Over the years, the design and construction methods of buildings have evolved. This evolution has led to various ways of designing and constructing different building elements such as floors, slabs, walls, etc. The need for cost-effective and safe buildings has been one of the significant contributors to these trends. For instance, while different types of slabs such as solid slabs, flat slabs, waffle slabs, and hollow slabs have been around for years, many questions still exist concerning their usage, safety, and cost-benefit.
In this article, we took some time to answer the most common questions about hollow pot slabs. We start by defining what it is, its advantages, and its disadvantages. Finally, we end the article by comparing hollow pot slabs with solid slabs.
What are Hollow Pot Slabs?
These are slabs constructed with pre-cast hollow clay pots having one or more hollow cavities. They comprise in situ reinforced concrete ribs at close centers infilled with clay pots. In this case, the pots fill portions of slab thickness, resulting in a lightweight concrete slab. Some of the applications of hollow pot slabs include floor systems of hotels, offices, residential dwellings, commercial buildings, nursing homes, educational facilities, etc.
What are the Advantages of Hollow Pot Slabs?
Hollow pots slabs come with several advantages. Listed below are some of them:
- They are economical for buildings with long spans (greater than 5 meters) with light to moderate live loads.
- As mentioned earlier, hollow pots help reduce slab weight by reducing the amount of concrete below the neutral axis.
- Hollow pot slabs have improved insulation for sound and heat, making them ideal for buildings where temperature control and sound dumping are indispensable.
- If exposed, hollow pots give an attractive soffit appearance.
- Ease of construction, especially when all beams are hidden.
Disadvantages of Hollow Pot Slabs
- They are not economical for short spans (spans less than 5 meters)
- Hollow pot slabs are not suitable for heavy loads or dynamic loads.
- Sometimes it isn’t easy to repair or strengthen them.
Hollow Pot Slab or Solid Slabs- Which one Should You Use?
From the information mentioned above, a hollow slab gives a significant advantage over
conventional solid slabs in terms of reduced material usage (reinforcement and concrete), cost-effectiveness, enhanced structural efficiency and decreased construction time.
