Types of caisson floors and construction features

Waffle slabs, another name for caisson floors, are a distinctive kind of building that combines strength and visual appeal. Their lightweight yet robust structure is characterized by a grid pattern of ribs and coffers. Because of its longevity and adaptability, this kind of flooring system has been used for centuries and is still widely used in contemporary architecture.

Caisson floors come in a variety of forms, each with unique applications and construction characteristics. Selecting the appropriate type for your construction project can be facilitated by being aware of the distinctions between these types. One-way and two-way caisson floors are two popular varieties that are intended to support particular loads and spans.

The ability of caisson floors to use less material while still having a high load-bearing capacity is one of their key benefits. This efficiency increases sustainability in the building process while also reducing costs. Caisson floor designs also allow for a variety of architectural styles, resulting in imaginative and useful spaces.

A caisson floor requires careful consideration of a number of variables, including the kind of materials used, the size of the grid, and the intended use of the space. The floor must be planned and executed properly to guarantee that it operates as intended. Builders can produce sturdy, dependable floors that satisfy both structural and esthetic requirements by paying attention to these details.

Types of caisson type floors

A caisson floor is a perpendicularly positioned structure made of reinforced ribs. The technological aspects of the floor construction determine the cross-section of the ribs. Two sections determine the height of the rib. The center of the most loaded rib is where the first is found. The area where the ribs meet the vertical support is known as the second section. The transverse force in this section determines the height of the solid monolithic section.

The loads (constant, short-term, or long-term) and their computed combinations are the basis for the formula used to calculate a caisson floor.

A caisson floor is separated into the following categories based on manufacturing technology:

• Precast monolithic caisson floors, the basis of which are precast hollow blocks of different sizes. They are installed in the form of a closed geometric figure. They remain in the body of the concrete (serve as permanent formwork). At the junction with the columns, the structure is presented in the form of a solid slab. Above the blocks, the structure is reinforced with reinforcement meshes, and in the above-support zones, the concrete blocks are covered with reinforcement bars.
• Monolithic caisson floors made of reinforced concrete. They are characterized by optimal distribution of the concrete mixture. The ribbed structure is formed due to the absence of excess concrete mixture, which significantly makes the structure lighter. Single-span reinforced concrete slabs with a solid section are most advantageous with a span length of up to 4.5 meters. As a result, materials are saved, and the number of spans covered increases. Formwork consists of such elements as metal sheathing, telescopic racks, plastic caisson formers and inventory forms.

Inventory cassettes of void formers form the structure of the channels beneath the ribs, and plastic forms are fixed with extreme precision. After positioning reinforcement meshes above the forms, concrete mixture is poured over the whole surface.

As a result, a reinforced concrete caisson monolithic structure is formed.

Features of the construction of monolithic caisson floors

Formwork is used to create the monolithic frames that make up the structure. The construction code and working drawings are strictly followed, and the work is completed in compliance with them. The installation of formwork and reinforcement work receive special attention.

• SKYDOME formwork system (completely self-supporting). Designed for repeated use. It is characterized by easy dismantling, a minimum amount of lumber, as well as volumetric inventory elements. The only disadvantage is the high cost.
• Combined type formwork. Inventory elements are placed on plywood or solid plank flooring. Compared to the first option, disassembly takes more time.
• Plywood formwork. The process of making inserts and flooring occurs directly on the construction site. This type is more suitable for a house with a small area.

Individual rods, meshes, and volumetric frames are used for reinforcement. Periodic reinforcement that is transversely smooth is used in longitudinal reinforcement. It is feasible to install frames in two stages because the reinforcement is situated in the area between two mutually perpendicular planes.

Advantages

• There is no need to strengthen the foundation and install additional columns, which significantly reduces the construction time.
• The overall thickness of the structure is reduced, which reduces the load on the structure.
• Saving on consumables.
• Increasing free space and span length.
• Increasing bearing capacity.

Caisson flooring is a robust and adaptable choice for a variety of building tasks. They are perfect for structures with big open areas or substantial weight requirements because they have great structural strength and can hold heavy loads. There are various varieties of caisson floors, each with specific advantages and uses, such as steel, composite, and reinforced concrete caissons.

Caisson floors made of reinforced concrete are commonly utilized because of their durability and strength. They work well for structures that need to be resistant to the elements and have a significant load-bearing capacity. Conversely, steel caisson floors have a high strength-to-weight ratio and are frequently utilized in constructions where reducing weight is essential. The advantages of several materials are combined to create composite caisson floors, which balance affordability, flexibility, and durability.

It is crucial to take into account various aspects when building caisson floors, including the building’s unique requirements, load requirements, and soil conditions. In order to guarantee the stability and durability of the structure, careful planning and execution are essential. This entails precise site analysis, premium supplies, and expert craftsmanship.

In general, caisson floors are a dependable option for a variety of building projects. They are a preferred choice for architects and builders due to their capacity to offer solid, steady support. Caisson floors, whether made of steel, concrete, or composite materials, can withstand the rigors of different building tasks while guaranteeing long-term durability and safety.

Caisson floors are a flexible and long-lasting way to give buildings sturdy, stable surfaces; they are especially helpful in places with poor soil conditions. In order to construct these floors, a grid of reinforced concrete beams is used to create a series of square or rectangular boxes. These boxes can either be left empty or filled with lightweight materials. This design preserves strength and stability while requiring less concrete. For builders aiming to maximize cost and performance in their projects, it is essential to comprehend the various kinds of caisson floors and their construction characteristics.

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