Advantages and Disadvantages of Flat Slabs

A flat slab is a two-way reinforced concrete slab that usually does not have beams and girders, and the loads are transferred directly to the supporting concrete columns.

 For more detailed definition: Flat Slab Floor System: Definition & Description

Advantages of Flat Slab

Flat Slabs are used by engineers in many building due to its advantages over other reinforced concrete floor system in different cases. The most important advantages of flat slabs are given below:

1

Flexibility in room layout.

• Partition walls can be placed anywhere.
• Offers a variety of room layout to the owner.
• False ceilings can be omitted.

2

Reinforcement placement is easier.

As reinforcement detailing of flat slab is simple, it is easier to place

3

Ease of Framework installation.

Big table framework can be used in flat slab

4

Building height can be reduced.

• As no beam is used, floor height can be reduced and consequently the building height will be reduced.
• Approximately 10% of the vertical member could be saved
• Foundation load will also reduce.

5

Less construction time.

Use of big table framework helps to reduce construction time

6

Prefabricated welded mesh.

• Standard sizes
• Less installation time
• Better quality control.

7

Auto sprinkler is easier.

 

Disadvantages of Flat Slab

Flat slabs have some disadvantages also. The major disadvantages are given below.

1

Span length is medium.

In flat plate system, it is not possible to have large span.

2

Not suitable for supporting brittle (masonry) partitions

3

Use of drop panels may interfere with larger mechanical ducting

4

Critical middle strip deflection

In flat slabs, the middle strip deflection may be critical.

5

Higher slab thickness

Compared to typical reinforced concrete two way slab system, the thickness of flat plate slabs are higher.

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Concrete flooring is a common type of flooring adopted by many building owners. Concrete flooring can be used in residential, commercial, institutional & public buildings of all types. Before choosing concrete flooring as an option for your building construction, you should know the advantages and disadvantages of it.

Advantages of Concrete Flooring

1. Durability

A properly constructed floor will outlast most of the other components of the building.

2. Stiffness

Concrete floors designed to carry the imposed loading will generally possess adequate stiffness and will not deflect under the applied load so as to create problems in non-structural elements, e.g. doors.

3. Energy Efficiency

Concrete floors possess high thermal mass and this can be used to improve the internal environment within the dwelling and reduce the energy demand for thermal comfort.

4. Speed of Construction

Concrete floors can be constructed quickly. The adoption of concrete floor speeds the completion of the ground floor. Precast flooring systems have the added advantage of reducing the amount of labour required on site.

5. Damp Resistance

Concrete floor is nonabsorbent and hence offers sufficient resistance to dampness. This is used for water retaining floors as well as stores.

6. Cost of Maintenance

Concrete floor is easy to clean and the maintenance cost of concrete floor is very less.

7. Fire Resistance

The concrete being non-combustible material, this flooring offers a fire-resistant floor, required for fire hazardous buildings.

Disadvantages of Concrete Flooring

1. Defects on concrete floors are not easy to rectify.
2. The concrete flooring cannot be satisfactorily repaired by patch work.
3. It does not possess very satisfying insulation properties against sound & heat.

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