Comparative Study of Analysis and Cost of Flat Slab and Conventional Slab Structures in Somalia-Mogadishu

All Somalian cities favor vertical growth over lateral growth due to a combination of rapidpopulation growth, fast urbanization, lack of urban infrastructures, and rising land prices. The use ofconventional slabs has been common in Somalia, but nowadays flat slabs are widely used due to theiradvantages such as reduced story height, ease of formwork installation, and shorter construction period, all ofwhich affect the cost of construction projects. However, accurate analysis and design are required for flat slabssince they are susceptible to punching shear. This study aims to investigate the performance and behavior of flatslab and conventional slab floor systems subjected to gravity loads and to compare the total cost of flat slabfloor systems and conventional slab floor systems for formwork, required concrete, and steel reinforcement inSomalia. 8-story residential buildings with flat slab and conventional slab floor systems have been analyzedusing ETABS software as per ACI 318-14 and ASCE 7-16. The results show that flat slab structures haveobvious architectural and structural advantages and in addition, the cost of a conventional slab floor system is18.3% to 19.9% higher compared to a flat slab floor system. Based on the cost analysis results obtained fromthis case study, it could be concluded that the flat slab floor system is economical compared to the conventionalslab floor system in Somalia.