What is Waffle Slab and where it is used
A waffle slab is made of a thin topping supported by ribs running in both directions, giving it the appearance of waffle when looked from below. Waffle slabs are a special type of reinforced concrete slab, where aesthetics meet with certain structural characteristics. They have advantages such as the aesthetics, higher load capacity and longer spans. Since they are stiff due to their higher overall thickness, they reduce floor vibrations, which is also desirable in hospitals, labs. Their rigidity also enable better distribution of lateral forces.
Contrary to the belief of many, waffle slabs don’t necessarily reduce material usage (and consequently dead load of the building) however, because overall thickness of waffle slab is greater than a regular slab. This greater thickness also means an inevitable increase in floor to floor heights for the same ceiling clearance we want interiors which increases the overall cost (larger facade, need for a stronger LFRS, longer run of MEP system…). Their higher stiffness also require shear walls, rather than moment frame, in other words, the stiff waffle slab, can only be compatible with the stiffness of shear walls, not the flexibility of moment frames. This stiffness also means decrease in ductility of the building, and a requirement for stronger foundation systems. Given these last points, combined with considerations explained above, there is a limit to the number of floors that they can be used cost effectively.
Post By: A. Tuter
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