What Is Flat Slab:
Flat slab is an RCC slab built monolithically with supporting columns and reinforced in two or more directions. Beams are not provided to support the slab. The loads are directly transferred to the columns.
In flat slabs, the columns are provided with enlarged heads called capitals or column heads. The thickness of slab over columns is also increased to support heavy loads and the thickened part of the slab is called drop panel.
For lighter loads the column heads and drop panels are eliminated, such flat slab with constant thickness supported on prismatic columns are called flat plate.
Types Of Flat Slab:
1 Flat slab with drop panel.
2 Flat slab with column head.
3 Flat slab with drop panel and column head.
4 Flat slab without drop panel and column head.
Uses Of Flat Slab:
1. Flat slabs are mostly used in large industrial structures, parking garages, ramps, warehouse, high rise buildings and hotels.
2. They are also used where uses of beams are not required.
3. Or where the structure requires less formwork.
Advantages Of Flat Slabs:
1. It reduces the overall height of the structure.
2. Flat slabs are capable to carry concentrated loads.
3. Requires less formwork.
4. As reinforcement detailing of flat slabs is simple it is easy to place.
5. Better quality control.
6. Installation of sprinkler and other piping and utilities are easier due to absent of beams.
7. It gives a better appearance and better diffusion of light.
8. Better fire resistant than other floor systems.
9. Fast construction.
Disadvantages Of Flat Slabs:
The disadvantages of flat slabs are as following:
1. In flat plate system, construction of large span is not possible.
2. Use of drop panels may interfere with larger mechanical ducting.
3. Not suitable for masonry partitions (Supporting brittle).
4. The thickness of flat plate slab is higher compared to the typical RCC two way slab.
FAQ
What is flat slab types?
There are four main types: slabs without drops and with column heads, slabs with drops and without column heads, slabs with both drops and column heads, and typical flat slabs. Column heads increase shear strength while drops increase shear strength and negative moment capacity
What is the construction method of flat slab?
The flat slab construction is a reinforced concrete slab supported by the concrete columns directly without the support of the beams. So, we can say that a flat slab is a one-sided or two-sided system with a sheer load targeting the square slab or supporting columns
What are the benefits of flat slabs?
Flat slabs are considered to be faster and more economic than other forms of construction, as partition heads do not need to be cut around down stand beams or ribs. Flat slabs can be designed with a good surface finish to the soffit, allowing exposed soffits to be used
What is solid slab disadvantages?
One disadvantage is that they can be expensive to construct. Additionally, reinforced concrete slabs can be difficult to repair if they are damaged
Why use concrete slabs?
Concrete slabs offer high thermal mass. Thermal mass is useful in most climates, particularly cool climates and those with a high day-night temperature difference. A concrete slab floor provides a simple way to add thermal mass to a design. Concrete slabs can be on ground, suspended, or a mix of both
Where are flat slabs used?
Flat slabs are generally used in
- Parking garages.
- Hotels.
- Commercial buildings.
- High-rise buildings.
- Industrial Structures.
- Places where beam projections are not desired and where the need of aesthetics view
