---
title: Construction Methods
tags:
  - topic/construction
  - type/encyclopedia-entry
---
# Construction Methods

%%

TYPICAL EIFS ON
CFMF ASSEMBLY

FCB ON CFMF
FCB ON WD
EIFS ON WD
EIFS ON CIP CONC

* ACP -- ACOUSTICAL CEILING PANEL
* ACT -- ACOUSTICAL CEILING TILE
* AWB -- AIR AND WEATHER BARRIER
* CFMF -- COLD-FORMED METAL FRAMING
* CMU -- CONCRETE MASONRY UNIT
* CT -- CERAMIC TILE
* CIP CONC -- CAST IN PLACE CONCRETE
* EIFS -- EXTERIOR INSULATION FINISHING SYSTEM
* FCP -- FIBER CEMENT PANEL
* FCS -- FIBER CEMENT SIDING (LAP)
* GWB, GYP BD -- GYPSUM WALLBOARD
* MDF -- MEDIUM-DENSITY FIBERBOARD
* RI -- RIGID INSULATION

%%

## Core and Shell

A **core and shell** installation is one that provides the minimum requirements.
A **cold shell** installation excludes heating as well.
Such spaces are "finished" under a separate contract.

## Shear Walls

Shear walls span the height of a building.

Those around elevator shafts form a "shear core".

## Suspended Slab

> [!info] Reference
> * [Concrete Slab | Different types of Slabs in Construction](https://www.constructioncost.co/slabs-in-construction.html)
> * [Concrete Slab Types -- Construction, Cost, and Applications | theconstructor.org](https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/concrete-slab-construction-cost/28153/)

### Conventional Slab

Flat on both top and bottom faces

#### Post-Tensioned Slab

> [!example]
> STRUCTURAL SLAB IS AN 8-INCH THICK
> UNBONDED POST-TENSIONED TWO-WAY SLAB UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.

### Pan Deck Slab

> [!info] Also Known As
> * composite slab
> * corrugated slab

Concrete is poured into a corrugated steel "pan".
The corrugation and support allow for a substantially thinner slab.

> [!example]
> STRUCTURAL SLAB IS 3 1/2 INCHES OF NORMALWEIGHT CONCRETE
> ON 3-INCH COMPOSITE STEEL DECK UNLESS NOTED OTHERWISE.

### Other Suspended Slabs

These slabs achieve greater strength with complex formwork.

* Waffle Slab
* Ribbed Slab

## Tunnel Form

In tunnel form construction,
formwork is arranged to cast walls and slabs simultaneously

## DualDeck

DualDeck is a proprietary construction method from [Finfrock Design LLC](https://finfrock.com/).

> [!quote] [DualDeck® by FINFROCK | Precast Concrete Building System](https://finfrock.com/dualdeck-building-system/)
> Comprised of two 2.5-in.-thick precast, prestressed concrete slabs
> joined with high-strength steel reinforcements,
> the finished component serves as both the floor and ceiling surfaces in a multi-level building.
> The built-in subsystems accelerate construction times
> and the accessible interstitial space simplifies lifetime maintenance.

![|500x321](https://finfrock.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/exploded-DD-1024x659.jpg)

The decks are poured and assembled at Finfrock's headquarters and delivered to the job site.

Specialty contractors for projects utilizing DualDeck assemblies
must coordinate, fabricate, and deliver to Finfrock
any components that must be set into the slabs or routed in the interstitial space,
including outlet boxes, conduit, and fittings for electrical.
