SlideTex

The aim of the collaborative project is to develop a textile sliding layer that reduces friction and the stick-slip effect between reinforced concrete floor slabs and the subgrade, thereby reducing the risk of cracking in the reinforced concrete and the amount of steel reinforcement required. This supports the German government’s targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and incorporates several current megatrends such as sustainability and energy efficiency. The development can be applied to almost all types of concrete floor slabs and has high market potential, as it offers a time-, labour- and cost-efficient as well as resource-saving alternative to conventional solutions.

At the Institute of Concrete Structures at HTWK Leipzig, the application-specific tribological system is being investigated in site-based tests by varying relevant factors. Statistical experimental design methods are being used to investigate the tribological processes both qualitatively and quantitatively. The tests simulate the entire intended assembly. As there is currently no suitable testing technology available on the market for this problem, it must be developed and implemented as part of the project in collaboration with the partners.

The development of a textile sliding layer is based on laboratory and site-based tests, which are evaluated using statistical analysis. In this process, manufacturing processes and technologies for the individual components and the overall system are documented, taking into account economic and technical requirements. Based on the experimental tests, a design tool is being developed and an analytical model created to calculate friction coefficients under different conditions.

The SlideTex sliding layer can be used for almost any type of concrete floor slab. The SlideTex sliding layer is particularly suitable for floor slabs with increased requirements for crack prevention, such as in waterproof structures. Due to the desire for time- and cost-efficient as well as resource-saving construction and the need for sustainable building products, there is significant market potential for the SlideTex system, as it meets precisely these requirements and offers alternatives to conventional solutions. The use of the SlideTex system enables savings of up to 75% in reinforcing steel compared to the current solution, leading to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and lower construction costs through savings on labour and materials during the installation of the reinforcing steel. Following a successful market launch, there is the potential to extend its application to road construction, for example concrete motorways.