Cost-effectiveness analysis of alternate oneway floor/roof systems

Alternatives to conventional reinforced concrete (RC) slab like voided or filler slabs are based on the principle that a part of the concrete in the tension zone is either eliminated or filled with a relatively cheaper material, resulting in reduction in cost and/ or reduction in self-weight and better thermal insulation. This paper discusses details of a systematic cost-effectiveness analysis of one-way slabs with filler blocks and partial prefabrication system and the results are compared with that of conventional RC slab. The study is aimed at assessing the relative, structural performance of alternate roof/floor slab systems adopting limit state design concept with a view of evolving design tables to serve as a ready reckoner for designers. A comparison of the relative cost and reduction in self-weight of these systems has been made for establishing their range of applicability.