Introduction

This section provides information on the following topics. Further information is available from the Cement and Concrete Association of NZ. A recommended text on the subject is "Concrete Ground Floors and Pavements for Commercial and Industrial Use" which is available from CCANZ.

Elements of a typical commercial or industrial concrete pavement



The elements of a typical concrete pavement are shown in the figure above. For this page the key terms are defined as follows:

Panel A unit of concrete pavement laid in one piece and bounded on all sides by free edges or joints.

Reinforcement

Reinforcing bars or reinforcing fabric complying with NZS 3402 and NZS 3422 respectively (note a joint AS/NZ Standard for steel mesh and bars is in preparation).

Slab

The main structural element of the concrete pavement.

Subbase

A layer of select material between the subgrade and the slab.

Subgrade

The natural or prepared formation on which the pavement is constructed.

Topping

An integral or applied layer used to increase abrasion (wear) resistance and/or chemical resistance of the slab.

Vapour barrier

The membrane placed beneath the slab to prevent water vapour rising through the subgrade to the pavement surface.

Wearing surface

The surface which comes in contact with traffic using the pavement.