A Flat slab is a two-way reinforced concrete slab that typically has no beams and girders, and the loads are transferred directly to the concrete columns supporting it.
Benefits of Flat Slab:
In many buildings, the Flat Slabs are used by developers due to their advantages for different cases over other reinforced concrete floor structures. The primary benefits of flat slabs are given below:
- The flat slabs are capable of carrying concentrated charges.
- Needs less formwork.
- Reducing slab weight by reducing the amount of concrete below the neutral axis. Ease of construction, especially when all beams are hidden beams. Economic for spans > 5m with moderate live load: hospitals, offices, and residential buildings. Improved insulation for sound and heat.
- It gives a better light appearance and better light diffusion.
- More prone to fire than other flooring structures.
- Conventional concrete slabs are square in shape and have a length of 4m. Reinforcement is provided in conventional slab and the bars which are set in horizontal are called Main Reinforcement Bars and bars that are set in vertical are called Distribution bars.
- Fast Building.
- It is easy to place since reinforcement detailing of flat slabs is simple.
Drawbacks of Flat Slab:
- The installation of wide stretches of flat plate framework is not feasible.
- Larger mechanical ducting may be messed with using drop sheets.
- Not ideal for partitions constructed of masonry.
- The width of the flat plate slab is greater than the two-way slab standard of the RCC.
Improved quality management. - Due to the absence of beams, it is easier to install sprinklers and other piping and services.
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