Reinforced Concrete Slab Systems: Evaluating Structural Performance and Sustainability

Selection of an appropriate reinforced concrete slab system is crucial for ensuring structural efficiency and cost-effectiveness in modern residential buildings. This study presents a comparative analysis of three types of reinforced concrete slab systems: solid, ribbed, and waffle slabs. The evaluation is based on structural performance, material efficiency, cost implications, and suitability for large spans. A five-storey residential building was used as a case study to investigate the behavior of the three slab systems. Structural modeling and analysis were carried out using Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional software in accordance with Eurocode 2 design standards. The results indicate that solid slabs, despite being widely used, are less efficient for spans exceeding 6 m due to their higher self-weight and increased material demand, which lead to higher construction costs. Ribbed slabs demonstrate improved efficiency for medium spans, achieving significant reductions in material usage while maintaining adequate structural performance. Waffle slabs are shown to be more suitable for long-span applications (greater than 12 m), providing enhanced stiffness, improved load distribution, and better deflection control. Overall, the study highlights the importance of selecting slab systems based on span requirements, structural performance, and material efficiency. The findings provide practical guidance for engineers and designers in choosing appropriate slab systems for different structural applications.