Waffle slab
The underside of a waffle slab, showing the grid like
structure
A waffle slab or two-way joist slab is a
concrete slab made of reinforced concrete
with concrete ribs running in two
directions on its underside.[1] The name
waffle comes from the grid pattern created
by the reinforcing ribs. Waffle slabs are
preferred for spans greater than 40 feet
(12 m), as they are much stronger than flat
slabs, flat slabs with drop panels, two-way
slabs, one-way slabs, and one-way joist
slabs.[2]
Section of a waffle slab including beam, ribs, and
column head
Description
A waffle slab is flat on top, while joists
create a grid like surface on the bottom.
The grid is formed by the removal of
molds after the concrete sets. This
structure was designed to be more solid
when used on longer spans and with
heavier loads.[3] This type of structure,
because of its rigidity, is recommended for
buildings that require minimal vibration,
like laboratories and manufacturing
facilities.[3] It is also used in buildings that
require big open spaces, like theatres or
train stations.[2] Waffle slabs are
composed by intricate formwork, and may
be more expensive than other types of
slabs, but depending on the project and
the quantity of concrete needed it may be
cheaper to build.
Construction process
A waffle slab can be made in different
ways but generic forms are needed to give
the waffle shape to the slab. The formwork
is made up of many elements: waffle pods,
horizontal supports, vertical supports, cube
junctions, hole plates, clits and steel Bars.[4]
First the supports are built, then the pods
are arranged in place, and finally the
concrete is poured.
This process may occur in three different
approaches, however the basic method is
the same in each:
In situ: Formwork construction and
pouring of concrete occur on site, then
the slab is assembled (if required).[4]
Precast: The slabs are made
somewhere else and then brought to the
site and assembled.[4]
Pre-fabricated: The reinforcements are
integrated into the slab while being
manufactured, without needing to
reinforce the assembly on site. This is
the most expensive option.[4]
Waffle slab design
Different guides have been made for
architects and engineers to determine
various parameters of waffle slabs,
primarily the overall thickness and rib
dimensions. The following are rules of
thumb, which are explained further in the
accompanying diagrams:
Diagram shows slab and rib width with rules of thumb
formula
Slab depth is typically 75 mm (3 in) to
130 mm (5 in) thick.[5][3] As a rule of
thumb, the depth should be 1⁄24 of the
span.[5]
The width of the ribs is typically 130 mm
(5 in) to 150 mm (6 in), and ribs usually
have steel rod reinforcements.[5]
The distance between ribs is typically
915 mm (3 ft).[3]
The height of the ribs and beams should
be 1⁄25 of the span between columns.[3]
The width of the solid area around the
column should be 1⁄8 of the span
between columns. Its height should the
same as the ribs.[3]
Diagram showing waffle slab rib and Beam Heights
rule of thumb formulas.
Diagram shows the width of the column head with
rule of thumb formula
Advantages
The waffle slab floor system has several
advantages:
Better for buildings that require less
vibrations – this is managed by the two
way joist reinforcements that form the
grid.
Bigger spans can be achieved with less
material, being more economical and
environmentally friendly
Some people find the waffle pattern
aesthetically pleasing[4]
Greater load capacity than traditional
one-way slabs
Forms can be implemented with wood,
concrete or steel
If holes are provided between the ribs,
building services can be run through
them. One proprietary implementation
of this system is called Holedeck.[6]
Disadvantages
Greater quantities of formwork
materials are needed, which can be very
costly
Waffle slabs are thicker than flat slabs,
so the height between each floor must
be greater to have enough space for the
slab system and other building services
Waffle slabs are preferred for flat
topographical areas not sloped sites[4]
Examples
Royal National Theatre, London, United
Kingdom
Washington Metro Building
Logistic and Telecommunication SL,
Madrid, Spain[7]
Barangaroo House, Sydney, Australia[8]
GS1 Portugal, Lisboa, Portugal[9]
Galbraith Hall, UC San Diego,
California[10]
odD House, Quito, Ecuador[11]
See also
Waffle slab foundation
Reinforced concrete
Concrete slab
Formwork
References
1. Harris, Cyril (2005). Dictionary of
Architecture and Construction.
McGrawHill. p. 1051. ISBN 0-07-
145237-0.
2. "Waffle Slab" . Civil Engineers Forum.
2014-12-25. Retrieved 2018-12-05.
3. Allen, Edward; Iano, Joseph (2017).
The Architect's Studio Companion
(Sixth ed.). New Jersey: Wiley. p. 124.
ISBN 9781119092414.
4. Anupoju, Sadanandam (2017-12-13).
"Waffle Slab - Construction Procedure,
Characteristics and Advantages" . The
Constructor. Retrieved 2018-11-18.
5. Ching, Francis D.K. (2014). Building
Construction Illustrated (Fifth ed.).
New Jersey: Wiley. p. 4.06. ISBN 978-
1-118-45834-1.
6. "HOLEDECK | certificate system
lightened reinforced concrete slabs
which saves 20% in construction" .
Retrieved 2018-12-05.
7. "Logytel I+D / Alarcón + Asociados" .
ArchDaily. 2014-01-02. Retrieved
2018-12-04.
8. "Barangaroo House / Collins and
Turner" . ArchDaily. 2018-08-08.
Retrieved 2018-12-04.
9. "GS1 Portugal / PROMONTORIO" .
ArchDaily. 2017-05-17. Retrieved
2018-12-04.
10. "UC San Diego - Galbraith Hall Interior
Renovation / Kevin deFreitas
Architects" . ArchDaily. 2017-02-03.
Retrieved 2018-12-04.
11. "odD House 1.0 / odD+" . ArchDaily.
2015-04-16. Retrieved 2018-12-04.
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