The challenge
The challenge
The Problem
Flat slab increases self-weight
Designing a heavier structure makes the structure even heavier with additional elements recursively. As the self-weight of the structure increases, the effects of earthquake forces, deflections on the floor, etc. will also increase. Depending on the ground conditions, as the structure gets heavier the ground improvement costs may increase exponentially.
Ribbed slab has restrictions
The design of traditional one way ribbed slabs with EPS (Styrofoam) or hollow brick fillings, has been limited by rules and regulations. Instead, two way ribbed slabs can be constructed. However, in this design, filling the two way ribbed gaps with EPS, hollow brick or aerated concrete, especially in housing projects, should be evaluated carefully. While EPS fillings can pose a serious fire risk due to gas compression, toxic smoke emission and/or contribution to the fire by dripping, hollow brick/aerated concrete fillings also have a risk of falling during an earthquake.
