1.

One-Way Flat Slab

One of the most common slab types in construction projects, a one-way flat slab uses between 4 and 6
inches of concrete to withstand heavy loads. The name of this slab refers to the support structure. It’s
designed to be used in applications where one direction is supported and the other direction requires less
support. This type of slab is an
affordable, simple solution for
commercial or residential projects. It’s
more affordable than other types of
slabs, particularly for a ground-level
structure. A major limitation to one-
way flat slabs is that they don’t have
the same span capabilities as other
slab types. This makes them
unsuitable for many bridge and ceiling applications.

2. Two-Way Flat Slab

A two-way construction uses support beams at all four corners to equally distribute weight throughout
the entire slab. This type is commonly used in a multi-storeyed building, where floors need to support the
weight of additional floors. The best way to
determine which type you need is to review the
breadth and width of a particular project. If one
direction is longer than the other by a ratio of
two to one, then you should consider a one-
way slab.

3. Kitchen Slab
This particular slab type is used in residential construction projects for a kitchen platform. It’s commonly
used to place a stove on a fire-resistant surface. The small design of this slab isn’t suited for structural
purposes, but can be used to support an oven or other cooking appliance.

4. Sun Shade Slab

A sloped slab of concrete above a door or window is called a sun shade slab. This specialized structural
piece is used to shade the door or window from direct sunlight and pouring rain. It’s typically poured
separately and installed on the exterior of a building after fully curing. Use a sun shade slab as a sturdy
alternative to a steel or fabric sun shade. Sun shade slabs don’t need to be particularly thick, as they

aren’t traditionally structural elements. Instead, they must simply be thick enough to support their own
weight safely. Be sure you review the materials used to safely secure the slab above a window or door to
prevent a falling hazard.

5. Lintel
Windows and doors are structural weak points in a wall. Because these features don’t provide the same
load-bearing functionality as bricks, concrete or timber framing, your building may require a lintel. This
structural piece is placed above a window or door and redirects the top load. A precast lintel is a popular
option for generic dimensions and materials. These lintels are constructed in a factory, so they are

typically more affordable and convenient than in situ lintels. Lintels that are cast in situ are cast and
poured at the jobsite. Instead of constructing them in a factory, the concrete is mixed, framed and poured
either directly above the window or door or poured at the jobsite. This allows for a special concrete
mixture or design for your building project.

6. Sunken Slab

Residential and commercial jobsites may require a sunken slab in washrooms or around other fixtures.

These construction situations require a slab that is below the floor grade and accommodates water and
sewer lines. A sunken slab typically has a slope and is below grade enough to fit a shower base or other
fixture so that the top of the fixture is flush or closer to flush with the floor. Use a construction level to
determine the recess needed to accommodate both the slab and the fixture.

7. Cable Suspension Slab

Bridges are the most common area where cable suspension slabs are used. Stretch long spans without
compromising the structural integrity of the concrete surface. This type of slab can also be used in
commercial construction to create a floating foundation or raised walkway between buildings. The size
and frequency of suspension cables depends on many critical factors. You’ll need to calculate the weight
of the slab, the length it’s being suspended and the expected load. These factors help you arrive at

optimal slab dimensions and suspension considerations before you design the columns to support the
bridge or other structure.

8. Pre-Tension Slab

Lay tightened steel cables as a reinforcing skeleton of your concrete slab. Similar to a post-tension slab, a
pre-tension slab is used to prevent compression and improve overall strength. It achieves this through the
use of high-tensile steel cables. Hydraulic jacks create tension in the system before the concrete is poured
into the framework. If the structure should crack, the tension of the cables prevents the concrete pieces
from dangerously separating. Use a pre-tension slab for a thinner product. Compared to other reinforced

slabs, pre- and post-tension slabs don’t require as thick of concrete. The tension in the slab also reduces
the need for joints. In some structures, the slab will be entirely joint free.

9. Waffle Slab
Looking remarkably like a waffle, this finished slab creates an iconic look that’s commonly used in
restaurant, mall and other commercial settings. A grand lobby can use this square-pod system to house
recessed lights, alter acoustics and create a wide span with minimal column support. The construction

and installation of a waffle slab is particularly costly and time consuming. While the result is a stunning
structure and memorable interior, the process can be too costly for many commercial or residential
projects.

10. Pitched Roof Slab

Mimic the look of a shingled or steel roof with a pitched roof slab. This sloping design typically uses thin
tiles that are lightweight and easy to install. This roofing material typically needs steel or timber framing
to support it. It isn’t suitable for large spans without support, but it can be a great investment that

reduces the maintenance of a particular building. Use construction tools to calculate the ideal pitch for
your area to avoid overloading it with snow or other weight limit factors.

11. Post-Tension Slab

The post-tension slab offers the same characteristics of the pre-tension slab. Instead of tightening the

cables and creating tension before the concrete is poured, this process occurs afterward. It offers a similar
lightweight, durable result. Use care when choosing this option, as an inexperienced concrete team may
leave air pockets in the slab. These pockets encourage steel cable corrosion and increase the risk of a
sudden slab failure.
12. Hollow Core Slab

These convenient slabs are pre-poured and delivered to your jobsite. This reduces the amount of labor
and time needed for your project. Simply use a crane to lift and install the hollow core slabs on supporting
columns. Compared to other slab options, hollow core slabs offer an excellent span distance. They also

have holes through them that are perfect for installing wiring and plumbing, which further reduces the
time and cost of the construction project. Be sure you order hollow core slabs from a reputable
contracting team. Casting errors and improper transportation can damage these slabs, which quickly
turns into a costly and time-consuming situation.

14. Dome Slab

An iconic mosque, temple or palace dome can be constructed using a dome slab. This semi-circle concrete
structure uses a steel support structure. The concrete is moderately thick and is carefully poured using a
framework to achieve a smooth or textured dome shape.

15. Projected Slab

A covered drop-off entrance usually includes a projected slab. This long slab is connected to a building at

one end and hangs free at the other. The goal is to protect vehicles and pedestrians from direct sunlight
and inclement weather. The slab uses a cantilever design to balance the weight and safely support it from
a single end.

16. Room Chajja

Open up ceiling space for additional storage with a room chajja. This slab can be used as a built-in shelf
inside your home. It’s not meant to provide a structural element or a load-bearing loft, but can be a

stylish built-in shelf in your kitchen or dining room.

Same lecture with more examples

A reinforced concrete slab is a crucial structural element and is used to provide flat surfaces(floors and
ceilings) in buildings. On the basis of reinforcement provided, beam support, and the ratio of the spans,
slabs are generally classified into one-way slab and two-way slab. The former is supported on two sides
and the ratio of long to short span is greater than two. However, the latter is supported on four sides and
the ratio of long to short span is smaller than two.

Varying conditions and stipulations ask for the selection of appropriate and cost-effective concrete slab,
keeping in view, the type of building, architectural layout, aesthetic features, and the span length.
Concrete slabs, therefore, are further classified into one-way joist slab, flat slab, flat plate, waffle slab,
hollow core slab, precast slab, slabs on grade, hardy slab, and composite slab.

1. One-Way Slabs on Beams

Cast in situ method is used to construct one-way slabs on beams which involves fixing of forms followed
with the installation of reinforcements, and finally the pouring of fresh concrete.

One-way slabs on beams are most suitable for spans of 3-6m, and a live load of 3 to 5KN/m2. They can
also be used for larger spans with relatively higher cost and higher slab deflection. Additional formwork
for the beams is however needed.

Fig. 1: One-way Slab on Beams

2. One-way joist slab (Ribbed slab)

It consists of a floor slab, usually 50 to 100mm thick, supported by reinforced concrete ribs (or joists). The
ribs are usually tapered and are uniformly spaced at distances that do not exceed 750mm. The ribs are
supported on girders that rest on columns.

A one-way joist concrete slab is suitable for spans of 6-9m and live loads of 4-6KN/m2. Because of the
deep ribs, the concrete and steel quantities are relatively low, but expensive formwork is needed.
Fig. 2: One-way Ribbed Slab

3. Waffle Slab (Grid slab)

It is a type of reinforced concrete slab that contains square grids with deep sides. Waffle slab
construction process includes fixing forms, placement of pods on shuttering, installation of reinforcement
between pods, installation of steel mesh on top of pods, and pouring of concrete.

Grid slabs are suitable for spans of 9-15m and live loads of 4-7KN/m2. Formwork, including the use of
pans, is quite expensive.
Fig. 3: Waffle Slab

4. Flat Plates

Flat plates can be constructed as one-way or two-way slabs and it is directly supported by columns or
walls. It is easy to construct and requires simple formworks.

Flat plates are most suitable for spans of 6 to 8m, and live loads between 3 and 5KN/m 2. Added to that,
the range of spans for prestressed flat plates is between 8-12m, and it can also be constructed as post-
tensioned slabs.

The advantages of adopting flat plates include low-cost formwork, exposed flat ceilings, and faster
construction. Flat plates have low shear capacity and relatively low stiffness, which may cause noticeable
deflection.
Fig. 4: Flat Plate

5. Flat Slabs

This is typically a reinforced slab supported directly by columns or caps, without the use of beams. This
type of slab is generally easy to construct and requires little formwork. The loads are directly transferred
to the columns.

Flat slabs are most suitable for spans of 6 to 9m, and for live loads of 4-7KN/m2. They need more
formwork than flat plates, especially for column capitals. In most cases, only drop panels without column
capitals are used. It can be constructed as a post-tensioned flat slab.

Fig. 5: Flat Slab

6. Two-way Slabs on Beams

The construct of this type of slab is similar to that of one-way slab on beams, but it may need
more formworks since two-way slabs are supported on all sides. Slabs on beams are suitable for spans
between 6 and 9m, and live loads of 3-6KN/m2 . The beams increase the stiffness of the slabs, producing
relatively low deflection. Additional formwork for the beams is needed.

Fig. 6: Two-way
Slab on Beams

7. Hollow core slab

It is a type of precast slab through which cores are run. Not only do these cores decline slab self-weight
and increase structural efficiency but also act as service ducts. It is suitable for cases where fast
constructions are desired.

There is no restriction on the span of the hollow core slab units, and their standard width is 120mm and
depth ranges from 110mm to 400mm.

The slab units are commonly installed between beams using cranes and the gaps between units are filled
with screeds. It has been observed that, hollow core slab can support 2.5 kN/m 2 over a 16m span. It is
suitable for offices, retail or car park developments.
Fig. 7: Hollow Core Slab

8. Hardy Slab

It is constructed using hardy bricks which significantly decline the amount of concrete and eventually the
slab's self-weight. The thickness of hardy slab is commonly greater than conventional slab and around
270mm.

The construction of hardy slab involves formwork installation, hardy block placement, placement of
reinforcement into gaps between blocks, placement of steel mesh on the blocks, and finally pouring of
concrete.

It is economical for spans of length up to 5m, and it reduces the quantity of concrete below neutral axis,
and moderate live loads shall be imposed. It is constructed at locations where the temperatures are very
high. The application of this type of slab can be seen in Dubai and China.

Fig. 8: Hardy Block

 Fig. 9: Hardy Slab
Construction

9. Bubble Deck Slab

It is constructed by placing plastic bubbles which are prefabricated and the reinforcement is then placed
between and over plastic bubbles and finally, fresh concrete is poured. The plastic bubbles replace the
ineffective concrete at the center of the slab.

Bubble Deck slabs reduce weight, increase strength, larger spans can be provided, fewer columns needed,
no beams or ribs under the ceiling are required. Consequently, not only does it decline the total cost of
construction but it is also environmentally friendly since it reduces the amount of concrete.
Fig. 10: Bubble Deck Slab Types

Fig. 11: Bubble Deck Slab

10. Composite Slab

Commonly, it is constructed from reinforced concrete cast on top of profiled steel decking. The decking
acts as formwork and working area during the construction phase, and it also acts as external
reinforcement during service life of the slab.

For a steel decking of thickness between 50-60mm, the span of the slab can reach up to 3m. However, if
the steel decking thickness is increased up to 80mm, slabs with span of 4.5m can be constructed.
 Fig. 12: Composite Slab

11. Precast Slab

Precast concrete slabs are cast and cured in manufacturing plants, and then delivered to the construction
site to be erected. The most outstanding advantage of the preparation of slabs in manufacturing plants is
the increase in efficiency and higher quality control which may not be achieved on site.

The most commonly used precast slabs are the channel and double-T types. They can be used for spans
up to 15m. The double-T slabs vary in sizes and spans up to 15m have been used.

The tongue-and-groove panel could vary in size based on the design requirement. When they are placed,
the tongue of one panel is placed inside the groove of adjacent panel.

With regard to the cost of precast slabs, it is reported that precast concrete slabs are cheaper than cast in
situ concrete slab by approximately 24%.

Fig. 13: Precast Slab

12. Slab on grade

The slab which is cast on the surface of the earth is called a Ground slab. Generally, slab on grade is
classified into three types:

1. Slab on ground
It is the simplest type of slab on grade which is a composite of stiffening beams constructed from
concrete around perimeter of the slab, and has a slab thickness of 100mm. It is suitable for stable ground
which is mostly composed of sand and rock and not influenced by moisture, and soils that undergo slight
movement due to moisture.

2. Stiffened raft slab

It is similar to slab on ground apart from stiffening beams which are set in channels through the middle of
the slab. Consequently, it creates a kind of supporting grid of concrete on the base of the slab. Soil with
moderate, high amount, and severe movement due to moisture.

3. Waffle raft slab

It is constructed entirely above the ground by pouring concrete over a grid of polystyrene blocks known
as 'void forms'. Waffle raft slabs are generally suitable for sites with less reactive soil, use about 30% less
concrete and 20% less steel than a stiffened raft slab, and are generally cheaper and easier to install than
other types. These types of slabs are suitable only for very flat ground.

Fig. 12: Types of Slabs on Ground