Do you want to know about the types of concrete slabs? Around 6 million commercial buildings are built every year. In these buildings, every single type of concrete material is used during construction. The popularity of using concrete material in residential properties also seems at great heights.
It makes good sense. Concrete is energy efficient material that permits you to avoid pests and provides modern finishes.
But how is concrete used? Here comes the role of concrete slabs in the picture. In this detailed, informative article, we are going to tell you about the different types of concrete slabs. If you are interested to know about the functions of slab types, their load, and construction, then read the following aspects.
What Are Concrete Slabs? A Brief Overview
A concrete slab is the foundation of construction for various types of buildings. Concrete slabs exist in large rectangular shapes. It consists the poured concrete that provides a flat surface to build from. Many further types of concrete slabs are given below.
Types of Concrete Slabs- Points To Note
Here are the different types of concrete slabs available in the market; check out the list below.
- Conventional slabs – Conventional concrete slabs are supported with columns and beams. They are used to transfer the load to support the structural elements. Conventional slabs are further divided into two types, one-way slabs and two-way slabs.
- One way slabs – One-way slabs are the type of conventional slabs that are only supported on two opposite sides. They are used to transfer the loads in a long direction. One-way concrete slabs on the beam are considered as the continuous pour cast in building projects so that the form will be fixed on reinforcements itself.
- Two-way slabs – Two ways slabs on the beam are just similar to one-way slabs, but the only difference is that it contains the additional framework in two slabs. Two-way slabs are another type of conventional slab that is supported on four sides. They are used to transfer the loads in both directions.
- Flats slabs – Flat slabs are concrete slabs only supported by columns, not beams. They are used easily in construction, as they involve less framework than conventional concrete slabs.
- Hollow core slabs – Hollow core slabs are constructed to have voids and longitudinal cores in them. It will reduce the overall concrete weight. Hollow core slabs consist the less concrete and have been used for a long time. This type of concrete slab is best fit for office buildings and multi-story car parking.
- Waffle slabs – Waffle concrete slabs exist in shaped of waffle-shaped geometry. It is designed in such a way that it has square grids with the deep side, without any column interferences. Waffle slabs are a good choice for constructing buildings for a long period.
- Composite slabs – The concrete slabs consist of the construction of reinforced concrete cast on the steel top decks and act like a supporting system over the other types of concrete slabs. This concrete slab system gets the stiffness weight ratio and superior strength weight.
Loads on Concrete Slabs
Concrete slabs often carry uniform distributed loads. The uniform loads used in the design of slabs are dead loads and imposed loads. The dead loads consist of the floor finishes, slab self-weight, grills, walls, etc.
The designs of concrete slabs for live loads and imposed loads depend upon the building type.
Construction of Concrete Slabs
Usually, the concrete slabs can be suspended or ground-bearing. A slab is considered ground bearing if it directly consists of a foundation. On the other hand, suspended concrete slabs exist between the supports. It is designed in such a way that it resists the bending moments based on the load magnitude and span length.
Concrete slabs are prefabricated off-site and set up at the site or constructed in other building projects using the framework.
Conclusion
In the end, it is concluded that concrete slabs are structural elements used in building construction. Concrete slabs create horizontal flat surfaces such as ceilings, floors, and roof decks. Also, there are different types of concrete slabs available in the market. Every type has its use and functions.
If you are considering a concrete slab foundation for your building or home, it is important to work with qualified contractors of concrete slabs who have experience with this type of construction.