Comparative Study of Flat Slab and Conventional Slab Structure Based on Seismic Behaviour and Cost Effectiveness

Abstract

Flat slab recent earthquakes in which many concrete structures have been severely damaged or collapsed, have indicated the need for evaluating the seismic adequacy of buildings. About 60% of the land area of our country is susceptible to damaging levels of seismic hazard. We can’t avoid future earthquakes, but safe building construction practices can certainly reduce the extent of damage and loss. As being one of the special reinforced concrete structural forms, flat-slab systems need further attention. They possess many advantages in terms of architectural flexibility, use of space, easier formwork and shorter construction time. However, the structural efficiency of the flat-slab construction is hindered by its poor performance under earthquake loading. This undesirable behaviour has originated from the insufficient lateral resistance due to the absence of deep beams or shear walls in the flat-slab system. This gives rise to excessive deformations that cause damage in non-structural members even when subjected to earthquakes of moderate intensity.

Keywords: Cost Effectiveness, Conventional Slab, Flat Slab, Seismic Behaviour