9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEAD Construction Materials  Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

Solve customer
requests 40%
Learn More
faster with
Zendesk So worth it
Zendesk

12 Difference Between One way

and Two way Slab With your KFC
by Civil Lead favourites in one
box at only RM8.99

Table of Contents 
1. What is the Slab?
2. Types of Slabs
3. What is a One-way Slab?
4. What is Two-way Slab?
5. How do we calculate a one way or two-way slab?
6. Difference Between One way Slab and Two way Slab
7. One way Slab Reinforcement details
8. Two way Slab Reinforcement details
Popular Posts
What is the Slab? Huge Stock Holding
Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure,
Steel
Shop NowPrice Per Kg

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years Today...
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 1/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEAD Construction Materials  Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design12 Difference
Calculators  
Between One...

How to Calculate
Quantity...

Grade Of Concrete
And The...

In reinforced concrete construction, the slab is an extensively used structural

element forming floors and roofs. A concrete slab is the plane element having a 10 Best Cement
depth d much smaller than its span and width. Companies...

It may be supported by reinforced concrete beams, by masonry wall or directly by

column. The difference between one way and two way slab are as follows.

Types of Slabs Recent Posts

Slabs are classified according to the system of supports as:
19 Difference Between
Bitumen And Tar
Difference Between Wood And
Timber | What is Lumber?
Septic Tank Design And Its
Components | Septic Tank
Construction
1. One Way slabs, What Is Septic Tank & How
2. Two Way slabs, Does It Work?
3. Flat slabs supported directly on the column without beams, Building Construction Process
4. Circular and non-rectangular slabs, Step By Step |Building
5. Grid or Waffle slabs. Construction Process Start To
Huge Stock Holding Finish
Shop Now
1.3k What is a One-way Slab? Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure,
Transport and Defence for over 80 Years

Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 2/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

Slab supported only on two opposite sides by rigid supports carry the load by
CIVIL LEAD Construction
flexure in the direction perpendicular Materials
to the 
supports. Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  
Categories
The plane surface of a predominantly uniformly loaded slab deforms into a
cylindrical surface in which curvature and hence bending moment develops only in Select Category
one direction such slabs are called a one-way slab.

One way slab essentially acts as shallow beams with a large width. The slabs
supported on all four sides also behave as one way slabs if the longer span ratio to
shorter span is greater than two.

Deformation of One way Slab

Also, Read – What is Concrete Cover? – Clear Cover, Nominal Cover and effective
Cover.

Huge Stock Holding

Serving Engineers, Electricians and
Procurement Professionals for over 80
years

RS Shop now

What is Two-way Slab? Huge Stock Holding

Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now
The rectangular slabs supported on two adjacent, three 
1.3k Transport andor four edges,
Defence and80with
for over the
Years
Shares ratio of longer to shorter span less than two, which carry the load by flexure in two
https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 3/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

perpendicular directions are called two-way slabs.

CIVIL LEAD Construction Materials  Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

Deformation of Two way Slab

The slabs which are supported directly on the column without beams or girders are
called flat slabs.

In this type of slabs, large moments and shear forces are produced in the columns’
vicinity. Therefore, the slabs are thickened in the area enclosing the column.

The columns are flared at the top to reduce stress due to shear force and negative
bending moment. These arrangments are referred to as drop panels and column
heads, respectively.

When the spans of the slab are not large and loads are not excessive, both the panel
drop and column head may be omitted.

Such a slab is called a flat plate. A flat slab with a recess formed(by removable and
filler blocks) on the soffit so that it comprises a series of ribs in two directions
called waffle slabs.

Huge Stock Holding

Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 4/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEAD Construction Materials  Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

Over 600,000 Products

Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Transport and Defence
for over 80 Years

The slabs supported on a series of intersecting long grid beams is called slab grid.

How do we calculate a one way or two-way

slab?
If the L/b ratio is greater than or equal to 2 then it is considered a one way slab.

(Longer span / Shorter span) L / b ≥ 2

If the L/b ratio is less than 2 then it is considered a two way slab.

(Longer span / Shorter span) L / b < 2

Huge Stock Holding

Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 5/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEAD Construction Materials  Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

Also, Read – Bar Bending Schedule (BBS) – Importance, Advantages, Preparation

Difference Between One way Slab and Two

way Slab

Huge Stock Holding

Load transfer Mechanism of one way and Two way slab
Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 6/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEAD
S.No One Way Slab Two Way Concrete
Construction Materials Slab Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

If L/b the ratio is greater than or

If L/b the ratio is less than 2 then it
1 equal to 2 then it is considered a
is considered a two-way slab.
one-way slab.

In one way, slab bending moment While in two-way slab bending

2 occurs only in a shorter span moment occurs in both directions
direction. that are shorter and longer span.

In a one-way slab, the main

reinforcement is provided in a short In a two-way slab, the main
3 span and distribution reinforcement is provided in both
reinforcement is provided in a long directions.
span.

In a one-way slab, the crank is In a two-way slab, the crank is

4
provided in two directions. provided in four directions.

The one-way slab is supported by a The two-way slab is supported by

5
beam on two opposite sides only. the beam on all four sides.

In a one-way slab, the load is

carried in one direction In a two-way slab, the load is carried
6
perpendicular to the supporting in both directions.
beam.

In a one-way slab, bending is only in In a two-way slab, bending is in both

7
one direction i.e. in a shorter span. directions.

Whereas the deflected shape of the

The deflected shape of the one-way
8 two-way slab is a dish or saucer-like
slab is cylindrical.
shape.

Whereas two-way slabs are used in

Chajja and Varandha are practical
9 constructive floors of the
examples of one-way slab
Multistorey building.
Huge Stock Holding
Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 7/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEAD
S.No One Way Slab Two Way Concrete
Construction Materials Slab Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

While designing a one-way slab we While designing a two-way slab we

provide less steel hence the depth provide more steel hence the depth
of the slab increases, as a result, the of the slab decreases, as a result,
10
thickness of the one-way slab is the thickness of the two-way slab is
more as compared to the two-way less as compared to the one-way
slab. slab.

Whereas the two-way slab is

The one-way slab is economical up
11 economical for the panel sizes up to
to a span of 3.6 meters.
6m × 6m.

In a two-way slab quantity of steel is

In one-way slab quantity of steel is
12 more as compared to the one-way
less.
slab.

In practice, the choice of the one-way slab and two-way slab for a particular
structure will largely depend upon the

1. Economy
2. Buildability
3. Loading condition and
4. length of the span

Also, Read – How to Calculate Cutting Length of Stirrups For Beam and Column?

One way Slab Reinforcement details

Huge Stock Holding

Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 8/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEAD Construction Materials  Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

One way Slab

One Way Slab

L/B = 10/4 = 2.5 ≥ 2

From the above drawing, it is clear that the L/B ratio is greater than 2, hence it is a
one-way slab. So the main bar or cranked bars are provided in a shorter span and
Distribution bars are provided in the longer span.

Two way Slab Reinforcement details

L/B = 6/6 = 1 < 2 Huge Stock Holding
Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 9/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEAD Huge Stock

Construction Materials  Holding
Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

Serving Engineers, Electricians and

Procurement Professionals for over 80
years

RS Shop now
From the below drawing, it is clear that the L/B ratio is less than 2, hence it is a two-
way slab, that’s why main bars or cranked bars are provided at longer span as well
as shorter span also.

Two way Slab

Two Way Slab

Huge Stock Holding

If you found this information helpful pleaseServing
share itManufacturing,
with your friends.
Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 10/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

Thanks! for visiting.

CIVIL LEAD Construction Materials  Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

Also, Read

What is Development Length? – Complete Guide

What is Lap Length? How to Calculate it? – Complete Guide

Difference Between Plinth Level, Sill Level and Lintel Level

Pre-stressed Concrete – Definition, Methods, Advantages, Disadvantages

Difference Between Pre Tensioning and Post Tensioning

Replay

 Structural Design
 16-Requirements of Good Building Stones
 OPC vs PPC – Difference Between OPC and PPC Cement
Huge Stock Holding
Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 11/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEAD Construction Materials  Concrete Technology

10 thoughts on “12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab”
Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

Wasim Ahmed
June 27, 2020 at 5:02 am

I am little confused.
Slab mean ? total of house slab or segment in between column.
Can roof of the floor is called a single slab
Or
A roof consist of multiple Slab ?
I am not an engineer , drawing for my house on 30×45 feets area. and
confused due to one-way and two way slab destinations.
IF full roof is a slab and I have columns and beams in left and right and
center then what kind of slab it will be for above mentioned area.

Reply

Admin
June 27, 2020 at 2:43 pm

yes, slab means the total of the house slab but, we design it as the
segment between the beams and columns according to the size of
rooms ( one way or two way). Your house whole slab may be a
combination of one way and two-way slab depend upon rooms size.
The topmost slab is called the roof slab and the topmost slab of the
building that is accessible to residents is called terrace slab.

Reply
Huge Stock Holding
Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 12/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEAD Construction Materials 

javascript interview questions
Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

July 10, 2020 at 6:15 pm

It’s truly very difficult in this full of activity life to listen news on Television, so
I simply use web for that purpose, and get the most up-to-date news.

Reply

Porter
July 28, 2020 at 11:03 pm

It’s nearly impossible to find experienced people about

this subject, however, you sound like you know what you’re talking about!

Thanks

Reply

Denis
August 17, 2020 at 11:14 pm

Somebody necessarily assist to make severely posts I’d state.

This is the very first time I frequented your web page and so
far? I surprised with the analysis you made to make this particular submit
incredible.
Huge Stock Holding
Excellent process! Shop Now
Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, 
1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares Reply
https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 13/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEAD Construction Materials  Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

Mari
September 15, 2020 at 6:26 pm

I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.

I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.
I am quite certain I will learn lots of new stuff right
here! Best of luck for the next!

Reply

Ali Mohammed
December 2, 2020 at 9:11 pm

I’m very to be with you in this website, I want be the member of it

Reply

Irfan Hassan
June 24, 2021 at 9:37 pm

Awesome contact on one-way slab vs two-way slab. I really appreciate your

effort in how you have explained all points in an appropriate manner.
Huge Stock Holding
Reply Shop Now
Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, 
1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 14/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEADCivil Lead Construction Materials 

June 25, 2021 at 11:15 pm
Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

Thanks! for the appreciation. I am grateful you like it.

Reply

Anya
August 14, 2021 at 4:59 pm

Just want to say your article is as astonishing.

The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i can assume you’re an
expert on this subject.
Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep updated with
forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please continue the rewarding work.

Reply

Leave a Comment

Huge Stock Holding

Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 15/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

CIVIL LEAD Construction Materials  Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

Name *

Email *

Website

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

Civil Lead
Civil Lead is a learning platform that provides valuable information
on Civil Engineering, Construction, Construction Materials, Home
Improvement, etc.

Follow Us
Huge Stock Holding
Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 16/17
9/21/22, 10:58 AM 12 Difference Between One way and Two way Slab - Civil Lead

Copyright © 2022 Civil Lead About us Contact us Privacy Policy Disclaimer Terms and conditions
CIVIL LEAD Construction Materials  Concrete Technology Estimation Structural Design Calculators  

Huge Stock Holding

Serving Manufacturing, Electrical, Infrastructure, Shop Now

1.3k Transport and Defence for over 80 Years
Shares

https://www.civillead.com/difference-between-one-way-and-two-way-slab/ 17/17