Design of Ribbed / Hollow Block / Voided slab

Definition:
Ribbed slabs are constructed as a series of closely spaced ribs cast-in-situ and top of ribs connected by a
concrete topping slab of lower strength.
Ribbed slabs are used for long spans for light to moderate live loads. The principal advantage of ribbed
slabs construction is reduction in weight upto 20 to 30% due to introduction of voids.
Ribbed slab can be one-way or two-way. Two-way spanning ribbed slabs are termed as waffle slab.
With large spacing of the ribs, grids do not act as plate but as individual units. Such grid floors have to be
analysed by other suitable methods which consider the torsional effect.
Construction:
According to I.S.:456, cl.30, ribbed or voided slabs are defined as the slabs constructed in one of the ways
described below:
a) As a series of concrete ribs with topping cast on forms which may be removed after the concrete has set;
b) As a series of concrete ribs between precast blocks which remain part of the completed structure; the top
of the ribs may be connected by a topping of concrete of the same strength as that used in the ribs; and
c) With a continuous top and bottom face but containing voids of rectangular, oval or other shape.
Advantages:
1. The principal advantage of ribbed slabs construction is reduction in weight upto 20 to 30% due to
introduction of voids.
2. The ribbed slabs are economical for long spans and moderate live loads.
3. They reduce loads on foundation allowing more storeys to be built on the same foundation
4. The slab system (ribs and topping) can be cast-in-situ or precast.
5. The topping can be non-structural
Codal provisions:
According to I.S.456, a ribbed slab shall be analysed and designed as a solid slab, if the following conditions
are met:
1. Spacing of ribs should not be greater than 1.5m or 12 times the flange thickness
2. The width of the rib is not less than 65mm.
3. The depth of the rib (excluding topping) should not be more than four times the width of the ribs.
Analysis and Design:
The ribs are analysed and designed as T or L beams for moment and shear force.
The topping is usually provided with minimum reinforcement of 0.12%.
Preliminary Dimensions:
Thickness of topping is generally recommended to be 50mm or one-tenth (1/10) distance between ribs.
Width of rib is recommended to be between 75 mm to 150mm.
Waffle Slab:

Two-way spanning Ribbed slabs are termed as ‘Waffle slabs’. Load transfer from the waffle slabs to the
supports shall be assumed as per two-way solid slabs. The moments in the ribs may be determined by using
the coefficients for two-way solid slabs.

Waffle slabs are usually made solid for some portion around the supporting beams so as to:

- To resist negative bending moment

- To resist torsion at the edges in the end spans
- To act as flanges to the supporting beams to increase their moment capacity.