Raft slabs, also known as mat foundations, are a type of foundation system used extensively in residential and light commercial construction. These slabs are designed to spread the load of the building over the entire foundation area, which makes them particularly suitable for soft or unstable soils. The raft slab acts as a single structural element and is reinforced with steel to support the walls and other loads of the structure.

A variant of the raft slab, the waffle pod slab, incorporates a grid of void formers, or ‘pods’, creating a waffle-like pattern beneath the slab. This design provides excellent strength and stability while using less concrete, making it an economical and environmentally friendly choice. Waffle pod slabs are known for their insulation properties, making them a preferred option for energy-efficient buildings.

Suspended slabs are used to create floors at higher levels in a structure or when a building is constructed on a slope. They are supported by walls, beams, columns, or the ground, and they must be engineered with high precision due to their load-bearing role. Suspended slabs can be constructed as precast units, cast off-site and transported, or poured in situ, offering flexibility in design and application.

Concrete slabs used for industrial factory floors are engineered to withstand heavy machinery, high traffic, and potential chemical spills. These slabs are heavily reinforced and often include specialised finishes or treatments to enhance their durability and resistance to abrasion. The design considers load distribution, impact resistance, and long-term performance.