Optimum Dimensions of Waffle Slab for Medium Size Floors

Waffle slab has had its genesis in a rather thick solid-slab floor from which the bottom layerconcrete in tension is partially replaced by their ribs along orthogonal directions. The ribsare reinforced with steel to resist flexural tensile stresses. The dimensions and spacing ofribs are decided in a manner so as to achieve better load distribution without requiring theshear reinforcement. The present paper elaborates the results obtained from the analytical study carried out on waffle slab medium size floor system with a view to achieve the optimum dimensions of rib spacing, its depth and width. The waffle slab has beenconsidered as monolithically connected to band beams. Feasibility of structural design ofmembers has been ensured under the provision of IS: 456-2000.