What is the weight of the decking? The fully installed decking weighs roughly 97 kg/m², before the concrete pour. The use of polystyrene makes the Cobute decking lighter than others in the market.

Does the decking system need to be propped? Yes. Set props out at 1.5 m centre to centre (maximum), running 90 degrees with the ribs. In the opposite direction, set props out at 1.8 m (not more than every 4th rib).

What strength (Mpa) concrete is required when pouring the concrete? 25Mpa concrete is required unless the Engineer specifies otherwise.

How long must the deck be propped? The system must be propped for a minimum of 14 days after pouring, so that the concrete can reach the strength for which it was designed.

Can you pack the panels into the ribs before propping? No, Never do any work on the deck without the appropriate props to support.

Can you walk on the panels? No, we reccomend to never walk on the panels, not even when they are propped. You've been warned :)

Can you run plumbing and electrical services through the slab? Yes, you can run the plumbing and electrical services either below or on top of the polystyrene, as long as it is below the top steel.

Do I still need to shutter when using the Cobute system? The system minimizes the shuttering required, therefore a little shuttering will still be necessary, e.g. to stop ends, weather steps, etc.

What is the R Value of the system? The R Value of Cobute decking ranges according to the height of the slab, from 0.45 for H220mm to 0.49 for a H250mm slab.

Does the Cobute decking have a fire rating certificate? Yes it does. A 230 mm thick Cobute slab is fire resistant for 150 minutes.

Do I need to plaster the decking? It depends on whether you like the bare concrete look or not. Check our Project/Residential Structures for pictures of the Cobute decking with the bare concrete look. Or email us and we'll send them to you!

Why is the Cobute Precast Floor System eco-friendly? The system is less invasive on resources; with polystyrene cast into the in-situ topping, the slab uses 50% less concrete, hence it has a lower self-weight than a conventional in-situ slab of the same thickness and subsequently requires less reinforcing for the given design loads). Being lighter, the system also reduces wastage, with minimal timber required during installation and polystyrene cut to fit each project. The system also has a high R Value - a measure of the thermal resistance of a material. Depending on the thickness of the slab, the R Value ranges from 0.45 for 220mm thickness to 0.49 for 250mm thickness. Such R Values ensure savings in electricity consumption throughout the year, electricity that would otherwise be used for air-conditioning in the summer months and heating in the winter months. Aside from thermal insulation, the system also ensures a degree of acoustic insulation.

What is the structural advantage of using the Cobute decking in combination with the beam and staircase? The systems work together by creating a solid, monolithic structure, which responds to the forces exerted by the ground. Moreover, by using the Cobute system, you can cast the structure in just one pour, with dramatic savings in concrete.

Does the Cobute decking system comply with seismic design as outlines in the latest SABS regulation on the matter? Yes, it is. The system also eases the process of connecting horizontal and vertical structures such as decking, columns and beams by means of additional steel as specified by the Engineer.