When the master builder starts to build your house, the lightened slab is one of the most important structural elements. But do you know what they are and what is the function of the lightened slabs, and do you know how to make a good reinforcement of the slab? Here we explain everything, so that you don't have any more doubts.
What are lightened slabs? They are reinforced concrete roofs that are characterized by being made with hollow bricks, this is done in order to lighten its weight. In simple words, the lightened slab is each of the floors of your house. Each lightened slab of your house is supported by sill beams, these are horizontal reinforcements that are placed on the walls. Just as there is the lightened slab, there are other types of slabs, these are: solid and ribbed slabs.
What is the function of lightened slabs? Now that you know what lightened slabs are, I will tell you what they are used for in construction. Not only do they serve to divide levels or floors in a house or any other construction, but also, thanks to them, the structure moves uniformly during an earthquake. This is because, with them, the walls, columns and beams are joined together, making the construction safer. Another structural function of lightened slabs is that, with them, the weight of the roof, finishes, overload, etc. is transmitted to the load-bearing walls or vertical load beams.
How to make a good reinforcement of the lightened slab? Lightweight slabs have positive and negative steel reinforcements, but how are they used and what is their function?
Reinforcement or positive steel. It is made up of corrugated rods that go along the length of each joist. Thanks to them, the concrete can resist stretching, since all the tensile stress will fall on the rods.
Reinforcement or negative steel. They can be cane-shaped made with corrugated rods that are placed in an "L" shape at the ends of the joists; they can also be rocker-shaped, in which case they are long pieces without bends that are made with corrugated rods that are placed at the center of the joist. In both cases they are responsible for resisting the tensile stresses in the areas where they are located.
Reinforcement or Steel by Temperature. These are pieces made with corrugated rods of smaller diameter than the positive or negative reinforcements. The function of these rods, which are placed in the roof slab perpendicular to the joist, is to resist contraction and temperature stresses of the roof.
