Some Concrete Advice: What You Need to Know About Concrete Slab Types
Admin • March 26, 2020
Almost 6 million commercial buildings are built each year. Of the 6 million buildings, every single one uses concrete of some type in their construction. But, the popularity of concrete has begun to surge in residential construction as well.
It makes sense. Concrete is energy efficient, allows you to avoid pests like termites, and offers a modern finishing that traditional methods lack.
But, how is the concrete poured? How is it used? That's where concrete slabs come in.
Here we will tell you all about the different concrete slab types and what their applications are.
What is a Concrete Slab?
A concrete slab is the foundation of construction for a variety of different types of buildings. It's a large rectangle of poured concrete that offers a flat surface to build from.
There is a huge variety of different concrete slab types which we will go over here.
1. One-Way Slabs on Beams
One-way slabs on beams are continuous pours cast in situ method so that the form will be fixed on the reinforcements themselves. Once the concrete is attached to the reinforcement fresh concrete is poured on top to secure the slab.
2. One-Way Joist Slab, or Ribbed Slab
This one is a floor slab that's supported by additional ribs, also known as joists. The ribs are supported by girders resting on the columns of the build.
3. Waffle Slab
This is a reinforced concrete slab that has square gridding with deep sides. When viewed from above it looks like a waffle because of all the square pockets.
It's a more expensive technique because it takes a lot of materials to accomplish and more structural engineering.
4. Flat Plates
Flat plates are one or two-way slabs supported directly by the walls or columns of a build. They use simple frameworks and are easy to build.
5. Flat Slabs
This is a reinforced slab also supported directly by columns or caps and doesn't use beams for additional support. These work well with column capitals and are easy to construct.
6. Two-Way Slabs on Beams
These are similar to the one-way slab but they need an additional framework. Two-way slabs have supports on all sides of the slab.
7. Hollow Core Slab
This is a precast slab that gets cores run through it. This declines the weight of the slab and increases its structural efficiency. It also allows for wiring and other materials to be put through the cores.
8. Hardy Slab
This slab is built using hardy bricks so there will be significantly less poured concrete once finished. This lowers the slab's self-weight and gives the slab a thicker pour.
This is a good choice if you're in a particularly hot climate.
9. Bubble Deck Slab
Bubble deck slabs use a combination of poured concrete and plastic reinforced bubbles
to replace the ineffective concrete in the center of the slab.
These reduce weight, allow for larger spans to be poured, and increase the strength of the slab.
10. Composite Slab
These slabs are typically built from a reinforced concrete cast placed on top of profiled steel decking.
The decking itself becomes the formwork and is the external reinforcement during the slab's lifetime.
Concrete is More Than Pour and Go: Different Concrete Slab Types Make the Project Better
We hope this has taught you more about the different concrete slab types.
Ready to learn more? Contact us today!
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