WAFFLE SLAB STRUCTURE, FLOOR STRUCTURE AND METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTING FLOOR STRUCTURE

[0001] The present invention claims the benefit of priority of Taiwan application No. 113140062 of 22 Oct. 2024, entitled “Waffle Slab Structure, Floor structure and Method for Constructing Floor structure.”

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a waffle slab structure, a floor structure comprising waffle slab structures, and a method for constructing a floor structure using the waffle slab structures.

[0003] Due to the growing demand for semiconductors and their wide range of applications, there is an increasing need to build semiconductor plants. During the semiconductor manufacturing process, maintaining a controlled environment is critical to prevent dust and impurities from compromising product precision and reliability. A common method for constructing clean rooms in the industry involves using a floor slab with through holes, known as a waffle slab. This design utilizes positive pressure to expel dust through the slab's holes, while filtered return air reintroduces clean air into the room.

[0004] In addition, there is often a need to rapidly construct high-tech plants to begin producing advanced products, such as chips, as quickly as possible. At the same time, the factory must meet structural strength requirements. To achieve this, precast beams and columns are frequently utilized alongside precast waffle slab structures. This approach enables fast construction while ensuring the required strength for high-tech factories.

[0005] Please refer to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, which illustrate a conventional method for constructing the floor structure of a semiconductor plant. The conventional method involves arranging multiple precast or semi-precast beams at intervals according to the dimensions of the traditional waffle slab, forming several substantially square-shaped spaces (see FIG. 16). The waffle slabs are then sequentially hoisted above to cover these square spaces (see FIG. 17), allowing for the subsequent pouring of concrete to encase the exposed steel bars of the semi-precast beams and waffle slabs, thus forming a floor structure 3′. Specifically, two rows of longitudinal beams 4a and two rows of transverse beams 4b are disposed around the peripheries of the to-be-constructed floor structure 3′. Within this framework, several steps of longitudinal small beams 5a in series are arranged parallel to the longitudinal beams 4a, and several sets of transverse small beams 5b in series are arranged parallel to the transverse beams 4b. This arrangement allows the beams 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b to form several square spaces, resembling a 16-grid pattern. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 17, waffle slab structures 11′ are sequentially hoisted and the edges of the slab structures 11′ are positioned onto the precast beams 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b. This process continues until all spaces are fitted with the corresponding waffle slab structures 11′.

[0006] However, conventional precast waffle slabs, as described above, are single-piece square plate structures. During construction, each slab must be hoisted and placed on the beams individually to form the floor, increasing the number of hoisting operations and prolonging construction time. These issues are particularly significant in large-scale factory projects.

[0007] An example of a waffle slab structure is disclosed in CN2654738Y. This waffle slab structure features a smooth construction surface. TW201912905 provides another example, relating to a module and method of manufacturing a square-shaped waffle slab. However, there remains a need in the industry for a waffle slab structure that minimizes the number of hoisting operations during the construction process while ensuring robust structural strength.

[0008] Therefore, to address the challenges of high hoisting costs and time-consuming construction, the present disclosure introduces an improved waffle slab structure. An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a waffle slab structure, which comprises a plurality of waffle slabs and at least one beam. The plurality of waffle slabs are arranged along a longitudinal direction and connected in series. Each of the plurality of waffle slabs comprises a plurality of through holes that penetrate each of the plurality of waffle slabs along a thickness direction of the waffle slabs. Further, each of the at least one beam comprises an upper portion and a lower portion opposite to the upper portion, wherein the upper portion is arranged between two waffle slabs adjacent to the beam and is integrated with the two waffle slabs.

[0027] The characteristics, subject matter, advantages, and effects of the present disclosure are detailed hereinafter by reference to embodiments of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the drawings referred to in the following description are intended only for purposes of illustration, and do not necessarily show the actual proportion and precise arrangement of the embodiments. Therefore, the proportion and arrangement shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting or restricting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0028] Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a schematic view illustrating a waffle slab structure according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The waffle slab structure 1 comprises a plurality of waffle slabs 11, which are arranged along a longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) and are connected in series. As shown in FIG. 1, each of the waffle slabs 11 includes a plurality of through holes 111 that penetrate through the waffle slabs 11 along a thickness direction (Z-axis direction). In foundry plants, panel plants, and other high-tech facilities, waffle slab structure 1 is utilized for constructing floor systems. The through holes 111 in waffle slab structure 1 facilitate air circulation in a cleanroom. Specifically, these through holes 111 are used to expel dust from the cleanroom through positive pressure, while clean air is introduced into the cleanroom from another source. The number, size, position, and arrangement of the holes 111 can be adjusted according to the needs of the facility. For example, each waffle slab 11 depicted in FIG. 1 has nine holes 111, but 12, 16, or other varying numbers of holes 111 can be arranged based on the requirements of different facilities. Additionally, a floor structure with such waffle slab structures in a high-tech facility is commonly used to support heavy machinery and equipment, which must be precisely installed on the floor structure. Thus, where machinery is installed, these through holes 111 should not be provided in the waffle slab structures 1. Taiwanese patent Nos. TWI656265B and TWM561114U have provided solutions for resolving this issue.

[0029] Please refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, which illustrate a waffle slab structure comprising three beams 12. In the industry, the beams 12 are classified as secondary beams. A secondary beam experiences less bending moments or forces compared to a primary beam. FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a beam 12 designed for incorporation into a waffle slab structure 1 (see FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, while FIG. 3 presents a schematic illustration of a rebar cage 13 designed for incorporation into a beam 12 (see FIG. 2) according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, each beam 12 has an upper portion 121 and a lower portion 122 opposite the upper portion 121. The upper portion 121 of the beam 12 is arranged between two adjacent waffle slabs 11 (see FIG. 1) and is integrally formed with the two adjacent waffle slabs 11. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the corners of the waffle slabs 11 located on one side of the waffle slab structure 1 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) comprise two corner notches 19. Each of these corner notches 19 is configured to accommodate the corner of columns (not shown) for being engaged with the columns.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each beam 12 encompasses a rebar cage 13 (referred to as the first rebar cage). The rebar cage 13 includes first rebar sections 131 arranged in the upper portion 121 of the beam 12, second rebar sections 132 arranged in the lower portion 122 of the beam 12, and connecting rebar sections 133. Each of the connecting rebar sections 133 has its two ends connected to one end of the first rebar sections 131 and one end of the second rebar sections 132, respectively. As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting rebar sections 133 extend beyond one side of the beam 12 and are substantially C-shaped. The C-shaped connecting rebar sections 133 are then accommodated in a gap in a corresponding beam (e.g., a semi-precast beam), for forming a stable floor structure 3 (see FIG. 11). As shown in FIG. 3, the rebar cage 13 includes multiple stirrups 134 surrounding and fixed to the rebar cage 13, providing structural strength to the beam 12 against shear and torsional forces.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the first rebar sections 131 of the rebar cage 13 include two parallel rebars, namely the first rebar 131a and the second rebar 131b. The first rebar 131a has a first end 1311a, and the second rebar 131b has a first end 1311b. The first end 1311a of the first rebar 131a and the first end 1311b of the second rebar 131b are connected to the two corresponding connecting rebar sections 133. Further, the second end 1312a of the first rebar 131a is coupled with a first connecting rebar 135, and the second end 1312b of the second rebar 131b is coupled with a second connecting rebar 136. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the first connecting rebar 135 and the second connecting rebar 136 extend beyond a side of the beam 12 that is opposite to the side of the C-shaped connecting rebar sections 133. As shown in FIG. 10B, the first connecting rebar 135 and the connecting rebar 136 are positioned above the semi-precast beam 4a for the floor structure 3 during the subsequent construction process. After concrete is poured to cover the rebars, they become integrated with the concrete, thereby enhancing the bonding strength between the waffle slab structure 1 and the precast beams 4a, 4b and improving the overall structural stability of the to-be-constructed floor structure 3.

[0032] Please refer to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, wherein FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of the shearing plate 15 in the beam according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Each beam 12 includes a shearing plate 15, which is positioned in one side of the beam 12 where the first connecting rebar 135 and the second connecting rebar 136 are located. As shown in FIG. 2, the shearing plate 15 comprises an embedded portion 152 embedded in the beam 12, and an engaging portion 151 extending beyond an edge 129 of the body of the beam 12. Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 13, the engaging portion 151 is configured to engage with the semi-precast beam 4a of the floor structure 3 to enhance the engaging strength between the waffle slab structure 1 and the semi-precast precast beam 4a. In some embodiments, the embedded portion 152 is a plate-shaped structure, and the shearing plate 15 further includes a plurality of shear studs 153 mounted on the embedded portion 152. The plurality of shear studs 153 are configured to be secured in the beam 12, thereby increasing the bonding strength between the concrete in the beam 12 and the shearing plate 15.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the first rebar cage 13 comprises a plurality of third rebar sections 137. Each of the third rebar sections 137 is connected to the second end 139 of the corresponding one of the second rebar sections 132. The third rebar sections 137 comprise four rebars 1371 parallel to each other and extending substantially perpendicular to the second rebar sections 132. The shearing plate 15 is positioned between the four rebars 1371 of the third rebar sections 137.

[0034] Please refer to FIG. 5, which illustrates a top view of the rebar cage 13 in the beam according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the first rebar 131a and the second rebar 131b in the rebar cage 13, which are adjacent to the upper portion 121 of the beam 12, are offset from a central axis A of the beam 12. Specifically, the beam 12 has the central axis A in its longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). The central axis A is defined by the longitudinal direction of the shearing plate 15. The first rebars 131a, the second rebars 131b, and the corresponding rebars of the connecting rebar sections 133 are offset from the central axis A of the beam 12 and are spaced apart from it in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). That is, each of the first rebar sections 131, the corresponding one of the second rebar sections 132, and the corresponding one of the connecting rebar sections 133 are positioned in a same plane, which is offset from the central axis A of the beam 12 along the length direction of the beam 12. As shown in FIG. 10C, during subsequent construction processes, the waffle slab structure 1 shown in FIG. 1 is arranged to be adjacent to the waffle slab structure 1′ as shown in FIG. 6, which is the second embodiment of the waffle slab structure, wherein the rebar cages 13 of the waffle slab structure 1 and those of the waffle slab structure 1′ are staggered in the transverse direction (X-axis) to prevent interference between the rebars.

[0035] Please refer to FIG. 6, which is a schematic view illustrating a waffle slab structure 1′ according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the waffle slab structure 1′ comprises a plurality of waffle slabs 11 identical to those of the waffle slab structure 1 of the first embodiment. Further, each of the plurality of waffle slabs 11 of the waffle slab structure 1′ is also arranged with the same number and configurations of through holes 111. The waffle slab structure 1′ further includes three beams 12 similar to the waffle slab structure 1 shown in FIG. 1, which will not be reiterated here.

[0036] Please refer to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, wherein FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a beam 12 in a waffle slab structure according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a rebar cage 13 to be wrapped by concrete and disposed in the beam 12. The rebar cage 13 of waffle slab structure 1′ (referred to as the second rebar cage) is structurally different from the rebar cage 13 of the waffle slab structure 1. As can be understood from FIGS. 7 and 8, the rebar cage 13 of the waffle slab structure 1′ includes first rebar sections 131 arranged in the upper portion 121 of the beam 12, second rebar sections 132 arranged in the lower portion 122 of the beam 12, and connecting rebar sections 133 for connecting the first rebar sections 131 and the second rebar sections 132. Each of the connecting rebar sections 133 has its two ends connected to the two ends of the first rebar sections 131 and the second rebar sections 132, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first rebar sections 131, the second rebar sections 132 and the connecting rebar sections 133 in the second embodiment of the present disclosure form two loops. Furthermore, the two ends of connecting rebar sections 133 of the rebar cage 13 of the waffle slab structure 1′ respectively extend beyond both sides 129 of the beam 12, and each of the connecting rebar sections 133 is substantially C-shaped. As can be understood from FIG. 10C, the C-shaped connecting rebar sections 133 are accommodated in the gaps G between multiple semi-precast beams 5 for connecting the waffle slab structure 1′ with the semi-precast beams 5 after concrete has covered the C-shaped connecting rebar sections 133. As shown in FIG. 8, additionally, the rebar cage 13 of the waffle slab structure 1′ also includes multiple stirrups 134 fixed to and surrounding the rebar cage 13, thereby enhancing the structural strength of the beam 12 against shear and torsional forces.

[0037] Please refer to FIG. 9, which is a schematic view illustrating a rebar cage 13 to be disposed in a beam according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The first rebar sections 131 of the rebar cage 13 of the waffle slab structure 1′ include a first rebar 131a and a second rebar 131b. Both ends of the first rebar 131a are connected to two sets of connecting rebar sections 133 at the right and left sides of the first rebar 131a, and both ends of the second rebar 131b are also connected to two sets of connecting rebar sections 133 at the right and left sides of the first rebar 131b. Additionally, similar to the first embodiment, the first and second rebars 131a, 131b, and the corresponding rebars of the connecting rebar sections 133 are offset from a central axis A in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction). The first and second rebars 131a, 131b are spaced apart from the central axis A in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). That is, each of the first rebar sections 131, the corresponding one of the second rebar sections 132, and the corresponding one of the connecting rebar sections 133 are positioned in a same plane, which is offset from the central axis A. As shown in FIG. 10D, during subsequent construction processes, the waffle slab structure 1′ is arranged adjacent to another waffle slab structure 1 or another waffle slab structure 1′ placed on a semi-precast beam, and the connecting rebar sections 133 of their respective rebar cages 13 are in the transverse direction (X-axis direction) and are arranged in a staggered manner in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) to prevent interference between the connecting rebar sections 133 of different rebar cages 13.

[0038] Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the waffle slab structure 1 of the first embodiment and the waffle slab structure 1′ of the second embodiment each comprises a plurality of longitudinal rebars 14. The plurality of longitudinal rebars 14 are sequentially arranged and penetrate through the plurality of waffle slabs 11 along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). Further, the longitudinal rebars 14 pass through the upper portion 121 of each beam 12, and extend beyond two ends of the waffle slab structures 1 and 1′. The longitudinal rebars 14 are perpendicular to and adjacent to the first rebar sections 131 of the rebar cage 13 in each beam 12. Furthermore, each of the plurality of waffle slabs 11 comprises a plurality of transverse rebars 112 extending through and beyond two ends of each of the waffle slab 11 along the transverse direction (X-axis direction), wherein the plurality of transverse rebars 112 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal rebars 14. Thus, when using the waffle slab structure 1/1′ to construct the floor structure, the plurality of longitudinal rebars 14 and the plurality of transverse rebars 112 can be mounted above the semi-precast beams 4a, 4b, 5 (see FIGS. 10A to 10E), thereby enhancing the overall structural strength of the floor structure.

[0039] In some embodiments, any of the plurality of longitudinal rebars 14 and transverse rebars 112 can be straight rebars, loop-shaped rebars, or C-shaped rebars, depending on structural design requirements. For example, in the first embodiment of the waffle slab structure 1 shown in FIG. 1, most of the longitudinal rebars 14 and transverse rebars 112 are straight rebars and C-shaped rebars, respectively. In some embodiments, to prevent the longitudinal rebars 14 or the transverse rebars 112 from interfering with the through holes 111 in the waffle slabs 11 either in the longitudinal (Y-axis) or in the transverse direction (X-axis direction), some of the longitudinal rebars 14 or transverse rebars 112 located at specific positions can be replaced with C-shaped rebars or loop-shaped rebars. Similarly, in the second embodiment of the waffle slab structure 1′ shown in FIG. 2, most of the longitudinal rebars 14 and transverse rebars 112 are straight rebars and loop-shaped rebars, respectively. However, any of these rebars can be replaced with rebars of different configurations to meet actual design requirements.

[0040] Additionally, extra longitudinal rebars 14 can be placed along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) to span across two adjacent waffle slabs 11 and the beam 12 between them. To enhance the overall structural strength of the waffle slab structure 1/1′, it is preferable to use loop-shaped rebars for these additional longitudinal rebars 14.

[0041] Please refer to FIG. 10A to FIG. 10E, which are schematic views demonstrating steps of a method for constructing a floor structure of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10A, the method comprises: providing two longitudinal beams 4a arranged along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction); providing two transverse beams 4b arranged along a transverse direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction); and arranging the two transverse beams 4b and two longitudinal beams 4a to define the peripheries of the to-be-constructed floor structure.

[0042] To enhance the construction efficiency of the floor structure, the longitudinal beam 4a and transverse beam 4b can be precast beams or semi-precast beams. Specifically, the longitudinal beam 4a and transverse beam 4b can be semi-precast beams similar to those disclosed in TWI634255. As shown in FIG. 10A, U-shaped stirrups are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal beams 4a and transverse beams 4b, wherein most portions of the U-shaped stirrups are embedded in the body of the beams 4a, 4b. Two ends of each of the stirrups 4a-1, 4b-1 extend upward beyond the body of the beams 4a, 4b and are bent inward to form hook-shaped portions. Additionally, a plurality of main rebars (not shown) extending along the length direction of the body of the longitudinal beam 4a or transverse beam 4b connect these U-shaped stirrups 4a-1, 4b-1 disposed at intervals. Tie bars (not shown) can be placed near the U-shaped openings of the stirrups in the longitudinal beams 4a and transverse beams 4b for tightening the connection between these rebars. In the subsequent construction process of the floor structure, concrete is poured to cover the two ends of the hook-shaped portions of the stirrups, the tie bars, and the plurality of main rebars of the longitudinal beam 4a and transverse beam 4b, and then cured.

[0043] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 10A, multiple rows of small beams 5 are arranged along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) between two longitudinal beams 4a. These small beams 5 are substantially parallel to each other and are disposed at intervals. In each row of small beams 5, the two small beams 5 at the two ends of the row are fixed to the bodies of these transverse beams 4b. Further, each beam 5 includes stirrups arranged at intervals in the shape of a loop, with most of the stirrups positioned in the body of the small beam 5 and the upper sections extending upward beyond the top of the body of the small beam 5.

[0044] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10B to FIG. 10E, the waffle slab structures 1/1′ are successively lifted and their edges are placed onto the semi-precast beams 4a, 4b, 5. As shown in FIG. 10B, the waffle slab structure 1 of the first embodiment is arranged adjacent to the longitudinal beam 4a, wherein the edges of multiple waffle slabs 11 are abutted against the concrete bodies of the adjacent longitudinal beam 4a and transverse beam 4b. The first connecting rebar 135 and second connecting rebar 136 configured in the waffle slab structure 1 are positioned above the adjacent longitudinal beam 4a, while the shearing plate 15 on the same side engages with the groove of the longitudinal beam 4a through the engaging portion 151, thereby stabilizing the waffle slab structure 1 on the longitudinal beam 4a. The connecting rebar sections 133, which extend beyond the edge of the other side of the waffle slab structure 1 and are substantially C-shaped, can be accommodated in the gaps G between the adjacent beam 5.

[0045] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10C, the waffle slab structure 1′ of the second embodiment is positioned between one waffle slab structure 1 and one waffle slab structure 1′ or between two waffle slab structures 1′, wherein the two connecting rebar sections 133, which extend beyond both sides of the waffle slab structure 1′ and are substantially C-shaped, are also located in the gaps G between a plurality of beams 5 in series. Furthermore, the C-shaped connecting rebar sections 133 of the rebar cages 13 of any two waffle slab structures 1/1′ are in the transverse direction (X-axis direction) and staggered along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) to avoid interference between these C-shaped connecting rebar sections 133.

[0046] In addition, the two ends of the longitudinal rebars 14, which extend beyond the edges of the waffle slab structure 1/1′ along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction), are positioned above the two transverse beams 4b. Similarly, the two ends of the transverse rebars 112, which extend beyond both sides of each waffle slab 11 along the transverse direction (X-axis direction), are positioned above the longitudinal beam 4a or one of the small beams 5. This arrangement enhances the bonding strength between the waffle slab 11 and the longitudinal beam 4a after concrete covers the rebars, thereby improving the overall structural strength of the floor structure.

[0047] Please refer to FIG. 11, which is a top view illustrating a floor structure of the present disclosure. The floor structure 3 includes two longitudinal beams 4a arranged along the Y-axis direction and two transverse beams 4b arranged along the X-axis direction. The two transverse beams 4b and the two longitudinal beams 4a are arranged to define the peripheries of the floor structure 3. The floor structure 3 further includes a plurality of small beams 5 with the peripheries. These small beams 5 are spaced at intervals, parallel to each other, and are positioned between the two corresponding longitudinal beams 4a. Each of the plurality of small beams 5 is sandwiched by two waffle slab structures 1/1′. Each end of the plurality of small beams 5 is secured to a body of a transverse beam 4b. In some embodiments, the ends of the plurality of small beams 5 are provided with shearing plates for being engaged with the corresponding slots in the transverse beams 4b.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 11, the floor structure 3 includes two waffle slab structures 1 and two waffle slab structures 1′, with the structures 1′ sandwiched between the structures 1. In some embodiments, the number and arrangements of the waffle slab structures 1/1′ in floor structure 3 differ from those disclosed in FIG. 11 to meet engineering design requirements. For example, in one embodiment, the floor structure includes only two waffle slab structures 1 and one waffle slab structure 1′ positioned between them, while in another embodiment, the floor structure merely includes a single waffle slab structure 1.

[0049] Please refer to FIGS. 11 and 12, which show an enlarged portion A from FIG. 11 of the present disclosure. As shown, the first rebars 131a, 131a′ and the second rebars 131b, 131b′ of the rebar cages 13 (not shown) in the waffle slab structures 1/1′ are staggered to prevent interference. This arrangement allows the rebar cages 13 of both waffle slab structures 1 and 1′ to be accommodated in the spaces between multiple small beams 5 without interfering with each other.

[0050] Please refer to FIG. 13, which is a schematic cross-sectional view of two adjacent floor structures 3 of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13, the edges of the two waffle slab structures 1 are placed on the same longitudinal beam 4a for connecting two adjacent floor structures 3. The longitudinal beam 4a includes a groove C on both the left and right sides, which is configured to accommodate the shearing plates 15. The edges of the waffle slabs 11 of the waffle slab structures 1 are positioned on the concrete body of the longitudinal beam 4a from both sides thereof. The shearing plate 15 is secured to groove C of the longitudinal beam 4a via the engaging portion 151. The embedded portion 152, which is a plate-shaped structure, is fixed inside the beam 12 (see FIG. 1) with multiple shear studs 153 wrapped by concrete. This arrangement enhances the bonding strength between the shearing plate 15 and beam 12.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 13, the longitudinal beam 4a further comprises a plurality of main rebars 41 arranged along its length direction (Y-axis direction). These main rebars 41 are arranged adjacent to the inwardly bent ends of the U-shaped stirrups 4a-1 of the longitudinal beam 4a, and/or adjacent to the transverse rebars 112, which extend from both sides of the waffle slab structure 1 and are positioned above the longitudinal beam 4a. Additionally, tie bars (not shown) are used to fix the plurality of main rebars 41 to the transverse rebars 112.

[0052] Please refer to FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 13. For each of the waffle slab structures 1 on both sides of the longitudinal beam 4a, the first rebar 131a is coupled with the first connecting rebar 135, and the second rebar 131b is coupled with the second connecting rebar 136. The first connecting rebar 135 and second connecting rebar 136 extending from the two waffle slab structures 1 are located above the longitudinal beams 4a, specifically located above the plurality of the main rebars 41. In the subsequent construction process, the first connecting rebar 135, the second connecting rebar 136, the hooked-shaped ends of the stirrups 4a-1, the tie bars, and the multiple main rebars 41 exposed above the longitudinal beam 4a are collectively covered by concrete for enhancing the overall structural strength of the floor structure 3.

[0053] With the said configuration in FIG. 13, the waffle slab structures 1 of the present disclosure are provided on both sides of the same longitudinal beam 4a, for connecting two adjacent floor structures 3 in the transverse direction (X-axis direction). Additionally, although not depicted in the drawings, the disclosed waffle slab structures 1 are similarly arranged on both sides of the same transverse beam 4b, forming two adjacent floor structures 3 in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction). This allows for the assembly of larger-scale factory floor structures 3 to enhance the construction efficiency of the to-be-constructed factory.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, the waffle slab structures 1/1′ of the first and second embodiments in the present disclosure each comprise four waffle slabs 11 and three beams 12 arranged between the waffle slabs 11. In some embodiments, the waffle slab structure described in the present disclosure includes varying numbers of waffle slabs 11 and beams 12. For example, please refer to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15. FIG. 14 is a schematic view illustrating a waffle slab structure according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 15 is a schematic view illustrating a waffle slab structure according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figures, the waffle slab structures 2/2′ of the third and fourth embodiments of present disclosure each comprise only two waffle slabs 21 and one beam 22. Specifically, the waffle slab structure 2 of the third embodiment includes two waffle slabs 21, a beam 22 arranged between the two waffle slabs 21, and a rebar cage 23 having the same structure as the rebar cage 13 (first rebar cage) of the waffle slab structure 1. Similarly, the waffle slab structure 2′ of the fourth embodiment includes two waffle slabs 21, a beam 22 arranged between the two waffle slabs 21, and a rebar cage 23 having the same structure as the rebar cage 13 (second rebar cage) of the waffle slab structure 1′. Furthermore, the remaining structures of the waffle slab structure 2 of the third embodiment are similar to those of the waffle slab structure 1 of the first embodiment; and the remaining structures of the waffle slab structure 2′ of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the waffle slab structure 1′ of the second embodiment.

[0055] The terminology used in the description of the present disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used in the description of the disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0056] It shall be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The use of directional terms such as “above”, “under,” “upper,” “lower,” “below, ” “left, ” “right, ” “up, ” “down, ” “top, ” “bottom, ” “vertical, ” “horizontal, ” and like terms are meant to assist with understanding relative relationships among design elements and should not be construed as meaning an absolute direction in space or regarded as limiting. For example, in some embodiments, “a first component is on a second component” describes the first component being on the second component (the first component is directly on the second component), while some other components are between the first and second components.

[0057] Terms such as “approximately,” “substantially,” or “about” are used to describe a small variation of a structural unit of an apparatus. When a term is used in conjunction with another term to describe a particular characteristic of the claimed disclosure, such term can indicate the exact events or circumstances, and similar exact events or circumstances.

[0058] Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the present disclosure may be practiced in ways other than as specifically described herein.