The erection of precast hollow core slabs is sometimes used in a large project such as a mix-used building project, malls, airports etc.
So, without further ado, here is the “Method Statement for Erection of Precast Hollow Core Slabs.”
1. Delivery Of Hollow Core Slabs
1.1 Hollow core Slabs are delivered to the site on flatbed trailers. The trailers are equipped to carry a maximum load weight of 30 tons.
1.2 Once trailers reach the site, it will pass through the logistic checking area to verify the compatibility of the trailer and load as per project logistics and safety plans.
1.3 Directions will be given to drivers to reach the location of unloading, trailer is brought close to the building, under the crane area where erection of precast hollow core slabs is to be carried out.
1.4 The lifting area will be barricaded, appropriate signage will be in place, and an Exclusion zone will be established to avoid unauthorized entries.
2. Setting out & Erection of Precast Hollow Core Slabs
2.1 Setting out and marking are carried out with the help of site grid reference points (given by the Main Contractor).
2.2 Cast in situ beams (By Main Contractor) to be kept ready to receive the hollow core slabs, the levels on the in-situ beam are perfected with shims.
2.3 The soffit levels of the hollow core slabs will be as per the final top levels of those structures.
2.4 Slabs will be delivered with open cores. Cores are to be closed with polystyrene core plugs either before lifting the hollow core slab from load or after erection but before grouting/screeding to avoid the flow of concrete in the core while screeding.
2.5 Suitable required to start erection of precast hollow core slabs works scaffolding will be provided with suitable safe access ladders, guard rail, handrail posts, and scaffold boards, scaffolding and platforms will be erected according to approved Methos Statement for Scaffolding ref. MRO-XXX-CIV-MST-00065.
2.6 Lifeline will be installed and clipped to the reinforcement bars from the columns before starting any erection works, life line will be installed as per approved MS ref. MRO-XXX-CIV-MST-00074.
2.7 All lifting works will be done as per the approved lifting plan for the method statement for erection of precast hollow core slabs.
2.8 Slabs are lifted directly from the trailer and placed in position by a mobile crane or tower crane. If the site is not ready then the slabs will be offloaded at the site on timbers safely in the designated storage area.
2.13 Full slabs are lifted using specially designed lifting equipment. Either a lifting clamp or lifting belts, depending on the site requirement/ access/ HCS Slabs size. The weight of the lifting equipment is as follows:
Slab Weight Weight of lifting equipment
0 to 6 tons 1ton
6 to 8tons 2.6ton
8 to 12tons 4.6ton
12 to 16tons 6.3ton
Note: All the lifting equipment will have third-party lifting certificates.
2.14 All the HCS of 150 mm to 320 mm thick will be erected using a lifting clamp or lifting belt. All the HCS of 400mm, 500 mm thick, and part slabs less than 1200 mm in width of all thickness will be lifted using a lifting belt.
2.15 After the completion of the erection, slab alignment will be checked and adjusted, the levels are checked from below and corrections are carried out wherever necessary.
2.16 The Hollow Core slabs are now ready to receive the reinforcement, MEP (if required), and the screed topping by the Main Contractor.
Topping concrete will be carried out as per MS ref. MRO-XXX-CIV-MST-00074.
Related Article: Method Statement for Shoring Wall Block Work
3. Materials to be used for the Method Statement for the Erection of Precast Hollow Core Slabs:
Hollow core slabs
4. Safety: Proposed Control Measures to Reduce the Risks (use additional sheet if necessary)
• PTB briefing will be conducted daily before any works commence as per DSTI which shall be performed daily.
• MS/RA will be briefed to all concerned persons.
• Barricading will be in place around the working area.
• Appropriate signage will be in place.
• Any rebar will be covered with appropriate rebar caps.
• Mandatory and appropriate job-specific PPE shall be used and worn at all times.
• Hard hats or helmets will be secured with the use of a chin strap.
• Exclusion zone will be established to avoid unauthorized entries.
• Lifting Process will be controlled as per the approved Lifting Plan.
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• The lifeline should be a 12mm steel wire rope which must be looped from column to column and carefully tighten with at least three clamps in the same direction at each loop
• All exposed openings/risers and shafts will be covered and barricaded with robust material, Scaffolding pipes along with Toe Board etc… to avoid falling Materials and people from heights and relevant signage will be placed near the area PTW for Opening, Removal/shafts of edge protection will be issued as per requirements
• All cranes and lifting gear are to be inspected and certified by 3rd party, no lift/s will be carried out without a 3rd party certified rigger.
• Hard Hat has to be used with chin strap while working on height
• In case of Near Miss, Accidents incidents any kind of Emergencies number displayed on site notice board – 055 000000 – Mr Name of Safety Officer ( Emergency Coordinator)
• Rigger and crane operator maintain communication (visual or radio);
• Mobile phones not to be used while at work;
• No lift/s will be carried out without a 3rd party certified rigger.
• All work must be supervised by the crew in charge.
• All plant and machinery will be inspected and certified.
• All lifting accessories tools and tackles, scaffold inspectors, and scaffolders will be competent 3rd party certified.
• All operators & banks man will be trained and 3rd party certified.
• Defined access & egress routes.
• Weather preparedness checklist will be conducted and the forecast will be monitored.
Did you use the above Method Statement for Erection of Precast Hollow Core Slabs?
Image courtesy of Phnom Penh Precast Construction Co., Ltd