribd.com/presentation/682507067/RIBBED-TYPE-WALL-PANEL-
SYSTEM-
PRESENTATION#:~:text=The%20document%20discusses%20ribbed%20type%20wall%20
 MANUEL S. ENVERGA UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
An Autonomous University
Lucena City, Quezon

COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS

BT114 – Building Technology 4: Specification Writing and Quantity Surveying
Instructor: Ar. Bonn Edward Organo Alicbusan

panel%20systems%2C,repetitive%20rib%20textures.%20This%20adds%20rigidity%20and
%20strength.

Wall Panel System. (n.d.). https://www.scribd.com/presentation/424344693/Wall-Panel-

System

Erick. (n.d.). Flat Type Wall Panel System. Scribd.

https://www.scribd.com/document/275698609/Flat-Type-Wall-Panel-System