In the Middle East it is common construction to use certain shaped blocks to fill in under concrete floor topping. The slab spans between concrete floor beams and or joists. I think it is a great idea. it saves on concrete, increases thermal and sound insulation between floors and reduces the dead load/weight of the structure.
I never designed one and I am not sure if I want to since I live in the US.
If you like more contact the Jordanian engineers union and I am sure they can point you in the right direction.
thanks Lutfi. This construction I have encountered in the US believe it or not. So it is a block that they fill with concrete at certain locations afterwards it seems.
How can i contact the Jordanian association?
Once there looks at the top right corner and select the English option, unless you can read Arabic.
I hope they can be of help. They have in the past. I am going there in a month and I will bring back with me some drawings and sample calculations just to educate myself on the construction method.
Did you see it an older building? It may be one of the earliest precast concrete planks, such as DOX PLANK, in which each of the plank were made by pre-compressing a row of concrete block together with reinforcing bars that were prestressed (but generally did not maintain the prestress because the low strength of the steel at that time did not adequately offset the prestress losses due to shrinkage, slippage, etc.). The block were generally 8"x8"x16", and the cross-section was set up for the reinforcing to be threaded through.
