Reinforced concrete floor slabs and their types

Floor slabs made of reinforced concrete are an essential part of contemporary architecture. These slabs give buildings the vital support they need to be structurally stable and long-lasting. They are extensively utilized in a wide range of construction projects, including both residential and commercial buildings.

Floor slabs made of reinforced concrete come in a variety of forms, each intended to meet particular structural specifications and applications. Selecting the ideal slab for your building requirements can be made easier by being aware of the variations between these types. The main varieties of reinforced concrete floor slabs and their distinctive characteristics will be discussed in this article.

If you’re a contractor working on a new project or a homeowner planning a renovation, understanding reinforced concrete floor slabs can have a big impact on the longevity and success of your construction. Let’s examine the different kinds and their advantages to assist you in making wise choices for your construction endeavors.

Classification of floor slabs

"Reinforced concrete floor slabs for residential buildings," as stated in GOST 26434-2015. types and primary parameters," producers provide the subsequent choices for floors installed in reinforced concrete structures:

• solid single-layer (1P and 2P);
• multi-hollow (1PK, 2PK, PB).

GOST 9561-91 "Hollow-core reinforced concrete floor slabs for buildings and structures" presents a broad range of products. technical circumstances".

Let’s examine the primary variables in more detail, focusing on the size of the floor slabs made of reinforced concrete.

PK panels

Out of all the products available on the market, this is the most widely used kind of reinforced concrete building material. Private developers are looking for these hollow-core slabs to use in the construction of multi-story buildings that serve different purposes. Mains used for heating are also shielded by reinforced concrete floor slabs (PK).

Round, semicircular, or oval-shaped voids can be found all the way along the panel. The structures are made to withstand heavy operational loads and have a level surface. Among the benefits of hollow-core reinforced concrete floor slabs are the following:

• cost-effectiveness in manufacturing – due to the presence of voids, less concrete is used, cement is saved;
• high noise and heat insulation indicators – air layers inside the structure partially dampen sound waves and vibrations, and do not transmit heat well;
• practicality – internal voids in the panels can be used for laying utility lines – electrical cables, low-current wiring, air conditioning pipes, etc.d.

PKT and PKK panels are used in addition to PC slabs; the number of support sides that separates them from the basic version is shown in the above table.

You should consider the thickness, length, and width of the reinforced concrete floor slab when selecting building materials.

The diameter of the voids is considered in addition to the sizes of prefabricated reinforced concrete floor slabs; the smaller this indicator, the higher the strength of the panel. Additionally, the maximum strength indicators (and weight) have an impact on the properties of concrete (light or heavy) as well as the thickness of the ceiling’s reinforced concrete slab.

The ability of the panels from which the floor is to be mounted to support itself should be considered during the construction design phase. Standard hollow plates can support loads of up to 800 kg/m2, making them appropriate for use in residential construction. It is better to select plates with initial intense reinforcement for multi-story buildings with higher loads, especially industrial ones. These plates can withstand roughly 1200 kg/m 2.

The wide range of plate sizes available for hollow reinforced concrete floor slabs from PC is a major factor in their popularity; you can nearly always select the ideal option for a given project.

Panels PB

A new variety of hollow-core slabs is not the same as the traditional PC series in terms of reinforcement principles and production technology. We can custom-make panels in any convenient length thanks to the continuous molding process and the lack of cross-links in the reinforcement frame.

Additionally, they can be cut at an angle or across to be used in uniquely shaped buildings. For private developers, PB panels are very practical because they eliminate the need to modify projects to fit standard floor slab sizes.

Ribbed panels

The longitudinal ribs on the lower surface of ribbed reinforced concrete floor slabs give the slab a U-shaped shape. With a relatively small thickness, the slabs are stiff and resistant to bending loads because of these rib beams and reinforcement.

Due to issues with the ceiling’s aesthetic finishing, this type of reinforced concrete floor slab is essentially never used in the construction of private homes.

Plants that use reinforced concrete create floor slabs with vertical stiffening ribs.

• 300 mm – for public buildings, for attic floors of residential buildings;
• 400 mm – for large industrial and commercial buildings.

Although products up to 18 meters in length can be produced, reinforced concrete floor slabs with ribs typically measure 6 or 12 meters in length.

Solid slabs

When installing floors, panels without voids are typically used as extra components. They are not heat- or noise-resistant due to the lack of air gaps, but they are very strong and can support loads ranging from 1000 to 3000 kg/cm^. The panels can be used to cover hallways, bathrooms, and storage areas.

A solid reinforced concrete floor slab typically measures 120 or 160 mm in height and 1800–5000 mm in length. Solid panels can be identified by their compact size and solid weight, which ranges from 600 to 1500 kg.

Monolithic slabs

During construction, a monolithic reinforced concrete floor slab is made right there on the job site. This choice is typically made when monolithic technology is used to erect the house’s frame or entire structure.

Benefit: There’s no need to match the room layout and measurements to the prefabricated floor slabs’ standard dimensions. Monolithic slabs come with a number of drawbacks.

• low noise and heat protection due to the lack of voids;
• labor intensity of installation – permanent formwork will help simplify the work, if provided for by the project;
• high cost of construction.

Modern buildings require reinforced concrete floor slabs because they offer strength, stability, and adaptability. There are several varieties of these slabs, such as solid, hollow-core, and ribbed slabs, all of which are intended to satisfy particular building requirements. In order to ensure longevity and efficiency in construction, homeowners and builders can make well-informed decisions for their projects by being aware of the variations and uses of each type.

Principles of calculating floors

Either the monolithic structure or the precast reinforced concrete floor slabs must be chosen and calculated correctly for the building to last longer than ten years.

This considers both the short-term (people, equipment for construction and repair, etc.) and long-term (building structures located above, furniture, equipment, etc.). Static and dynamic effects on the ceiling, concentrated and distributed loads, the strength of the supporting structures, and the slab’s tare weight are all taken into account in the calculation.

Professionals should perform calculations, particularly for monolithic floors. Standard floor slabs are easier to select on your own when building a small private home because you already know how much weight they can support. You can improve the floor slabs if independent calculations proved to be inaccurate or if an earthquake, fire, or other outside factors caused damage to the house.

Conclusion

With a large selection of panels, precast reinforced concrete makes floor installation much easier and is an excellent choice for any type of building. It is crucial that the load on the reinforced concrete floor slabs that is calculated matches the actual load.

Modern construction relies heavily on reinforced concrete floor slabs because of their strength and longevity. They are available in different varieties, and each has unique qualities that make it appropriate for a particular use. These options, which range from solid slabs to hollow-core slabs, allow for flexibility in construction and design to meet a variety of structural requirements.

Factors such as span length, construction techniques, and load requirements influence the choice of reinforced concrete floor slab. Hollow-core slabs work well for longer spans and lighter loads, while solid slabs work best for shorter spans and heavier loads. Waffle and ribbed slabs are effective for larger projects because they save material and have additional advantages like decreased weight.

Making informed decisions during the planning and construction phases is facilitated by having a thorough understanding of the various types of reinforced concrete floor slabs. Every variety offers distinct benefits that can improve a building’s overall efficiency and economy. Building owners can guarantee the longevity and structural integrity of their projects by choosing the right kind of slab.

Not only do reinforced concrete floor slabs increase a building’s strength and longevity, but they also allow for greater design flexibility. These slabs are necessary to build sturdy structures that are able to endure a range of pressures and demands. Construction projects can achieve maximum performance and efficiency by selecting the appropriate type of slab.

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