Prefabricated hollow core slabs in extreme thicknesses

More than two years ago, Preco started producing precast hollow-core slabs in-house. It was the missing piece of the puzzle for Preco as a total supplier of precast concrete elements. Since this summer, the company has gone one step further by also producing the hollow-core slabs in extreme thicknesses of up to 500 millimeters. This is unique by Dutch standards.

The production line of precast hollow-core slabs is running at full speed at Preco. "Initially, we always produced precast hollow-core slabs in the 'familiar' thicknesses of 200, 265, 320 and 400 millimeters," says co-owner Theo Kool. "Until, at some point, a regular relation of ours had taken on a project that required channel sheets in more extreme sizes. For us the final 'push' to invest in that. And so it happened. So since this summer we can also supply precast hollow-core slabs in thicknesses of 500 millimeters."

Favorable alternative

These 500-millimeter hollow-core slabs allow for higher loads and larger spans. "Producing a hollow-core slab floor is not new in itself," Kool acknowledges. "It is a proven product that has been around for decades. They are just getting thicker and thicker because of the ever-increasing demands on a floor and/or design. With the latest '500 version,' we also offer an economical alternative to the pre-stressed TT slabs. In principle, we make the floors in any desired length, depending on the actual span required in combination with the load. With a relatively low load you can span up to 20 meters, with a load of 20 kN it is about 12 meters."

CSC Gold

The fact that Preco can now also supply the channel sheets in extreme sizes completes the picture as a total supplier. "Naturally, as a total supplier, we also meet the latest sustainability requirements. All the waste generated in the production of hollow-core slabs is processed into new products. So residual concrete does not exist with us. We are also completely self-sufficient with 3,300 solar panels on our roof. This is enough to supply power to 200 households in Apeldoorn as well. Finally, we are currently finalizing an upgrade of our CSC certificate from Silver to Gold. This certification shows that we meet the strictest environmental and safety requirements."