Comparative Study of RCC Flat Slab and RCC Beam-and-Slab Floor Systems

Abstract

A number of researchers have focused on comparative study of reinforced concrete flat slabs with post-tensioned and prestressed concrete flat slab and other types of floor systems. However, this research is focused on comparative study of RCC flat slab and RCC beam-and-slab floor systems. This topic was chosen because the RCC flat slab floor system has more benefits compared to the RCC beam-and-slab floor system but besides these benefits, it is less popular with designers in Ghana. There is however, no comparative cost analysis available to convince designers to adopt this option. This Research is therefore aimed to provide such information. These include the design of RCC Flat slab as well as RCC beam-and-slab floor systems and then comparing the results. Structural Designing Software (CSC TEDDS & RCC Excel Spreadsheet) and manual method were used for the analysis and design of both floor systems in accordance with BS 8110. From the analysis and design results of the office building, the total estimation for the quantities for a typical floor system is calculated. The procedure includes finding the quantities of concrete, reinforcing steel and formwork, and their cost according to the current unit rate for both cases. Results revealed that RCC flat slab floor system is +6.07% cost saving in floor construction and +2.42% in column construction, hence the most economic floor system. It was also found that the major cost significant saving item is formwork in case of RCC flat slab floor system compared to RCC beam-and-slab floor system.

Keywords: RCC Flat Slab floor system, RCC Beam-and-slab floor system, Flat Slab.