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TOS 5: UNIT 4B: FLAT SLABS

Objectives:
FLAT SLAB
1. To Understand the Logical development CONSTRUCTIONS
of Flat Slab Constructions.

2. To Understand the Different Types of Flat

Slab Constructions and its Elements

3. To Understand The I.S.Provisions for

Proportions of Flat Slab Constructions

4. To Document the Advantages, Dis-

Advantages of Flat Slabs
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TOS 5: Unit 4b: Flat Slab Constructions:

4b.1 Logical Development of Flat Slab Constructions: Let us again examine the 7.2m
long span beam B2 of the Hostel Building, these were then few of the final calculations
• do assumed = 600 mm, de = 565 mm, Effective span = le = 7.43 M, Fd = 48.31kN
• Accordingly B.M max = 333.37kNM = 333.37 x 10⁶ Nmm
• When we calculated the depth as per M.R = 0.134 fck b d², de = 735.42mm.

We said that if we want to restrict the depth we will have to Doubly Reinforce the Section.

Also we said that we could alternatively increase the width of the beam. Generally we assume
the width and calculate the depth.
I am doing this increase of width in the following series to make it more graphical. One must
remember that while the M.R is proportional to the width, it is proportional to the square of
the depth.

If we wanted to have depth of the beam as depth of the slab we would have to provide a width of
about 8600 which is practically impossible. So if we really wanted no beams protruding out of the
Slab we would have to increase the depth of the slab also to have a reasonable width of the beam
e.g. By taking do=200mm and de = 180mm the width of the beam would be only 3800i.e 1900 on
each side. This is later on called as the Column Strip
Such For Such Beamless Constructions,
1. Slab Depth will have to increase
2. Shear will have to be taken care of.
Hence in warehouses, offices and public halls some-times beams are avoided and slabs are
directly supported by columns. This type of construction is aesthetically appealing also.
4b.2 These Slabs which are directly supported by columns are called Flat Slabs.
1. The Column head is some-times widened so as to reduce the punching shear in the slab. The
widened portions are called Column Heads. The Column Heads may be provided with any
angle from the consideration of architecture but for the design, concrete in the portion at 45º
on either side of vertical only is considered as effective for the design

TOS 5 Unit 4b Flat Slab Constructions Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho

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2. Moments in the slabs are more near the column. Hence the slab is thickened near the columns
by providing the drops which are Called Drop

Accordingly 4 types of Flat Slab Constructions

1. Slabs without drop and column head
2. Slabs without drop and column with column head
3. Slabs with drop and column without column head
4. Slabs with drop and column head

4b.3 Panel of a Flat Slab

The portion of flat slab that is bound on each of its four sides by centre lines of adjacent columns
is called a panel. The panel shown in the following Figure has size L1 x L2. A panel may be divided

TOS 5 Unit 4b Flat Slab Constructions Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho

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into column strips and middle strips. Column Strip means a design strip having a width of 0.25L1
or 0.25L2 whichever is less. The remaining middle portion which is bound by the column strips is
called middle strip. The Following shows the division of flat slab panel into column and middle
strips in the direction Y. The same could be said for direction X too

4b.4 Proportioning of a Flat Slab

IS 456-2000 [Clause 31.2] gives the following guidelines for proportioning.

• Drops:
The drops when provided shall be rectangular in plan, and have a length in each direction not less
than one third of the panel in that direction. For exterior panels, the width of drops at right angles
to the non-continuous edge and measured from the centre-line of the columns shall be equal to
one half of the width of drop for interior panels.

• Column Heads
Where column heads are provided, that portion of the column head which lies within the largest
right circular cone or pyramid entirely within the outlines of the column and the column head,
shall be considered for design purpose.

TOS 5 Unit 4b Flat Slab Constructions Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho

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• Thickness of the Flat Slab

From the consideration of deflection control IS 456-2000 specifies minimum thickness in terms of
span to effective depth ratio. For this purpose larger span is to be considered.

If drop as specified in 1.2.1 is provided, then the maximum value of ratio of larger span to
thickness shall be in accordance to Span to Depth Ratios Specified Earlier

If drops are not provided or size of drops do not satisfy the specification 1.2.1, then the
ratio shall not exceed 0.9 times the value specified above.

It is also specified that in no case, the thickness of flat slab shall be less than 125 mm.
• Opening in Flat Slabs
Openings of any size may be provided in the flat slab if it is shown by analysis that the
requirements of strength and serviceability are met. However, for openings conforming to the
following, no special analysis is required.
A Openings of any size may be placed within the provided the total amount of reinforcement
required for the panel without the opening is maintained.
B In the area common to two column strips, not more than one-eighth of the width of strip
in either span shall be interrupted by the openings. The equivalent of reinforcement
interrupted shall be added on all sides of the openings.
C In the area common to one column strip and one middle strip, not more than one-quarter
of the reinforcement in either strip shall be interrupted by the openings. The equivalent of
reinforcement interrupted shall be added on all sides of the openings.

4b.5 Determination of Bending Moment and Shear Force

For this IS 456-2000 permits use of any one of the following two methods:
(a) The Direct Design Method
(b) The Equivalent Frame Method.
However we are not discussing these methods as this topic is for Theory Only

4b.6 Summary of Salient Features

• Necessity / advantages :
1. Situations where increased clear height is required without changing floor to floor height of
structure.
2. Services can be installed without obstruction
3. Formwork of beam can be avoided
However a misconception about Flat Slab construction Technique is that it is used mostly for
Office Buildings. However it can be used in Residential- Housing Schemes, Commercial Buildings
and all other kinds of Structures

• Structural action

TOS 5 Unit 4b Flat Slab Constructions Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho

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1. Flat slabs are subjected to bending between two supports/columns and shear at the junction
of slab and column.
2. To take care of bending the strips joining columns are densely reinforced and are called
column strips (it acts as a hidden beam). The Junctions require Positive and Negative
Reinforcement.
3. To take care of shear the column head is widened or additional thickness of slab is provided at
the column slab junction.

• Disadvantages :
1. Vertical holes have to be restricted/avoided
2. Thickness of slab is higher than regular two-way slab.
3. Reinforcement is densely placed everywhere excepting in the middle Strips
4. Large Spans will Make this kind of Construction very Un-Economical
5. Some Engineers do not recommend Flat Slabs if they have to support brittle (masonry) walls.

TOS 5 Unit 4b Flat Slab Constructions Compiled by Ar. Arthur Cutinho