What is a Stelcon slab?
A Stelcon slab is a large square or rectangular reinforced concrete paving slab with a steel angle around its edges, laid loose to form a hard surface for heavy traffic. You see them on industrial yards, ports, transfer areas and as temporary site roads, especially in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.
Stelcon® is a brand name. In the Netherlands the slabs are made by De Meteoor Beton, which describes itself as the inventor of the slab. In Dutch and German building jargon the name is used generically for this type of slab, much as “Hoover” is for a vacuum cleaner.
Key features
- Steel edge: the steel angle protects the arrises when heavy wheels roll from slab to slab.
- Size: a common version is 2 x 2 m and 14 cm thick (type N 2×2/14). Half slabs (2 x 1 m) and thicker versions also exist; check current sizes with the supplier.
- Weight: a 2 x 2 m x 14 cm slab weighs over 1.3 tonnes, so laying is always done by crane or excavator using the lifting points.
- Reusable: slabs can be lifted and relaid elsewhere, which makes them suitable for temporary hardstanding.
Application
- Prepare a level, compacted sub-base. The slab is strong, but only when it is supported evenly over its whole area.
- Lay them tight together. Wide gaps let slabs rock and damage the edges.
- Plan the drainage. Lay to a fall or add drainage units so water does not collect beneath the slabs.
- Hire for temporary use. On a building site, hiring is usually more sensible than buying.
- Check the loads. Crane outriggers or very heavy vehicles may need a stronger sub-base or a thicker slab; have this assessed.
Common mistake: laying slabs on soft or uneven ground. They rock, crack or sink, and the steel edges stick up as a trip hazard.
Related terms
- Concrete slab
- Reinforced concrete
- Semi-paved surface
- Concrete paver
- Reinforcing steel
Want to know more about building terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.