FLAT PLATE SYSTEM HAVING STEEL/ CONCRETE COLUMN

Popularity of Flate Plate

The use of flatplate appeals to designers particularly because design flexibility is possible through shifting of walls without the need for columns to be properly aligned. With increasing demand for flexibility in interior layout, the use of flat plate for landed houses is gaining much popularity amongst architects. The main and unique feature of this system is that it provides a way for the architect to achieve the concept of high and completely flat ceiling with no beam protrusion. The services can be installed within or below the slab and there are flexibilities in relocating vertical small penetrations. The soffit is often flat and high ceiling height can be achieved.

Columns Used

The columns used in this system are either cast in-situ concrete columns or circular steel hollow sections. When the columns used are steel hollow sections with concrete in-fill, the desired finish with exposed steel can be easily achieved.

Flat plate system with circular steel column

Connection & Detailing

The main consideration for steel column connection to flat plate is to ensure that the base plate for the steel columns are cast into the concrete flat plate. Hence the positioning and alignment of the base plates are of utmost importance.

If concrete in-fill and column bars are required within the steel hollow section, the starter bars for the columns have to be placed and fixed in position prior to casting of concrete flat plate (see figure 2.0 for base plate connection).

Figure 2.0 : Base plate details for column

In the concrete column with flat plate design, the connection is more simplified without the need for base plate connection. In this case, reinforcement bars should be properly detailed between the columns and slabs. Punching shear checks are critical and vertical shear reinforcement should be detailed accordingly.

Figure 3.0 : Examples of shear reinforcement

Figure 4.0 : Hidden beam within column strip