Comparison of the post-tensioned, solid, hollow block, and flat slabs in terms of economy considering different span lengths

Abstract

From among the several types of slabs, there is uncertainty about the most cost-effective one for structures with short, medium, and long spans. A study comparing the cost of the solid, flat, hollow block (HB), and post-tensioned (PT) slabs for 4, 6, and 8m spans was conducted using SAFE software. For each span length, the total quantities of concrete and steel bars were found and compared for 4 slabs. Then, the total cost of steel bars, concrete, blocks, tendons, and formwork was tabulated and compared. The findings revealed that the quantity of concrete in slabs with 4 and 6m spans is the least in the HB slabs, while for slabs with 8m spans, the quantity of concrete is the least in the PT slab. Besides, the quantity of steel bars in slabs with 4, 6, and 8 spans is the least in PT slabs. In terms of economy, the most cost-effective option is the flat slab for 4m spans, with savings of about 14, 9, and 17% compared to solid, HB, and PT slabs, respectively. On the other hand, for 6 and 8m spans, the most cost-effective option is the PT slab, with savings of about 10, 6, and 6% for the 6m span, and 10, 20, and 22% for 8m span compared to solid, HB, and flat slabs, respectively. Therefore, for 6m spans and more, PT slabs offer significant cost savings.

Keywords

• solid slab
• hb slab
• flat slab
• pt slab
• cost