What weight can different types of floor slabs and types of reinforced concrete products withstand?

The load-bearing capacity of floor slabs and reinforced concrete products is one of the most important factors to take into account when building or renovating. Whether a building is a large industrial structure, an office building, or a residential home, knowing the weight that various types of slabs can support is crucial to guaranteeing its stability and safety.

There are several varieties of floor slabs, each intended to support particular loads and applications. The amount of weight that concrete slabs, both solid and hollow core varieties, can safely support depends largely on the material and construction techniques used. Building professionals and homeowners can make well-informed decisions that meet their unique needs and specifications by being aware of the distinctions between these types.

Products made of reinforced concrete, such as slabs, columns, and beams, are designed to be stronger and more durable. These products can support large loads and endure a variety of stresses because they combine the tensile strength of steel reinforcement with the compressive strength of concrete. Given the ever-increasing demands on building materials in modern construction, this combination is especially crucial.

We can gain a greater understanding of the engineering involved in building dependable and safe structures by investigating the weight capacities of various floor slabs and reinforced concrete products. This information guarantees that buildings can serve their intended purposes without sacrificing integrity or performance, and it also promotes safer construction practices.

Types of reinforced concrete products

Making sure the building frame is rigid is one of the first things to do when developing any project. The strength of subsequent floors, horizontal elements dividing floors, and bearing loads from above all play a significant role in its solution.

Slabs and flat reinforced concrete products comprise each floor. Knowing how much weight the floor slab will support as a structural unit is crucial for calculating strength. Floors are arranged using three different kinds of reinforced concrete slabs:

  • Solid (monolithic). Solid reinforced concrete products; It has significant weight and is used in the construction of high-rise buildings and industrial facilities.
  • Ribbed. Products with longitudinal stiffeners. Increased strength characteristics allow their use in industrial and high-rise construction. Rarely used in private housing construction due to difficulties with finishing.
  • Void. Technological holes run along the entire length of the product, thanks to which the load on the foundation and walls is reduced, transport costs and the cost of the floor in general are reduced.

Its capacity to support a specific weight is contingent upon the type of cement utilized during production. For example, the slab can support up to 400 kgf/m2 if M300 or M400 cement is selected. But keep in mind that this parameter describes a temporary load, not a constant.

Characteristics of hollow core slabs (PP)

Where substantial loads on the structure are anticipated, the first two types of slabs are utilized. Reasonable cost and relatively low weight are characteristics of PP. As a result, they have the following qualities and are utilized in both private construction and to span spans of both public and residential buildings:

  • High quality and calculated reliability parameters, as they are manufactured in compliance with the requirements of GOST 9561-91.
  • In addition to construction tasks, they improve the heat and sound insulation of buildings. The number and position of voids is calculated in a certain way, and the load-bearing properties are not affected.
  • Dimensions are distributed as follows: length 1.18-9.7 m, width 0.99-3.5 m.
  • In private construction, a popular format is up to 1.5 m wide and 6 m long.
  • Depending on the thickness, standard (220 mm) and lightweight (160 mm) PP are distinguished.
  • According to the production method, PC and PB boards are distinguished.
  • Special equipment is required for delivery and installation.

PP floors are used on the majority of construction sites because they essentially have no competitors among alternative solutions. Because they require more time and labor to produce, monolithic reinforced concrete structures are less manufacturable than them. The strength and lifespan of wooden beams are comparatively lower.

What is the difference between PC and PB floor slabs?

Two techniques are employed in production to create PP:

  • PC. Old (original) formwork technology is used: concrete mixture is poured into metal formwork. Reinforced concrete slabs are manufactured according to uniform documentation; in addition to voids, they have mounting loops.
  • PB (sometimes PPP). Continuous formless molding technology is used. The concrete blank is molded on stands in a continuous manner; when the concrete gains strength, the semi-finished product is cut into pieces of the required size. There is no uniform documentation for the production of bench products; in production they use working drawings from the equipment supplier.

The following limitations on the PCB’s properties are imposed by the technology:

  • Traditional PC thickness 160 or 220 mm. For PB it ranges from 160 to 330 mm, which is determined by the features of the project.
  • The dimensions of the workpieces have a certain step. For PC slabs it is a multiple of 30 cm, for PB it is a multiple of 10 cm.
  • The grade of concrete used in production is, respectively, M200 (PC) and from M-400 to M-550. Products made on stands look smoother and more even, as they are smoothed by an extruder.

Conventional PP can support loads of up to 800 kgf/m2, however certain manufacturers can custom make slabs that can support 1250 kgf/m2. The standard for stand panels is 800 kgf/m² as well. However, we can produce more (or less) durable building material in the 300–1600 kgf/m² range if needed thanks to technology.

Since loads on these kinds of slabs must meet the SNiP requirement, 8 kgf/dm² is the standard for most PP. In tables and reference books, the load on hollow core slabs is computed using the same value.

All kinds of products are reinforced with stainless steel because of its strong anti-corrosion qualities; as a result, concrete has a high load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, the metal can withstand temperature changes over a broad range (from -40 to +50°), making it appropriate for a variety of climate zones.

How PP is marked

Concrete products are marked in accordance with the state standard at the end of the production process. The marking is an alphanumeric abbreviation that represents the maximum load as well as the panel’s standard dimensions.

Marking PC 38-10-8, for instance, reports the following:

  • PP is made using formwork technology.
  • Panel length is 3780 mm (to simplify recording, rounded to 38 dm).
  • Width 990 mm is rounded and written in dm (number 10).
  • The product is designed for a standard load of 800 kgf/m² (number 8).

The data in Marking 1 PB2.2 63.15.8.K7.P. is as follows:

  • Number 1 is an index indicating the presence of a cutout of a specific configuration in the PP.
  • PB2.2 – hollow-core floor slab 220 mm thick. Manufactured by continuous formless molding.
  • 63 – slab length in dm (rounded value).
  • 15 – width in dm (rounded).
  • 8 – the panel is designed for a standard load of 800 kgf/m² with its uniform distribution and without taking into account its own weight.
  • K7 – working reinforcement of the lower zone of the slab.
  • p – presence of mounting loops (the letter “a” indicates the presence of anchors).
  • j – in the upper belt there are samples of concrete (used in frame house construction).

What loads act on the PP inside the structure?

Understanding the forces operating in the structure and the type of pressure they exert is essential before attempting to calculate the load of a hollow-core floor slab. It is crucial to realize that the load that is always of interest to us is the permissible load—that is, the load that prevents the panel from deforming or deflecting.

Any concrete floor between floors can be divided into three sections:

  • The upper part, a cake made of screed, insulation and finishing of the floor and furniture standing on the floor.
  • Basis of the structure, reinforced concrete panels.
  • Lower part, ceiling trim. This also includes ceiling lights.

Each item above and below produces two different kinds of loads:

  • Static (constant) load is created by fixed elements, from materials to objects, including standing, hanging or nailed to the wall.
  • Dynamic (temporary) load appears when people and animals move, when moving objects along the floor of the second floor.

They are separated into two categories based on the location of the load application (which is simply the points and regions where forces are applied):

  • Spot (focused). An example would be a swing suspended from the ceiling.
  • Distributed (uniform). It is created, for example, by a suspended ceiling, since it is attached at many points (at regular intervals).

Occasionally, they also discuss uneven loads, which are caused by heavy furniture leaning against a room’s wall. The computation of distributed and point loads on the floor slab is still relevant given the wide range of force distributions.

Reinforced concrete PP with a reserve of load-bearing capacity—more than what calculations suggest for a particular project—is typically used in construction practice. A safety margin is necessary in every situation. Because of this, there is less chance of the structure collapsing because the ceiling, which is composed of hollow slabs, can easily support the additional loads mentioned above.

What methodology is used in calculations

First prepare a drawing of the structure if you need to know the maximum load that will be supported on the floor slab in a brick house, or any other type of house. Building regulations must be followed in its execution.

  • First, according to the drawing, calculate the weight of everything that will create a load on the PP floor. These are, for example, screed and partitions, decorative finishing and floor insulation (a drawing is needed to determine the area of ​​the walls and floor).
  • The resulting figure is divided by the number of PP from which the overlap will be composed.

The following guidelines are taken into consideration when performing calculations:

  • It is always assumed that the middle of the PP will not take on much weight, even if a permanent wall is planned under the central part.
  • Calculation of loads on the PP is carried out for each linear meter.
  • The weight of finishing and building materials is calculated in kilograms.
  • Load of any type is calculated in kilogram-force or Newtons per square meter (kgf/m²).

Video description

In the video below, we’ll talk about calculating permanent and temporary loads:

How to calculate the load

Determine the weight of the concrete slab first in order to ascertain how much weight it can support. Consider PP, which is frequently used in construction and is designated PK-60-15-8. You can choose the parameters by marking:

  • Slab weight: 2.85 tons or 2850 kg.
  • The area of ​​the bearing surface is found by multiplying the length (5.9 m) and width (1.49 m); rounded to 9 square meters.

Its capacity to support a specific weight is contingent upon the type of cement utilized during production. For example, the slab can support up to 400 kgf/m2 if M300 or M400 cement is selected. But keep in mind that this parameter describes a temporary load, not a constant.

It is essential to comprehend the weight capacity of different floor slabs and reinforced concrete products when organizing construction or renovation. Different slab types, such as solid, ribbed, and hollow core, each have unique strengths and capacities for bearing weight. The amount of weight that these structures can support depends on a number of factors, including the concrete mix, reinforcement type, and thickness of the slab. Understanding these specifics gives builders and homeowners alike peace of mind by ensuring that buildings are long-lasting, safe, and well-built.

Characteristics of hollow core slabs (PP)

Where substantial loads on the structure are anticipated, the first two types of slabs are utilized. Reasonable cost and relatively low weight are characteristics of PP. As a result, they have the following qualities and are utilized in both private construction and to span spans of both public and residential buildings:

  • High quality and calculated reliability parameters, as they are manufactured in compliance with the requirements of GOST 9561-91.
  • In addition to construction tasks, they improve the heat and sound insulation of buildings. The number and position of voids is calculated in a certain way, and the load-bearing properties are not affected.
  • Dimensions are distributed as follows: length 1.18-9.7 m, width 0.99-3.5 m.
  • In private construction, a popular format is up to 1.5 m wide and 6 m long.
  • Depending on the thickness, standard (220 mm) and lightweight (160 mm) PP are distinguished.
  • According to the production method, PC and PB boards are distinguished.
  • Special equipment is required for delivery and installation.

PP floors are used on the majority of construction sites because they essentially have no competitors among alternative solutions. Because they require more time and labor to produce, monolithic reinforced concrete structures are less manufacturable than them. The strength and lifespan of wooden beams are lower.

What is the difference between PC and PB floor slabs?

Two techniques are employed in production to create PP:

  • PC. Old (original) formwork technology is used: concrete mixture is poured into metal formwork. Reinforced concrete slabs are manufactured according to uniform documentation; in addition to voids, they have mounting loops.
  • PB (sometimes PPP). Continuous formless molding technology is used. The concrete blank is molded on stands in a continuous manner; when the concrete gains strength, the semi-finished product is cut into pieces of the required size. There is no uniform documentation for the production of bench products; in production they use working drawings from the equipment supplier.

The following limitations on the PCB’s properties are imposed by the technology:

  • Traditional PC thickness 160 or 220 mm. For PB it ranges from 160 to 330 mm, which is determined by the features of the project.
  • The dimensions of the workpieces have a certain step. For PC slabs it is a multiple of 30 cm, for PB it is a multiple of 10 cm.
  • The grade of concrete used in production is, respectively, M200 (PC) and from M-400 to M-550. Products made on stands look smoother and more even, as they are smoothed by an extruder.

Conventional PP can support loads of up to 800 kgf/m2, however certain manufacturers can custom make slabs that can support 1250 kgf/m2. The standard for stand panels is 800 kgf/m² as well. However, we can produce more (or less) durable building material in the 300–1600 kgf/m² range if needed thanks to technology.

Since loads on these kinds of slabs must meet the SNiP requirement, 8 kgf/dm² is the standard for most PP. In tables and reference books, the load on hollow core slabs is computed using the same value.

All kinds of products are reinforced with stainless steel because of its strong anti-corrosion qualities; as a result, concrete has a high load-bearing capacity. Furthermore, the metal can withstand temperature changes over a broad range (from -40 to +50°), making it appropriate for a variety of climate zones.

How PP is marked

Concrete products are marked in accordance with the state standard at the end of the production process. The marking is an alphanumeric abbreviation that represents the maximum load as well as the panel’s standard dimensions.

Marking PC 38-10-8, for instance, reports the following:

  • PP is made using formwork technology.
  • Panel length is 3780 mm (to simplify recording, rounded to 38 dm).
  • Width 990 mm is rounded and written in dm (number 10).
  • The product is designed for a standard load of 800 kgf/m² (number 8).

The data in Marking 1 PB2.2 63.15.8.K7.P. is as follows:

  • Number 1 is an index indicating the presence of a cutout of a specific configuration in the PP.
  • PB2.2 – hollow-core floor slab 220 mm thick. Manufactured by continuous formless molding.
  • 63 – slab length in dm (rounded value).
  • 15 – width in dm (rounded).
  • 8 – the panel is designed for a standard load of 800 kgf/m² with its uniform distribution and without taking into account its own weight.
  • K7 – working reinforcement of the lower zone of the slab.
  • p – presence of mounting loops (the letter “a” indicates the presence of anchors).
  • j – in the upper belt there are samples of concrete (used in frame house construction).

What loads act on the PP inside the structure?

Understanding the forces operating in the structure and the type of pressure they exert is essential before attempting to calculate the load of a hollow-core floor slab. It is crucial to realize that the load that is always of interest to us is the permissible load—that is, the load that prevents the panel from deforming or deflecting.

Any concrete floor between floors can be divided into three sections:

  • The upper part, a cake made of screed, insulation and finishing of the floor and furniture standing on the floor.
  • Basis of the structure, reinforced concrete panels.
  • Lower part, ceiling trim. This also includes ceiling lights.

Each item above and below produces two different kinds of loads:

  • Static (constant) load is created by stationary elements, from materials to objects, including standing, hanging or nailed to the wall.
  • Dynamic (temporary) load appears when people and animals move, when moving objects along the floor of the second floor.

They are separated into two categories based on the location of the load application (which is simply the points and regions where forces are applied):

  • Spot (focused). An example would be a swing suspended from the ceiling.
  • Distributed (uniform). It is created, for example, by a suspended ceiling, since it is attached at many points (at regular intervals).

Occasionally, they also discuss uneven loads, which are caused by heavy furniture leaning against a room’s wall. The computation of distributed and point loads on the floor slab is still relevant given the wide range of force distributions.

Reinforced concrete PP with a reserve of load-bearing capacity—more than what calculations suggest for a particular project—is typically used in construction practice. A safety margin is necessary in every situation. It allows a hollow slab floor to easily support the additional loads mentioned above, reducing the chance of the structure collapsing.

What methodology is used in calculations

First prepare a drawing of the structure if you need to know the maximum load that will be supported on the floor slab in a brick house, or any other type of house. Building regulations must be followed in its execution.

The idea behind the calculation is straightforward:

  • First, according to the drawing, calculate the weight of everything that will create a load on the PP floor. These are, for example, screed and partitions, decorative finishing and floor insulation (a drawing is needed to determine the area of ​​the walls and floor).
  • The resulting figure is divided by the number of PP from which the overlap will be composed.

The following guidelines are taken into consideration when performing calculations:

  • It is always assumed that the middle of the PP will not take on much weight, even if a permanent wall is planned under the central part.
  • Calculation of loads on the PP is carried out for each linear meter.
  • The weight of finishing and building materials is calculated in kilograms.
  • Any type of load is calculated in kilogram-forces or Newtons per square meter (kgf/m²).

Video description

Regarding the following video’s computations of permanent and transient loads:

How to calculate the load

Determine the weight of the concrete slab first in order to ascertain how much weight it can support. One instance is PP, which is frequently used in building and is designated PK-60-15-8. You can choose the parameters by marking:

  • Slab weight: 2.85 tons or 2850 kg.
  • The area of ​​the bearing surface is found by multiplying the length (5.9 m) and width (1.49 m); rounded to 9 square meters.
  • According to SNiP standards, the maximum permissible load is 800 kg per 1 m². This means that this PP can withstand a weight of 9×800=7200 kg. From the resulting number we remove the weight of the slab itself (2850 kg), we get a permissible load of 4350 kg.
  • It is necessary to find out how much the building materials of the floor pie on the second floor will weigh. The accepted average value is 150 kg per square. The total weight of the finished floor will be: 9×150=1350 kg.
  • We finally determine the permissible load: 4350-1350 = 3000 kg for the entire slab and 300/9 = 333 kg per square meter.

You can now go to SNiP. All load types (static and dynamic) are allotted 150 kg per square square of the PP area, per the standard. We have an excess of 183 kg per square meter in this instance (333-150). Extra kilograms can be set aside for safety reasons, or they can be used to build ornamental structures or interior partitions.

Occasionally, calculations reveal that the load exceeds the highest amount that is allowed. Choosing a lightweight floor structure or doing away with the decor could be the answer in this situation.

Video description

Watch this video to learn how to calculate loads for an aerated concrete house:

Type of Floor Slab Weight Capacity
Precast Concrete Slab Up to 5,000 lbs per square foot
Hollow Core Slab 2,500-3,500 lbs per square foot
Composite Steel and Concrete Slab 4,000-6,000 lbs per square foot
Solid Reinforced Concrete Slab 7,000 lbs or more per square foot
Post-Tensioned Concrete Slab Up to 8,000 lbs per square foot

Any building or remodeling project must comprehend the weight-bearing capacities of various floor slab varieties and reinforced concrete products. Understanding these boundaries protects your building from potential structural problems and expensive repairs by ensuring its stability and safety. The selection of appropriate materials can have a substantial impact on the longevity and performance of any type of building, from modest residential homes to massive commercial structures.

Concrete slabs are available in a variety of shapes, each intended to accommodate a particular load. For instance, because solid slabs can support typical household loads, they are frequently used in residential construction. In contrast, hollow-core slabs are favored in commercial environments due to their lighter weight and balanced strength. The intended use and anticipated load must be taken into consideration when choosing a slab because each type has distinct benefits.

Products made of reinforced concrete, like beams and columns, give the structure an additional degree of strength. Together, these components evenly distribute weight, increasing the building’s capacity to support loads. Reinforced concrete that has been properly placed and designed can support heavy loads, which makes it perfect for use in heavy industrial applications and tall buildings. You can make choices that result in safer and more effective building projects by being aware of these materials’ capabilities.

In conclusion, a key component of building design is the floor slabs’ and reinforced concrete products’ weight-bearing capacity. Selecting the appropriate materials according to your unique requirements guarantees longevity and structural integrity. Buildings that are safe, dependable, and sustainable are made possible by having an understanding of these capacities, whether you’re building a small house or a large commercial space.

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Timur Kiselev

Professional builder with 15 years of experience. I know everything about the construction of houses, cottages, bathhouses and other buildings. I will be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you.

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