Flat Plate–Voided Concrete Slab Systems: Design, Serviceability, Fire Resistance, and Construction

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Abstract
Flat plate–voided concrete slab systems, which have been used for many years in Europe and other parts of the world, are becoming increasingly popular in the United States because of their many inherent benefits. Such benefits include reduced weight, which results in smaller seismic forces and larger superimposed loads for given span lengths; economical longer spans; reduced floor-to-floor heights; accelerated construction schedules; and inherent fire resistance that meets the fire-rating requirements of the International Building Code (IBC). This paper presents (1) the history and recent research on flat plate–voided concrete slab systems, (2) flexural and shear strength design requirements, (3) deflection requirements, (4) vibration criteria for human comfort and sensitive equipment, (5) fire-rating requirements in accordance with the IBC, (6) typical installation sequences, and (7) a summary of the main benefits of flat plate–voided concrete slab systems. The paper shows that such systems can be designed using the provisions of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) for strength and serviceability and can satisfy the minimum requirements for vibration control and fire resistance.

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