3.

Is the ratio of mixing

BUILDING TECHNOLOGY-5 water in a unit volume of
Module 1 – CAST IN PLACE AND PRECAST CONSTRUCTION concrete or mortar mix
preferably expressed as weight
as decimal fraction often stated in gallons of water
per 94lbs. sack of cement.
a. Water consistency ratio
LEARNING b. Concrete slump ratio
c. water cement ratio
OBJECTIVES d.
4. The process of eliminating voids other than
After studying this module, you as a future Architect entrained air within newly placed concrete and
should be able to: ensuring close contact of the concrete with form
surfaces and embedded reinforcements. Refers
a. Stratification
1. Explain the working principles and
b. consolidation
importance of alternative building systems c. compaction
2. Synthesize the advantages and 5. A concrete in which steel reinforcement is
disadvantages of these building systems embedded in such a manner as the two material
3. Explain its adaptability and applicability on acts together in resisting forces.g.
different types of buildings a. lean concrete
b. balanced concrete
c. reinforced concrete
6. a rigid planar structure of concrete designed to act
TOPIC together with principal and secondary
OUTLINE reinforcement in resisting applied forces.
a. Reinforced concrete slab
1. Cast in place and Precast Construction b. Reinforced concrete beam
c. Reinforced concrete diaphragm
1.1 Floor system and roof slab systems
7. A system of steel bars, strands or wires for
1.1 a Flat Slab absorbing tensile, shearing and the sometimes the
1.2 b. Flat Plate compressive stresses in a concrete member or
structure.
a. Tendon
OVERVIEW b. Reinforcement
c. Anchorage
8. The tendency of a force to produce rotation of a
Module 1 serves as a brief introduction or review on body about a point or line equal to the magnitude
to the product of the force and moment arm and
the alternative building construction systems. It gives acting in a clockwise or counter clockwise
us an in depth analysis on the various alternative direction.
process and system used in the construction industry. a. Reaction
This module is good for 3 hour lecture. b. Moment
c. Torsion
9. The lateral deformation produced in a body by an
ACTIVATING external force that causes one part of the body to
slide relative to an adjacent part in a direction
PRIOR KNOWLEDGE parallel to the plane of contact.
a. Shear
. b. Bending
1. Concrete deposited, formed and cured, and c. Deformation
finished in its final position as part of a structure 10. The bowing of an elastic body as an external force
a. Direct placement is applied transversely to its length. It is the
b. Cast in place structural mechanisms that enables a load to be
c. Ready mix concrete channelled in a direction perpendicular to its
application.
2. Concrete made with aggregate with low specific a. Camber
gravity and weighing less than normal concrete b. Deflection
which has a unit weight of 150 pcf or 2,400kg.m3 c. Bending
a. Lightweight concrete
b. Heavyweight concrete
c. Welterweight concrete

Module 1 –1. Cast in place and Precast Construction| Page 1 of 10

 CAST IN PLACE AND PRECAST open environment and hence it is
CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION difficult to control mix, placement and
curing.
I. CAST IN PLACE AND PRECAST CONCRETE 2. Elements cannot be casted in advance.
Comparative Analysis 3. Weather condition can delay the casting
Definition work.
Precast Concrete
- precast concrete is cast into a specific shape at a
location other than building site like factories. The
concrete is placed into a form, typically wood or
steel, and is cured. These components are then
transported to the construction site for erection into
place. Precast concrete can be plant-cast or site-cast.

Cast-in-situ Concrete
- cast-in-situ concrete is cast into forms on the
building site. It offers unlimited possibilities to
the designer for any shape formation with a
limitless selection of surface textures.

Casting
Precast Concrete Quality Control
1. In the precast concrete, elements are Precast Concrete
manufactured in a controlled casting Quality can be controlled and maintained easily.
environment and hence it is easier to
control mix, placement and curing. Cast-in-situ Concrete
2. Elements can be cast in advance and held Quality control and maintenance is difficult.
until the hour you need them, thereby
saves time. Cost
3. Weather condition has no effect on Precast Concrete
casting work. 1. Precast concrete is cheaper form of
construction if large structures are to be
constructed.
2. Maintenance cost of precast concrete
structure is higher.

Cast-in-situ Concrete
1. In situ concrete is cheaper form of
construction for small structures.
2. Maintenance cost of cast-in-situ
concrete structure is less compared to
the precast concrete structure.

Cast-in-situ Concrete
1. In the cast-in-situ concrete, column, slab
etc. elements are casted on site in the

Module 1 –1. Cast in place and Precast Construction| Page 2 of 10

 Requirement of Worker & Machinery
Precast Concrete
1. Less labours are required.
2. Skilled labours are required at
construction site.
3. Skilled and technical contractor is
required for construction of the precast
concrete structure.
4. Precast concrete requires heavy
machinery and cranes for handling i.e.
lifting and installation of heavy elements
Cast-in-situ Concrete
1. More labours are required.
2. Skilled labours are required at
construction site.
3. Local contractors can also build the
structure.
4. Cast-in-situ concrete does not require
such handling equipment.
Strength
Precast Concrete
1. Precast concrete construction is quick as
it can be installed immediately and there
is no waiting for it to gain strength.
2. Increase in strength can be achieved by
accelerated curing.
3. On site strength test is not required.
4. High strength concrete can be used
because it is in controlled condition.
Cast-in-situ Concrete
1. In situ concrete construction is slow as
gaining of strength requires time.
2. Increase in strength at situ by
accelerated curing is a difficult task.
3. On site strength test is required.
4. It will difficult to use high strength
concrete as it depends on site condition
and resources available.
Time of Construction
Precast Concrete
1. Total construction time is less as
compared to cast-in-situ.
2. Speedy construction is possible.
Cast-in-situ Concrete
1. Total construction time is more as
compared to precast.
2. Speed is less as elements are casted at
site.
Technical Points
Precast Concrete
1. Large number of joints in structural
system.
2. Less resistant to Earthquake and wind
forces not recommended where seismic
loads are dominant.
3. In precast concrete construction, details
at the joint become very critical and
needs careful attention.
4. The elements have to be designed for
handling stress or loads during handling,
which may or may not increase steel.
5. Elements of varying lengths and shape
can be developed.
6. Precast concrete does not offer a
monolithic architectural character.
Cast-in-situ Concrete
1. Less number of joints present in
structural system.
2. More resistant to earthquake and wind
forces.
3. Elements cannot be casted in advance.
Module 1 –1. Cast in place and Precast Construction| Page 3 of 10
 4. Elements are not to be designed for any increase the shear capacity and the stiffness of the
such loads or stress. floor system under vertical loads, thus increasing the
5. There is constraint in length and shape of economical span range.
element.
6. In situ concrete offers a monolithic
architectural character.

Surface Finishing
Precast Concrete
According to ‘Bulletin of American Concrete
Institute‘ (1993), precast concrete gives smooth
interior finish hence they need minimum
preparation before paint, wallpaper etc. or the
other wall coverings can be applied directly.
This form of construction has become less popular in
Cast-in-situ Concrete
recent years because of the limit on economical
In the cast-in-situ concrete construction, you
spans of about 9.5 m for reinforced slabs and about
have to do plaster for the smooth finish and also 12 m for pre-stressed slabs. Reinforced flat slabs may
requires pre-preparation for a paint like wall need to be sensibly pre-cambered (not overdone) to
putty etc. control deflection.
https://gharpedia.com/blog/difference-between-precast-cast-in-situ-
concrete/
The plan dimensions of the drop panels are a
minimum of 1/3 of the span in the direction under
OTHER RECOMMENDED READINGS:
consideration, usually rounded to the nearest 100
https://nitterhouseconcrete.com/precast-
mm. The overall depth of the drop panel is typically
concrete-vs-site-cast-concrete/ taken as 1.75 to 2 times the depth of the slab, again
rounded to suit timber sizes or the nearest 25 mm.
https://gharpedia.com/blog/difference-
between-precast-cast-in-situ-concrete/

RECOMMENDED VIDEO REFERENCE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yoHltK1Naw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfgnHt6gp
LQ

1.1 FLOOR SYSTEM AND ROOF

SLAB SYSTEM
The principal features of a flat slab floor are a flat
1.1.1 Flat Slab
soffit, simple formwork and easy construction. The
READING No.1
economical span ‘L’ of a reinforced concrete flat slab
A flat slab is a one-way or two-way system with
is approximately D x 28 for simply supported, D x 32
thickenings in the slab at the columns and load
for an end span and D x 36 for an interior span. Pre-
bearing walls called ‘drop panels’ Figure 9. Drop
stressing the slab increases the economical span to D
panels act as T-beams over the supports. They

Module 1 –1. Cast in place and Precast Construction| Page 4 of 10

x 35, D x 40 and D x 45 respectively, where D is the
depth of the slab excluding the drop panel
Advantages and Disadvantages of Flat Slabs
Advantages:
 Simple formwork
 No beams—simplifying under-floor services
outside the drops
 Minimum structural depth
 Usually does not require shear reinforcement at
the columns.
Disadvantages:
 Medium spans
 Generally not suitable for supporting brittle
(masonry) partitions
 Drop panels may interfere with larger mechanical
ducting
 Vertical penetrations need to avoid area around
columns
 For reinforced flat slabs, deflection at the middle
strip may be critical.
Types of flat slab
Flat slab:
An important development in RCC floor is that of a
flat slab RCC floor. In this method slab is built
monolithically, with supporting columns only
without provision for beams. The flat slab may either
be with drop or without drop. The term drop is used
to indicate that part of slab around the column
having greater thickness than the rest of the slab. See
the sketch above to give various nomenclature of flat
slab. The reinforcement in the flat slab can be
arranged either in two – way system or four – way
system. For ordinary loading conditions, the two-way
system of reinforcement is generally adopted. The
flat slab construction grants the following
advantages.
i). as the slab is constructed without any beam, a flat
ceiling is obtained which gives attractive appearance
and greater height without obstructions for services.
ii). It is considered less vulnerable in case of fire as
compared to the ordinary slab-beam construction.
iii). The concrete is more logically used in this type of
construction and hence it proves to be economical
for large spans with heavy live loads.
iv). The formwork is simple and economical.
v). The plain ceiling grants better diffusion of light.
Advantages of Flat Slab
Flat Slabs are used by engineers in many building due
to its advantages over other reinforced concrete
floor system in different cases. The most important
advantages of flat slabs are given below:
1. Flexibility in room layout.
 Partition walls can be placed anywhere.
 Offers a variety of room layout to the
owner.
 False ceiling can be omitted.
2. Reinforcement placement is easier. As
reinforcement detailing of flat slab is simple, it is
easier to place
3. Ease of Framework installation. Big table
framework can be used in flat slab
4. Building height can be reduced.
 As no beam is used, floor height can be
reduced and consequently the building
height will be reduced.
 Approximately 10% in the vertical member
could be saved
Module 1 –1. Cast in place and Precast Construction| Page 5 of 10
  Foundation load will also reduce.
5. Less construction time. Use of big table framework
helps to reduce construction time
6. Prefabricated welded mesh.
 Standard sizes
 Less installation time
 Better quality control.
7. Auto sprinkler is easier.
Disadvantages of Flat Slab
Flat slabs have some disadvantages also. The major
disadvantages are given below.
1 Span length is medium. In flat plate system, it is not
possible to have large span.
2 Not suitable for supporting brittle (masonry)
partitions
3 Use of drop panels may interfere with larger
mechanical ducting
4 Critical middle strip deflection In flat slabs, the
middle strip deflection may be critical.
5 Higher slab thickness Compared to typical
reinforced concrete two way slab system, the
thickness of flat slabs are higher.
1.1.1 FLAT SLAB
READING No.2
A flat slab is a one-way or two-way slab system that
usually does not have beams or girders in which load
is transferred directly to the supporting concrete
columns and load-bearing walls also known as drop
panels and the drop panel acts as a T-beam on the
support.
They improve shear capacity and stiffness of the
floor system below vertical loads, resulting in
economic duration.
Here we will learn about flat slab, types of flat slab,
merits & demerits of flat slab.
INTRODUCTION TO FLAT SLAB:
Flat slabs are also known as beamless slabs are the
type of slab in which the floor slab is supported
directly on columns without the action of beams or
girders.
Thin flat slabs ranging from 5 to 9 m are the preferred
solution for building in-situ concrete frame buildings.
These slabs are typically used on parking decks,
commercial buildings, hotels, or places where beam
projections are not desired.
TYPES OF FLAT SLAB:
1. Typical flat slab:
This slab is also called beam slab construction so
beams are sometimes avoided in warehouses,
offices, public halls, and slabs are supported directly
by columns.
These types of constructions are also aesthetically
appealing and supported by straight columns.
2. Flat Slab without drop and with column head:
The column head is sometimes widened to reduce
perforation shear in the slab, the widest parts are
called column heads.
The column heads can be provided within any angle
from an architectural point of view, but for design
the concrete in the portion at 45° on either side of
vertical only is considered as effective for the design.
3. Flat slab with drop panel and without column
head:
The moments in the slab are higher near the column,
so the slab is thickened near the column by providing
drops.
Sometimes the drops are called the capital of the
pillar.
ADVANTAGES OF FLAT SLAB:
1. A flat slab reduces the overall height of the
structure.
2. These slabs are capable of lifting
concentrated loads.
3. They require less formwork.
4. Since the reinforcement of flat slabs can be
easily expanded, it is easy to place.
5. They also have better quality control.
6. Sprinklers, utilities, and other piping are easy
to install due to the absence of beams.
7. This gives a better appearance and diffusion
of light.
8. Better fire-resistant than other floor
systems.
Module 1 –1. Cast in place and Precast Construction| Page 6 of 10
 9. They can be constructed rapidly.
DISADVANTAGES OF FLAT SLAB:
1. In the flat plate system, the construction of
large spans is not possible.
2. The use of a drop panel can interfere with
large mechanical ducting.
3. They are not suitable for masonry walls
(brittle supports).
4. The thickness of the flat plate slab is greater
than that of the typical RCC two-way slab.
USES OF FLAB SLAB:
1. Flat slabs are mostly used in large industrial
structures, parking garages, ramps,
warehouses, tall buildings, and hotels.
2. They are used where the beam is not
required.
3. These slabs also used where the structures
require less formwork.
4. Also, provide better diffusion of light to the
plain roof surface.
https://constructionor.com/flat-slab/
STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FLAT SLAB:
Drop panels
The drop when implemented, should be rectangular
in plan, and the minimum length of the drop in every
direction should not be less than one third of the
panel’s length in that direction.
For exterior panels, the drop’s width at right angles
to the discontinuous edge and measured from the
column’s centreline should be equal to one half the
drop’s width for interior panels.
The drop panel increases the shear strength of the
slab with minimum interference, increases the
negative moment capacity of the slab, and stiffens
the slab thus reducing the deflection.
The minimum thickness of the drop panel slab is
usually taken at 1.25 times the thickness of the slab.
Uses of drop panels:
1. It helps to increase the shear strength of the
slab floor.
2. 2. It helps to increase the flat slab’s negative
moment capacity.
3. It stiffens the flat slab consequently reduces
deflection.
Column head
Generally, the column head size should be keep one
fifth of the span. However where the column heads
are given, the part of a column head that lies within
the most significant pyramid with a vertex angle of
90degrees or right circular cones can be included
entirely within the column. For the design direction,
a column head outline should be considered.
The column heads increases the shear strength of
the slab and reduces the moments by reducing the
clear span ln.
When the load is heavy, and the span is long, a two
way joist or commonly known as waffle slab may be
used.
Such waffle slabs must use solid panels acting as drop
panels around the column. The size and shape of the
solid part depend on the requirement of shear and
moment.
Beams can also be formed eliminating a row or two
of waffles on the column centreline. Alternatively
the long span can have a flat banded slab.
The bands or wide beams are provided with 1.5 or
2.0 times as deep as the slab and as wide as
necessary up to the width of the column strip. The
use of this practice is however limited.
Uses of column heads:
Module 1 –1. Cast in place and Precast Construction| Page 7 of 10
 1. Column heads helps to increase the shear
strength of the slab
2. It helps to reduce the clear span and also
moment in the slab
Slab thickness
Stiffness consideration usually controls the thickness
of the flat slab, represented in the ratio of span to
effective depth.
However for computing the modification factors for
tension reinforced, the effective percentage of steel
across the entire width of the panel at mid-span
should be used.
For slabs with drops, as mentioned earlier, the long
span and effective depth ratio can be applied
directly, whereas for other cases, the ratio shall be
multiplied by 0.9.
The appropriacy of thickness has to be determined
for shear and bending moments. The flat slab should
have a minimum thickness of 125mm.
https://www.civillead.com/flat-slab/
RECOMMENDED VIDEO REFERENCE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsHFM9MjAi8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmYSgHDVIZc
1.1 FLOOR SYSTEM AND ROOF
SLAB SYSTEM CONT.
1.1.2 Flat Plate
Flay slab flooring system
• A flat plate floor system is a two-way concrete slab
supported directly on columns with reinforcement in
two orthogonal directions.
• Used in hostels, multi-family residential buildings
and hospitals.
• The flat slabs are plates which are stiffened near
the column supports by means of drop panels and/or
column capitals which are generally concealed under
drop ceilings.
• Compared to flat plate system the flat slab system
is suitable for higher loads and longer spans.
The design of flat slab structure
Framing system:
1) Three continuous span in each direction or have
an over hang at least one-forth times adjacent span
length in case of any two continuous spans.
2) Typical panel must be rectangular.
3) The spans must be similar in length.
Engineering analysis:
Flat plate/slab may be analyzed and designed by any
method as long as it satisfy the strength, stiffness
and stability requirements of the IS 456:2000 or ACI-
318 codes.
Reinforcement design and detailing:
Maximum forces from the analysis shall be used in
the design of reinforcement. Reinforcement
required for flexure by using minimum slab
thickness.
Consideration for use of flat plate floor system
• Architectural layout should be planned to fully
enhance the main area where high flat ceiling with
neatly arranged concrete columns are required in
the design.
• Spacing of column
• Long term deflection of the flat plate.
• Early planning of routing for M&E services opening
for void and location of staircase.
Module 1 –1. Cast in place and Precast Construction| Page 8 of 10
Seismic design of flat plate and flat slab
• Flat plate/slab structure in area of low seismicity
(Zone1&2) can be designed as permitted by code to
resist both vertical and lateral loads.
• For areas of high seismicity(Zone3,4&5) code does
not permit flat slab construction to resist earthquake
lateral load, hence lateral load resisting system has
to be designed separately in addition to flat
plate/slab gravity system.
• When flat slab is used in combination with shear
walls for lateral load resistance the column can be
designed for only 25% of the design force.
Flat plate floor system and traditional floor
system
Longer span length achieved:
The economical span of a flat plate can be extended
by pre-stressing to approximately D*30,D*37&D*40.
Where as for the traditional reinforced concrete
beam and slab floor has an economical span
D*15,D*20.
Flat soffit ie flat ceiling:
The main & unique feature of the system is that
provides a way for the architect to achieve the
concept of high and completely flat ceiling with no
beam protrusion.
Saving in shuttering cost:
In traditional beam column slab system the need of
shuttering area is more & cost of form work is also
more.
Saving in construction time:
As form work& staging time is reduced the over all
construction time also get reduced in flat plate slab
system.
Pre stressing:
Pre stressing is not possible in traditional beam
column system where as post tensioned flat plate are
a common variation of the conventional structure
where most of the reinforcement is placed by post
tensioned strands of very high strength steel.
Building height:
Traditional beam column slab system produces
building or structure higher than flat plate slab
system.
Service:
In traditional beam column slab system the
penetrations through beam for large ducts difficult
to handle.
Advantages of flat plate flooring system
• Simple formwork and suitable for direct fix or
sprayed ceiling.
• No beams- simplifying under floor services.
• Minimum structural depth and reduced floor to
floor height.
Drawback of flat plate system
Deflection control:
Relatively thin slab of the structure make it
susceptible to excessive deflection and floor
vibrations.
Punching shear at columns:
It is not very efficient at resisting shear forces at
critical locations namely columns. If the slab is found
inadequate to resist punching shear certain measure
can be introduced to strengthen these locations.
SUMMARY
Let us see if you can remember the main points
raised in this lesson. Below is a summary of these
points:
CAST IN PLACE - concrete deposited, formed cured
and finished in its final position as part of a structure.
Also called cast in situ concrete
PRECAST - a concrete member or product that is cast
and cured in a place other than where it is to be
installed in a structure.
Module 1 –1. Cast in place and Precast Construction| Page 9 of 10
FLAT SLAB - a flat plate thickened at its column
support with column capitals and drop panels to REFERENCES
increase its shear strength and moment resisting
capacity. Flat slabs are suitable for heavy loaded Ching, Francis D.K. (1995). A Visual Dictionary of
Architecture. John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
spans.
https://constructionor.com/flat-slab/
FLAT PLATE - a concrete slab of uniform thickness
reinforced in two or more directions and supported https://www.civillead.com/flat-slab/
directly by columns without beams or girders. Flat
plate are suitable for short to medium spans with https://gharpedia.com/blog/difference-between-
precast-cast-in-situ-concrete/
relatively light live loads. Since there are no column
capitals or drop panels, shear governs the thickness www.youtube.com
of flat plate.

REINFORCED CONCRETE – concrete in which steel

reinforcement is embedded in such a manner that
Prepared by:
the two materials act in resisting forces. Also called
ferroconcrete. ARCH. ALBERT T. PASCUA, LRA
Faculty, College of Engineering and Architecture

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1
Home reading assignment on RIBBED AND
WAFFLE SLAB construction systems

ASSIGNMENT

Key concepts and terms

CASTING
CURING
MONOLITH
CAMBER
SPAN
SHEAR
MIDDLE STRIP
PREFABRICATED
LOAD BEARING
GIRDER
PILLAR
COLUMN STRIP
BENDING MOMENT
EFFECTIVE DEPTH (BEAM)

Module 1 –1. Cast in place and Precast Construction| Page 10 of 10