Waffle slab

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Waffle slab, Reinforced Concrete

A waffle slab or two-way joist slab is a Reinforced concrete flooring structural system; that
according to Harris, Dictionary of Architecture and Construction is "characterized by ribs in two
directions giving it the appearance of a waffle or grid"[1] This flooring system is preferred for longer
spans, compared to other structure systems like flat slab, flat slab with drop panel, two-way slabs,
one-way slabs, and one-way joist slabs that are recommended for spans from 30 feet or 40, being
much stronger than the systems just mentioned.[2]

Section of a waffle slab including Beam, ribs, and column head.

Contents

• 1Description
• 2Construction process
o 2.1Waffle slab design
• 3Advantages
• 4Disadvantages
• 5Examples
• 6References

Description[edit]
A waffle slab is flat on top, while joist create a grid like surface on the bottom. The grid is formed by
the removal of molds after the concrete sets. This structure was designed for longer spans, holding
heavier loads, and having a more solid frame.[3] This type of structure, because of its rigidity, is
recommended for buildings that require less vibration like facilities
for Laboratories and Manufacturing.[3] It is also used in buildings that require big open spaces,
like theaters or stations.[2] The system is composed by intricate forms, and it may be less convenient
economically; but, depending on the project and the quantity of concrete needed it may be cheaper
to build.

Construction process[edit]
A waffle slab can be made in different ways but generic forms are needed to give the waffle shape to
the slab. The forms needed are: Waffle Pods, Horizontal and vertical supports, Cube Junctions, Hole
Plates, Clits and Steel Bars.[4] First the supports are built, then the pods are arranged in place, and
finally the concrete is poured. The following are the three ways these slabs are manufactured:

1. In-Situ: After the framework has been constructed, concrete is

poured at the site and later assembled.[4]
2. Precast: The slabs are made somewhere else and then brought
to the site and assembled.[4]
3. Pre-fabricated: The slabs get reinforcements integrated while
being manufactured, without needing to reinforce the assembly
at the site. This is the most expensive option.[4]
Waffle slab design[edit]
Different guides have been made for architect's and engineer's to design and select the thicknesses
and rib dimensions for the slabs. In the next four diagrams the rules of thumb are explained further.

Diagram shows slab and rib width with rules of thumb formula

• Slab depth is typically 3[5] inches to 5[3] inches thick. The rule of
thumb is: Span/24.[5]
• The width of the ribs are typically 5 inches to 6 inches and have
steel rod reinforcements.[5]
• The distance between ribs is typically 3 feet.[3]
• The height of rib and beam should be = .04(span between
columns) [3]
• The width of the solid area around the column =1/8(Span between
columns) Its height has to be the same as the ribs.[3]
 Diagram showing waffle slab rib and Beam Heights rule of thumb
formulas.

Diagram shows the width of the column head with rule of thumb formula

Advantages[edit]
The waffle slab floor system has several advantages:

• Better for buildings that require less vibrations, this is managed by

the two way joist reinforcements that forms the grid.
• Bigger spans can be achieved with less material, being more
economical materially and cost effective.
• It can be, depending on the person, aesthetically pleasing.[4]
• System with greater load capacity.
• Can be implemented with wood, concrete or steel.
• If holes are provided between the ribs, the mechanical systems can
be implemented through them. This system is called Holedeck.[6]

Disadvantages[edit]
Just like advantages there are disadvantages with the waffle slab system:

• The materials needed can be very costly because of the grand

quantities needed.
 • The height between each floor has to be greater to have enough
space for the slab system and the rest of the mechanical systems
that have to be integrated in the building.
• This system is preferred for flat topographical areas not sloped
sites.[4]

Examples[edit]
• Royal National Theater, London, United Kingdom
• Washington Metro Building
• Logistic and Telecommunication SL, Madrid, Spain [7]
• Barangaroo House, Sydney, Australia[8]
• GS1 Portugal, Lisboa, Portugal[9]
• Galbraith Hall, UC San Diego, California[10]
• odD House, Quito, Ecuador[11]

References[edit]
1. ^ Harris, Cyril (2005). Dictionary of Architecture and Construction.
McGrawHill. p. 1051. ISBN 0-07-145237-0.
2. ^ Jump up to:a b "Waffle Slab". Civil Engineers Forum. 2014-12-25.
Retrieved 2018-12-05.
3. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f Allen, Edward; Iano, Joseph (2017). The
Architect's Studio Companion (Sixth ed.). New Jersey: Wiley.
p. 124. ISBN 9781119092414.
4. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f Anupoju, Sadanandam (2017-12-13). "Waffle
Slab - Construction Procedure, Characteristics and Advantages". The
Constructor. Retrieved 2018-11-18.
5. ^ Jump up to:a b c Ching, Francis D.K. (2014). Building Construction
Illustrated (Fifth ed.). New Jersey: Wiley. p. 4.06. ISBN 978-1-118-
45834-1.
6. ^ "HOLEDECK | certificate system lightened reinforced concrete slabs
which saves 20% in construction". Retrieved 2018-12-05.
7. ^ "Logytel I+D / Alarcón + Asociados". ArchDaily. 2014-01-02.
Retrieved 2018-12-04.
8. ^ "Barangaroo House / Collins and Turner". ArchDaily. 2018-08-08.
Retrieved 2018-12-04.
9. ^ "GS1 Portugal / PROMONTORIO". ArchDaily. 2017-05-17.
Retrieved 2018-12-04.
10. ^ "UC San Diego - Galbraith Hall Interior Renovation / Kevin deFreitas
Architects". ArchDaily. 2017-02-03. Retrieved 2018-12-04.
11. ^ "odD House 1.0 / odD+". ArchDaily. 2015-04-16. Retrieved 2018-12-
04.
Categories:
• Floors
• Concrete buildings and structures
• Concrete
• Reinforced concrete
• Structural system
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