Waffle Slab Construction

Published February 2000

A building system using concrete "waffle slab" floors supported by columns. The waffle slab is a monolithic-poured concrete slab with a flat top surface and an under-surface made of a rectangular grid of deep concrete beams running at right angles. The floor area between the grid beams is a thin flooring section. From the underside, the slab resembles a waffle. The floor is supported by columns spaced typically 30 feet on center. The system is used in cleanrooms, areas that require isolation from low-frequency vibrations and areas that require low floor deflection.