What type of panels are similar to box beams but used for floor, roof, or wall construction?

Stressed skin panels are indeed similar to box beams in that they effectively utilize a combination of materials to create a rigid, lightweight structural element used in the construction of floors, roofs, and walls. These panels consist of an outer skin typically made of plywood or metal and an internal core that provides structural support and insulation. The design enables them to distribute loads efficiently while minimizing the use of materials, which can lead to reduced construction costs and time.

By employing this approach, stressed skin panels maintain structural integrity while allowing for larger spans than traditional framing methods, making them ideal for various architectural applications. Their effectiveness lies in the fact that they resist shear and bending loads, making them suitable for horizontal and vertical construction alike.

In contrast, flat slabs and waffle slabs are different types of concrete systems, which do not provide the same composite action as stressed skin panels. Open-web steel joists are primarily used for roof structures but lack the integrated skin that characterizes stressed skin panels.