1. Preparation: The first step is to prepare the surface where the slab will be cast. This involves cleaning the area and ensuring that it is level.
2. Formwork: Next, formwork is set up to define the shape and size of the slab. The formwork is usually made of wood or metal and is secured to the ground.
3. Reinforcement: Before the concrete is poured, reinforcement is placed inside the formwork to add strength to the slab. This can be in the form of steel bars, wire mesh, or fiber reinforcement.
4. Mixing: Once the reinforcement is in place, the concrete is mixed. For a lightweight concrete slab, a lightweight aggregate such as expanded clay or perlite is added to the mix.
5. Pouring: The concrete is then poured into the formwork, starting at one end and working towards the other. It is important to ensure that the concrete is evenly distributed and that there are no air pockets.
6. Leveling: After the concrete is poured, it is leveled using a screed or a bull float. This ensures that the surface of the slab is flat and level.
7. Finishing: Once the concrete is leveled, it is finished using a trowel or a broom to create the desired texture. Additional finishing techniques, such as stamping or staining, can also be used.
8. Curing: The slab is left to cure for a minimum of 28 days to ensure that it gains sufficient strength before it is used.
9. Stripping: Finally, the formwork is removed and the slab is ready to be used as a floor, roof, or other structural element.