Question

In what way are flat plate, flat slab, and waffle slab systems similar? Rank these systems in order of their spanning capacity.

Answer

All three systems are similar in that they are two-way concrete floor structural systems. Generally the flat plate system is the simplest of the three and is used for short spans. The flat slab is similar to the flat plate, but is thickened with a drop panel at the columns and can span greater distances. The waffle slab has thick beamlike members in each direction, with a thin slab between, and generally can support greater loads over a greater distance than the other two systems.