Structural modeling of flat slabs using plastic voided formers

The invention of a new type of hollow core slabs was a breakthrough at the turn of 20thand 21th centuries. During the first decade there have been many studies on the feasibility of using the new technology. This article presents the different types of hollow core slabs technology that have appeared over the last 15 years. Hollow biaxial slabs, also known as biaxial voided slabs, are reinforced concrete slabs in which voids allow to reduce the amount (volume) of concrete. The main disadvantage of concrete constructions, in case of flat slabs, is the high weight which limits the span. For this reason, basic research in the field of reinforced concrete structures have focused on enhancing the span, either by reducing the weight or overcoming concrete's natural weakness in tension. An assumption has been made about the necessity of further research of modern technologies for creating hollow slabs. Various producer organizations of this kind of slab and the main differences between them should be reviewed and summarized. Also it is necessary to allocate the available advantages and disadvantages of the new technology, and in the future to compare with the currently known methods. On this basis, we should determine the feasibility of new technologies. In principle, plastic voided slabs acts like solid slabs. Designing as a result can be obtained as solid slabs, just with a smaller load, corresponding to the reduced amount of concrete. A solid slab can only carry approximately one third of its own weight, and have problems with long spans due to its high weight. According to the analysis, due to the fact, that the structural behavior of this new kind of monolithic flat slab is the same as for solid slab, excluding slab-edge column connection, we surely can talk about appropriateness of use and advantages of the new technology. Concrete usage is reduced – 1kg of recycled plastic replaces 100kg of concrete. The technology is environmentally green and sustainable. Avoiding the cement production allows to reduce global CO2 emissions. This technology is very prospective in modern construction.