Sustainability in Reinforced Concrete Buildings: The Impact of Slab Direction in Varied Seismic Zones

Following a discourse within the community of civil engineers in Italy sparked a debate about slab orientations. This dialogue emphasized the role of slab orientation as a potential factor in enhancing the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of structures in seismic regions. In response, CDM DOLMEN srl initiated an investigation to explore this hypothesis. Consequently, this thesis is dedicated to examining whether modifying the slab orientation indeed results in cost reduction while retaining safety. In reinforced concrete structures, slab orientation is an important design factor that may affect seismic resistance, cost effectiveness, and structural performance. The effects of various slab orientations on the cost-effectiveness and structural integrity of a built reinforced concrete structure situated in various seismic zones are thoroughly investigated in this thesis. We have examined two key scenarios: one with slabs oriented in the direction of the shorter span (Case 1) and the other featuring variable orientations (Case 2). The study encompasses seismic considerations in three distinct seismic regions: Turin, Bologna, and L'Aquila. Detailed assessments of steel reinforcement requirements and structural responses have been conducted. The results indicate that both scenarios yield comparable outcomes. In addition, the research looks at how seismic conditions affect buildings. These findings imply that earthquake resilience is not primarily influenced by the orientation of the slab. This study also indicates possibilities that might be pursued in the future, especially regarding larger-scale main beam weight reduction. Even though this study yielded some insightful information, it is important to weigh the time/cost ratio against any potential minimal benefits. The choice of how to orient slabs should be based on a well-rounded assessment, considering factors like structural efficiency, local conditions, and the overall project objectives. It's important to note that suggesting a universal benefit from changing slab orientation may be an overstatement. Therefore, the decision should be made after carefully weighing all relevant factors, recognizing the intricate interplay of design elements. This research adds valuable insights to the field of structural engineering by providing a better understanding of the subtle effects of slab orientation. It underscores the importance of thoroughly evaluating the benefits it can bring to a project. Our comprehensive study leads to the conclusion that upon examination both cases regarding slab orientation yielded comparable outcomes.