Concrete floor slabs are a cornerstone of modern construction, forming the base of everything from residential garages to expansive industrial warehouses.
Yet even the most experienced designers know that achieving durable, crack-free and cost-effective floors requires more than just good concrete. It demands an integrated design approach that considers strength, shrinkage, jointing, and the realities of site conditions.
Recognising the need for up-to-date technical guidance, Concrete NZ is delivering a new half-day seminar series, Slabs & Shrinkage: Design Tips & Tricks, aimed at engineers, architects and other construction professionals involved in slab design and specification.
Practical insights for real-world performance
Led by Kent Huxford (Lewis Bradford Consulting Engineers) and Alan Ross (CERTUS Consulting Ltd), the sessions combine proven design fundamentals with practical on-site considerations.
Topics include load analysis using Westergaard’s method, understanding the limitations of the CCANZ slabs-on-grade spreadsheet, and exploring jointing, shrinkage and isolation details that ensure long-term slab performance.
Attendees will also gain valuable insights into flatness specifications, subgrade preparation, curing practices, and the use of low-carbon concretes to reduce embodied emissions — a growing priority across New Zealand’s construction industry.
Learning from success (and failure)
Real-world examples will be presented to illustrate where slab performance has, and hasn’t, met client expectations. These case studies reinforce how a strong grasp of basic slab behaviour underpins success in more complex structural applications.
Dates and venues:
• Wellington: Naumi Hotel, Tuesday, November 25
• Christchurch: Sudima Christchurch Airport, Thursday, November 27
• Auckland: Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre, Tuesday, December 2
Registration fees
• Concrete NZ Member: $380 + GST
• Non-Member: $480 + GST, including complimentary membership of the Concrete NZ Learned Society through to December 31, 2026.
How to register
Spaces are limited and demand is strong for this practical, high-value training opportunity. To register, visit Concrete NZ’s Ticket Tailor portal: www.tickettailor.com/events/concretenz
