Precast special access concrete cover slabs made offsite at a drainage manufacturing plant can contribute significantly to reducing material waste on construction projects, through several key mechanisms, according to Paul Cartwright, Business Development Director at Elite Precast Concrete. He continues:

Precise Manufacturing

Bespoke cover slabs are manufactured offsite, in precast manufacturers under controlled environments, allowing for:

  • Exact sizing and shaping to fit project requirements
  • Precise material calculations to minimise excess
  • Quality-controlled protection process that reduce errors and defects

This precision manufacturing results in minimal material waste compared to on-site casting.

Elimination of on-site modifications

By designing cover slabs to exact project specifications, the need for on-site modifications is eliminated, which typically leads to:

  • Reduced cutting and trimming of materials
  • Fewer rejected or unusable pieces
  • Less excess material ordered “just in case”

Optimised Design

Bespoke slabs can be engineered for optimal material usage:

  • Customised reinforcement placement reduced excess steel
  • Overall slab thickness can be optimised for specific load requirements

Reduced Formwork Waste

Precast special slabs eliminate the need for temporary formwork on-site, which typically generates significant waste.

Material Recovery

Any waste generated during the manufacturing process is easily recycled or reused in a controlled factory setting compared to on-site waste management.

Extended Lifespan

Bespoke cover slabs are designed for durability, with potential lifespans exceeding 120 years in normal conditions. This longevity reduces the need for replacements and associated material waste overtime.

Paul concludes by combining precise manufacturing, optimised design and elimination of on-site waste sources, bespoke access concrete cover slabs offer a significant opportunity to reduce material waste in construction projects.

For more information, please call our team on 01952 588885 or visit www.eliteprecast.co.uk/drainage-products/large-diameter-cover-slabs