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A flat slab is a one-way or two-way system with thickenings in the slab at the columns and load
bearing walls called drop panels Figure 9. Drop panels act as T-beams over the supports. They
increase the shear capacity and the stiffness of the floor system under vertical loads, thus increasing
the economical span range.
This form of construction has become less popular in recent years because of the limit on
economical spans of about 9.5 m for reinforced slabs and about 12 m for prestressed
slabs. Reinforced flat slabs may need to be sensibly pre-cambered (not overdone) to control
deflection.
The plan dimensions of the drop panels are a minimum of 1/3 of the span in the direction
under consideration, usually rounded to the nearest 100 mm. The overall depth of the drop panel is
typically taken as 1.75 to 2 times the depth of the slab, again rounded to suit timber sizes or the
nearest 25 mm.
The principal features of a flat slab floor are a flat soffit, simple formwork and easy construction. The
economical span L of a reinforced concrete flat slab is approximately D x 28 for simply supported, D
x 32 for an end span and D x 36 for an interior span. Prestressing the slab increases the economical
span to D x 35, D x 40 and D x 45 respectively, where D is the depth of the slab excluding the drop
panel.
Disadvantages:
Medium spans
For reinforced flat slabs, deflection at the middle strip may be critical.
Flat slab: An important development in RCC floor is that of a flat slab RCC floor. In
this method slab is built monolithically, with supporting columns only without
provision for beams. The flat slab may either be with drop or without drop. The
term drop is used to indicate that part of slab around the column having greater
thickness than the rest of the slab. See the sketch above to give various
nomenclature of flat slab.
The reinforcement in the flat slab can be arranged either in two way system or
four way system. For ordinary loading conditions, the two-way system of
reinforcement is generally adopted. The flat slab construction grants the following
advantages.
i). as the slab is constructed without any beam, a flat ceiling is obtained which
gives attractive appearance and greater height without obstructions for services.
ii). It is considered less vulnerable in case of fire as compared to the ordinary
slab-beam construction.
iii). The concrete is more logically used in this type of construction and hence it
proves to be economical for large spans with heavy live loads.
iv). The formwork is simple and economical.
v). The plain ceiling grants better diffusion of light.
Hollow block and rib floors: In this type of floors, the hollow blocks of clay or
concrete are used to reduce the total weight of the floor.
In one form, the blocks are placed 100 mm apart and in this space, the mild steel
bars are placed as shown in sketch. A minimum cover of 80 mm is kept at the top .
suitable flooring at top and ceiling finish are provided. The blocks are provided
with rough or grooved surface so that they can develop enough bond with
concrete. This type of floor is economical, fire-proof, sound-proof and light in
weight. If properly designed, this type of floor can even be used to carry heavy
loads. The plumbing and electrical installations can be conveniently carried
through the hollow blocks without affecting the appearance. As hollow blocks
replace a portion of solid concrete, the dead weight is reduced and thereby the
economy is achieved. These floors are widely used for buildings like hospitals,
hotels, schools, offices, etc. the structural hollow clay floor tiles should be free
from cracks and they should be of uniform color and texture. It is desirable to
keep projections on one of the extreme face of such tiles so as to facilitate the
application of plaster. The weight per meter length of structural hollow clay floor
tiles does not exceed 140 N. The length, width and height of structural tiles are
from 450 mm or 900 mm, 190 mm or 240mm and 70 mm or 90 mm respectively.
For more detailed definition: Flat Slab Floor System : Definition & Description
(B) The drop panel must extend 1/6 of the span length from the
center of support in each direction