Analysis & Design of Critical Floor of Commercial & Residential Building By Using Conventional Slab & Flat Slab

AbstractReinforced concrete (RC) flat slab systems have gained widespread acceptance in modernconstruction due to their architectural flexibility, reduced floor height, faster construction, andeconomical use of materials. Compared with conventional beam–slab systems, flat slabs providelarger clear spaces, lower self-weight, and simplified formwork, making them highly suitable forcommercial and residential buildings. However, the absence of beams reduces lateral stiffness andincreases the susceptibility of slab–column connections to punching shear failure under seismic andaccidental loading. A comparative study of conventional and flat slab systems indicates thatconventional slabs exhibit superior lateral stiffness and seismic resistance, whereas flat slabs requireadditional structural measures such as shear walls, drop panels, or shear reinforcement to achievesatisfactory earthquake performance. The reviewed literature further shows that punching shear is thegoverning failure mode in flat slab structures and that increasing flexural reinforcement, slabthickness, and shear reinforcement significantly enhances load-carrying capacity, ductility, anddeformation performance. Numerical studies using ETABS, ABAQUS, ANSYS, and finite elementanalysis demonstrate good agreement with experimental investigations and provide reliable tools forevaluating structural behaviour under static, dynamic, and eccentric loading conditions. Progressivecollapse studies reveal that slab–column connections are critical in resisting column removal andimpact loads, while long-term investigations highlight the influence of creep and shrinkage onserviceability through increased deflections. Cost optimization studies also confirm that appropriatelydesigned flat slab systems can achieve significant economic benefits without compromising structuralsafety. Recent developments in composite column–flat slab connections further improveconstructability and structural efficiency in high-rise buildings. Overall, the reviewed studies concludethat although conventional slabs offer better seismic stiffness and lateral resistance, flat slab systemscan achieve comparable safety and performance through proper reinforcement detailing, punchingshear protection, advanced numerical analysis, and performance-based design, making them anefficient and sustainable solution for modern reinforced concrete buildings.