What is EskyDeck
EskyDeck is a stay in place formwork system for casting of one way ribbed slabs. Advantages of the one way ribbed slab are numerous including savings on weight and materials long span capabilities and simple penetrations between ribs. In the past the main disadvantage has been the complex formwork required. Eskydeck not only provides simple formwork but has combined acoustical and thermal properties often required in today's projects. Other suspended slab systems using removable formwork require additional operations to obtain the properties already included with Eskydeck. Floor to floor heights are often considered to be greater using the Eskydeck system compared to the flat slab systems. Floor to floor heights using Eskydeck can most often be maintained even with the increased depth of the system because dropped ceilings are not required. Most utilities and ductwork fits within the void space between the ribs. The beam form with 70mm EPS (expanded polystyrene) below every rib providing acoustical and thermal break between floors also provide space for plumbing or electrical lines to cross from space to space.
Ribbed slabs have been used for centuries, are suitable for medium to heavy loads, can span reasonable distances, and are very stiff minimizing deflections. Eskydeck system meets the requirements of a proven ribbed slab design for increased structural capacities allowed for in most codes. It can also be engineered as T-beams. The cost of the Eskydeck formwork is offset by the reduction in the quantity of concrete and steel and temporary support requirements. Additional savings can be realised by the reduction in overall weight often reducing support wall, column and beam requirements as well as the entire footing of a building. The stay in place formwork also saves time and labour to remove temporary formwork and install thermal and acoustical insulations allowing faster project schedules.
Eskydeck is one of the many ribbed slab formwork systems available; however Eskydeck has capabilities not found in other systems. Eskydeck with its component based system allows for changes in slab depths and heights simply by changing panel sizes. This makes the forming of dropped areas or step downs quick and easy. The use of block out forms makes it possible to form edge beams and flush beams with minimal additional materials. The light weight components require no cranes or lifts to install. All components can be cut to size on site when needed eliminating delays caused by waiting for as built measurements or changes to projects under construction. Angles, curves, cantilevers are all quick and simple in which to fit Eskydeck. The installation of the beam forms before any bearers or props are placed makes temporary support installation faster. The beam forms take the place of the joists used in flat slab systems leaving only cross bearers and props for temporary support. Once the beam forms are installed and supported, the panels and reinforcement can be installed from the topside. Eskydeck is one of the few ribbed slab systems that can be poured in two separate operations. Most of the structural requirements are provided by the beam section of the formwork. The placement of the concrete in the beams is often poured at the same time the support walls are poured. It is not necessary to schedule sub trades to rough-in electrical or plumbing before the project can move forward. The Eskydeck formwork provides a safe work platform to continue construction of the next level. Slab placement can be done at a later date after all sub trade rough-ins are complete and often without reinstallation of temporary support props. Eskydeck can also be placed in a single pour as with other systems.
The components of the Eskydeck system are manufactured from 100% recyclable products. EPS (expanded polystyrene) is an inert closed cell expanded polystyrene insulation material. It has excellent thermal properties and low moisture absorption properties. It will never rot and does not support mould or mildew. EPS is not a food source for termites or other vermin. EPS is one of the few foam plastics insulations available that contains no CFCs, HCFCs or other refrigerant gases. It is non toxic and hypo allergenic and will not irritate sensitive skin on exposure. EPS contains only air and is not subject to degradation over time. Eskydeck uses only certified EPS manufacturers meeting Australian Standards requirements. The metal beam jacket is also fabricated and provided by certified manufacturers also meeting Australian Standards requirements.
Eskydeck is marketed and manufactured in Australia under the Eskydeck name however it is also available in most parts of the world under the Fortruss brand name. Used in projects since 2005 the system has proven itself to be quick and reliable providing cost savings in both materials and project time schedules. The ever expanding product line of Fortruss is also made available to Eskydeck in Australia. Eskydeck manufactures all products and components in Australia.