How does this structure carry so much load with so little concrete? View in browser

ABS #Stayhome Bulletin - 1

Dear followers,

We have planned a new e-bulletin series that will make you hopefully a bit curious during these days. In this new series, in addition to our monthly reference bulletins, we would like to present to you many interesting application details and technical information of ABS Disposable Formworks. We hope it works, enjoy!

How does this structure carry so much load with so little concrete?

One of the most common questions we get from construction sites is "can this, carry this load?". Yes, it can! With a more technical language, how can this structure carry these loads with so little reinforced concrete and with so little slab thickness?

Actually, the answer is simple and it is hidden in the shape we give to the concrete. The only function of ABS Plus Disposable Formworks is to shape concrete, but while doing so we are inspired by a 1,500-year-old building technique.

MS 565, Yerebatan Cistern, İstanbul.

Would you like to learn more about Basilica Cistern?

Before the invention of the reinforced concrete building technique, it was well known that frequently placed columns with the column caps, connected to each other with arches and domes were able to carry even a big city on top of them (pendentive). The 1455-year-old Yerebatan Byzantine cistern in Istanbul is one of the best examples of this wisdom.


Similarly, ABS Plus disposable formworks form a continuous system of domes on top of reinforced concrete columns every 71 cm's, arches connecting the columns and domes. The load applied to the slab on top of the dome is transferred to the arches and through them to the columns to which they are connected.

While the structural design is being made, the slab thickness of the system is calculated according to the top of the dome to stay on the safe side, but the effective slab thickness increases as you move away from the center of the dome. There is also an expansion between the column and the arch, which acts as a column cap increasing the punching area of the column.

Below you can review the university test reports that reveal the reality of these theories.

Load Test Report's Link: Istanbul Technical University

Load Test Report's Link: Kuwait University

For a more detailed technical analysis, please review our Istanbul Technical University Technical Report from this link.

To summarize, the reasons why ABS Plus Disposable Formwork System can carry such heavy loads with very little slab thickness are:

  • The structure rests on countless columns,
  • Having column heads on the columns,
  • Connecting each column to other columns with arches,
  • And, domes resting on arches.

The reasons for preferring ABS Plus Disposable Formwork System are:

  1. ABS' strong references
  2. Being the lightest structural filling solution
  3. Unmatched logistics savings
  4. Very high load-carrying capacity
  5. Shortened total construction time
  6. Creating a void space under the slab (95%)
  7. Quick and easy installation
  8. Providing an uninterrupted concrete surface
  9. Environmental benefits
  10. And, it's extremely low cost
Reference Project: İstinyePark İzmir Shopping Mall Project

The picture above with all the heavy vehicles resting on the concrete raised floor constructed with disposable formworks was taken in İstinyePark İzmir Shopping Mall Project, where ZKZY is the main contractor. This area is the main podium area of the shopping mall and will be exposed to heavy vehicle traffic. The concrete thickness in the picture is 15 cm and the formwork height is 60 cm.

You can reach all the construction site pictures from this link.

facebook twitter youtube

Centrum Plaza, Aydınevler Mh., Sanayi Cd., No: 3 / Z03 Maltepe 34854, Istanbul

Bu maili sayfamıza giriş yaptığınız için ya da bizden alışveriş yaptığınız için aldınız.

E-posta listesinden çık