What should be done to free a panel that sticks to the floor slab?

• A. Use pry bars to provide leverage
• B. Bond breaker should have been used and tested prior to casting; pry bars can be used if needed.
• C. Apply heat with torch to the concrete
• D. Ignore and wait for natural separation

Answer: (B)

The key idea is planning for a clean release between the panel and the floor slab by using a bond breaker before casting. A release agent is applied to the slab so the panel doesn’t bond to the concrete, which makes lifting and detaching the panel reliable. This release layer should be applied and tested to confirm that the panel will separate with normal effort after curing. If, after casting, the panel still sticks, gentle use of pry bars can assist in breaking the remaining bond, but only after there’s a proper release layer and test confirming adequate release. Heating the concrete can cause damage, and waiting for natural separation isn’t a safe or practical option.