"Operation Lift Slab"

Gisborne saw its first lift slab building operation take place when the four floors of the new Government Life Insurance building were lifted into position.

Two lift slab experts from Australia were imported for the job.

Using ten hydraulic jacks mounted atop cylindrical concrete pillars, the 100-ton floors were individually lifted into position and locked securely.

This method of construction, which has been employed in New Zealand five times since its introduction a year ago, saves the builder erecting the vast areas of wooden boxing required for the floors to be poured on. Using the lift slab method, the floors can be poured with ease at ground level, being separated by a wax-like film.

A view of the building as the second half of the fourth floor starts its upward journey. At the far end of the building, two floors can be seen in position while the other two wait for the concrete pillars to be extended.