SLABS

A slab is a structural element, made of concrete, that is used to create flat horizontal surfaces such
as floors, roof decks, and ceilings. A slab is generally several inches thick and supported
by beams, columns, walls, or the ground.

Concrete slabs can be prefabricated off-site and lowered into place or maybe poured in-

situ using formwork. If reinforcement is required, slabs can be pre-stressed or the concrete can be
poured over rebar positioned within the formwork.

TYPES OF SLABS

 Solid Slabs

Solid slabs are used as floor elements in residential, social and commercial construction which
require a slab with a high level of loading, high fire resistance up to a span of 6 meters.

Pre-cast Concrete

 Flat Slabs

With medium size spans from 5 to 9 m it is more economical to provide flat slabs since they are
generally easier to construct. This type of reinforced slab is supported directly by columns or caps,
without the use of beams. This type of slab is generally easy to construct and requires little formwork.
  Ribbed Slab

This is a one-way floor slab consists of a series of reinforced concrete T beams that are
connected with girders that in turn carried by the building column. T beams are known as
joists which are formed by setting steel pan at a constant spacing. Concrete is cast between
those spacing to make those ribs and in this way, the slab also cast and the slab becomes the
flange of T beam.

It is more economical to provide ribbed slabs due to its reduced self-weight compared to solid slabs
since part of the concrete in the tension zone is omitted. However, ribbed slabs have higher
formwork costs than the other slabs systems mentioned above and, generally, they are found to be
economic in the range 8 to 12 m. With the emphasis on speed of erection and economy of
construction, the use of precast concrete floor slabs is now also popular with both clients and
designers

 Waffle Slab