Void formers help remove excess concrete from structural slabs. The conventional solid concrete slabs have a high weight which imposes a strain on the building and its foundation. Developing engineered voids within the slab helps reduce its weight. It helps decrease the cost and the environmental impact without compromising the integrity of the structure.

How do void formers work?

 A void former is a rigid structure that contains air. These can be made either out of plastic or any other recycled material. The foam is arranged in the form of hollow boxes in the slab which supports a flat surface. This in turn allows for the safe transfer of the load to the vertical side.

Steel mesh is used to create a solid framework with geometric proportions that allow proper placement between voids and concrete. Void formers are found in a variety of shapes and sizes and are known to reduce the weight of the project by 40% when compared with solid concrete slabs.

• A bubble deck void system makes use of plastic balls or bubble forms.
• The U boot system Comprises turn equated pyramid-shaped void former

Whatever kind of void formers are used in the construction project, they can help decrease the dead weight of the concrete slab.

Another reason for the use of void formers is the need for a reduction in sound and vibration in buildings. They also have flame retardant properties.

Void formers are kept in place with the help of a fixing device. It helps reduce the cross-sectional area of the slab making the slabs have lower punching shear strength.

There are usually three types of void formers which are used during concrete construction.

• Removable void formers are inflatable and there is enough space for them to be taken out. These generally take up less space when compared to the rigid void formers. Inflatable formers are flexible because they can be curved and compressed thus making them easier to be navigated under or reinforced.
• Collapsible void formers umm  are made from fiber tubes and cardboards. However these need protection from the moisture when stored until the concrete is poured for building foundations.
• Non degradable  void formers can be compressed and are usually made from plastic or PVC. These remain in place for a very long time and I’m manufactured using recycled materials.

Advantages of using void formers

• Weight reduction of concrete can be achieved by using void formers. It allows for a longer span, lighter foundation and smaller columns.
• It allows construction workers design freedom during the building project. The open floor plate has fewer columns and beams thus preparing the building to become adaptable for future changes.
•  Using NuPod void formers reduces the amount of concrete and steel reinforcement required in a building. It reduces cost and saves material.
•  It can help simplify formwork by eliminating the requirements of beams thereby saving time and improving the project schedule.
•  Void formers are made from recycled materials so they can contribute towards reducing the carbon footprint.
•  It improves the flexibility of the building and extends its life.