Structural

Engineers My Notes
DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURE
SLAB
INTRODUCTION

Slab is defined on the basis of its panel dimension. Where the ratio of the long to the short side of a
slab panel is two or more, load transfer is predominantly by bending in the short direction, and the
panel is essentially acts as one-way slab. In such cases, the slab can be designed and detailed using
the methods and procedures outlined in beam design. As the ratio of the sides of the slab panel
approaches unity (i.e., as a panel approaches a square shape), significant load is transferred by
bending in both orthogonal directions, and the panel must be treated as a two-way slab rather than a
one-way slab.

Definition:
One-way slab – a rectangular slab supported on four sides whose length of long side is
two or more times the length of short side.

Two-way slab – a slab system whose long-to-short panel (span) ratio less than two.

ONE-WAY SLAB

One-way slab is considered as a wide, shallow, rectangular beam. The reinforcing steel is usually
spaced uniformly over its width. It is analyzed by considering a one-meter strip, which is assumed
independent of the adjacent strips. This method of analysis is somewhat conservative because we
neglected the lateral restraint provided by the adjacent strips.

One-way slab on simple support

Shrinkage and Temperature Reinforcement (Section 407.13)

Area of shrinkage and temperature reinforcement shall provide at least the following ratios of
reinforcement area to gross concrete area, but not less than 0.0014.

1. Slabs where Grade 280 and Grade 530 deformed bars are used 0.0020
2. Slabs where Grade 415 deformed bars or welded wire fabric (smooth or 0.0018
deformed) are used
3. Slabs where reinforcement yield strength exceeding 415 MPa measured at
strain of 0.35 percent are used

Distribution of Flexural Reinforcement

Flexural tension reinforcement shall be well distributed within maximum flexural tension zones of a
member cross section as required below.

The spacing s of reinforcement closest to a surface in tension, s, shall not exceed that given by:

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but not greater than 300(280/fs), where cc is the least distance from surface of reinforcement or
prestressing steel to the tension face. If there is only one bar or wire nearest to the extreme tension
face, s used in above equation is the width of the extreme tension face.

Calculated stress in reinforcement fs in MPa closest to the tension face shall be computed based on
the unfactored moment. It shall be permitted to take fs as 2/3 of specified yield strength fy.

Maximum Spacing of Flexural Reinforcement

Maximum spacing of the slabs’ flexural reinforcement shall not exceed the lesser of the following:

 Three times the slab thickness, nor

 450 mm.

STEPS IN THE DESIGN OF ONE-WAY SLABS

1. Identify the uniform floor pressure (Pa) to be carried by the slab. These loads consist of:
a. Live load pressure, LL (Pa)
b. Dead load pressure, DL (Pa)
b.1. Ceiling load (below the slab)
b.2. Floor finishes and concrete topping (above the slab)
b.3. Utilities (electrical, mechanical and sanitary)
2. Determine the minimum slab thickness h from the table below (Table 409-1 NSCP C101-10).
If necessary adjust this value depending on your judgment.

3. Compute the weight of the slab.

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Weight = γconc x h, DL (Pa)

4. Calculate the factored moment (Mu) to be carried by the slab.

Factored floor pressure = 1.2DL + 1.6LL
Uniform load, wu = Factored pressure x 1.0 m

5. Compute the effective depth, d:

d = h – covering (usually 20 mm) – ½ (main bar diameter)

6. Compute the required ρ:

Solve for Ru: Mu = øRubd2 where b = 1000 mm

Solve for ρmax and ρmin

If ρmin < ρ < ρmax, use ρ
If ρ > ρmax, increase the depth of slab to ensure ductile failure
If ρ < ρmin, use ρ = ρmin

7. Compute the main bar spacing:

As = ρbd = ρ(1000)d

Use the smallest of the following:

a. S1
b. 3 x h
c. 450 mm

8. Shrinkage and Temperature bars

Ast = ρtbh

Use the smallest of the following:

a. S2
b. 5 x h
c. 450 mm

Example

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DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURE
SLAB
Design a one-way slab supported by beams on both ends whose span is 3.0 m. The slab is to carry a
uniform live load of 6.0 KPa and the following dead loads:
Floor finishes 0.30 KPa
Floor topping 25 mm thk 0.60 KPa
Ceiling 0.20 KPa
Utilities 0.20 KPa
Partition 1.00 KPa

Assume f’c = 27.6 MPa and fy = 276 MPa for main and temperature bars.

Solution

Dead load pressure = 0.3 + 0.6 + 0.2 + 0.2 + 1.0 = 2.3 KPa

Minimum slab thickness = L/20(0.4 + fy/700)

= 3000/20(0.4 + 276/700) = 119 mm Use 120 mm

Using ø12 mm bar, d =120 – 20 – ½ (12) = 94 mm

Load calculation:
Weight of slab = 0.12 x 24 = 2.88 KPa
Total Dead Load = 2.88 + 2.3 = 5.18 KPa

Factored floor pressure = 1.2(5.18) + 1.6(6) =15.8 KPa

Analyzing 1-m strip: b = 1.0 m

Wu = 15.8(1.0) = 15.8 KN/m

Factored Moment, Mu, = WuL2/8

= 15.8(3)2/8 = 17.8 KN-m

Required ρ:
Mu = øRubd2

Ru = 17.8(10)6/[0.9(1000)(94)2] = 2.238 MPa

ρ = 0.85f’c[1-(1-2Ru/(0.85f’c))1/2]/fy
= 0.85(27.6)[1-(1-2(2.238)/(0.85x27.6))1/2]/276
= 0.0085

Maximum ρ:
'
3 0.85 f c β1 3 0.85(27.6)(0.85)
ρmax = = = 0.031
7 fy 7 276

Minimum ρ:
ρmin = 1.4/fy = 0.0051

Use ρ = 0.0085

Using ø12 mm bar, Ab = 113 mm2

Spacing S = 113/[0.0085(94)] = 141.5 mm Say 140 mm

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Maximum Spacing = 3(120) = 360 mm > 140 mm

Use ø12 mm @ 140 mm o.c.

Temperature bars:

For fy = 275 MPa, ρ = 0.002

Using ø10 mm bar, Ab = 79 mm2

Spacing S = 79/[0.002(120)] = 329 mm Say 320 mm

Maximum Spacing = 5(120) = 600 mm > 320 mm

Use ø10 mm @ 320 mm o.c.

Design Sketch

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DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURE
SLAB
TWO-WAY SLAB SYSTEM

Beam-Supported Slab

A solid slab supported on beams on all four sides is shown below. This system, which was the original
slab system in reinforced concrete, can accommodate a wide range of span and loading conditions.
However, it is not economical as other two-way systems with similar span and loading conditions, due
to formwork costs and costs associated with deeper overall thickness. As such, column-line beams
are not used as often as they once were, except in cases where the demands for lateral force
resistance are relatively large. For example, because flat-plate systems are not permitted to be the
primary seismic force-resisting system in areas of high seismicity, moment-resisting frames with
column-line beams must be used as the seismic force-resisting system.

Beam Supported Slab

The minimum thickness of the slab h that satisfies serviceability requirements de pends on the longer
of the two spans and the average flexural stiffness of the beams on the perimeter of the panel (see
NSCP 409.6.3.3). Distribution of bending moment and shear force between the slab and beams also
depends on the relative stiffness of the beams. Two-way (punching) shear is usually not a concern for
this type of two-way system. The largest required slab and beam thickness from all of the panels
should be used over the entire floor or roof area whenever possible for economy in formwork.

The beams in this system are designed and detailed using the methods presented in Design of
Beams on the basis of the portion of load that is assigned to them in accordance with the provisions
in Sect. 413 of the Code.

Flat Plate

A flat-plate floor system is a. two-way concrete srab supported directry on columns with reinforcement
two orthogonal directions (Fig. z2j. This system, which is popular in residential buildings_(e.g.,hotels
and apartments), has the advantages of simple construction and formwork and a flat ceiling, the latter
of which reduces ceiling finishing costs because the architectural finish can be applied directly to the
underside of the slab. Even more significant are the cost savings associated with the low story
heights made possible by the shallow floor system. Smaller vertical runs of cladding, partition walls,

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mechanical systems, plumbing, elevators, and a number of other items of construction translate into-
large cost savings,- especially for medium- and high-rise buildings. Moreover, where the total height
of a building is restricted, using a flat plate can result in more stories accommodate within the set
height.

Flat Plate System

Flat plates are typically economical for span lengths between 5 and 8 m when subjected to moderate
live loads. The thickness h of a flat plate will usually be controlled by the deflection requirements of
NSCP 409.6.3.2 for relatively short spans and live loads of 2.40 KPa or less. Flexural reinforcement
at the critical sections will be approximately the minimum amount specified in NSCP 413.4 in such
cases. Therefore, utilizing a slab thickness-greater than the minimum required for serviceability is not
economical because a thicker slab requires more concrete without an accompanying reduction in
reinforcement. Because the minimum slab thickness requirements of NSCP 409.6.3.2 are
independent of the concrete compressive strength, a 27.6 MPa concrete mixture is usually the most
economical; using a concrete strength that is greater than 27.6 MPa increases cost without a
reduction in slab thickness.

Two-way (or punching) shear plays an important role in determining the thickness of a plate,
especially where the spans are relatively long and/or, the live load is 4.80 MPa or greater. In order to
satisfy the shear strength requirements the required thickness is usually found.to be greater than for
serviceability. Shear stresses at edge columns and corner columns are particularly critical because
relatively large unbalanced moments can occur at those locations.

For a live load of 2.4 KPa or less, flat plates are economical viable for spans between 5 and 8 m. the
economical range for live loads of 4.8 KPa is 5 and 7 m. A flat plate floor subjected to a 4.8 KPa live
load is approximately 8% more expensive than one subjected to a 2.4 KPa live load, primarily due to
minimum thickness requirements for deflection, which typically control for smaller live loads.

Flat Slab

A flat-slab floor system is similar to a flat-plate floor system, with the exception that the slab is
thickened around the columns as shown in the figure below. The thickened portions of the slab are
called drop panels, and they must conform to the dimensional requirements of NSCP 413.3.5.

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DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURE
SLAB

Flat-slab System

In the next figure, la and lb are the center-to-center span lengths in the directions shown; similar
dimension requirements must be satisfied in the orthogonal direction as well.

Minimum drop panel dimension

The main purpose of the drop panels is to increase the shear strength around the columns.
Additionally, properly proportioned drop panels result in a reduction in the required amount of
negative reinforcement and in the overall slab thickness (see NSCP 409.6.3.2 and Table 409.3)

Shear caps are thickened concrete elements that extend horizontally below the slab a minimum
distance from the edge of the column equal to the thickness of the projection below the slab soffit
(see figure). These elements are similar with drop panels but they are provided exclusively to
increase shear strength (see NSCP 413.2.6).

Shear cap

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DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURE
SLAB

Another way to reduce shear around columns is to flare the top of a column, creating column capitals
(see figure). For purpose of design, a column capital is part of the column, whereas a drop panel or
shear cap is part of slab. Because of relatively large formwork costs, column capitals are not
commonly used any more.

Plan Elevation

Column capitals and drop panels

Minimum Thickness Requirement

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DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURE
SLAB
OVERVIEW

The first step in the design of a two-way slab system is to determine a preliminary slab thickness. A
minimum slab thickness must be provided to control deflections and to provide adequate shear
strength.

Serviceability requirements for two-way construction with nonprestressed reinforcement are given in
NSCP 409.6.3. The governing provisions depend on whether beams are present or not in the slab
system.

Both one- and two-way shear must be investigated at the critical sections around the supports' Two-
way shear requirements play an important role in the selection of slab thickness in systems without
beams.

CONTROL OF DEFLECTIONS

Provisions for minimum thickness of two-way slab systems based on deflection requirements are
contained in NSCP 409.6.3 and are summarized later for slabs (1) without interior beams spanning
between the supports and (2) with beams spanning between the supports.

The provisions in the Code greatly simplify the determination of minimum slab thickness for deflection
control in routine design. Complex deflection calculations need not be performed if the overall
thickness is equal to or greater than that determined by NSCP 409.6.3.

SLABS WITHOUT INTERIOR BEAMS

The information presented in the next figure is a summary of the minimum slab thickness
requirements of NSCP Table 409-3 for slabs without interior beams that utilize Grade 60
reinforcement. Similar to beams and one-way slabs, the minimum thickness of a two-way slab without
drop panels (flat plates) and with drop panels (flat slab) is a function of clear span length ln. In slabs
without beam, ln is the length of the clear span in the long direction measured face-to-face of
supports. In all other cases, ln, is measured face-to-face of beams or other supports.

It is evident that flat slabs drop panels that meet the minimum size requirements are permitted to
have an overall thickness that is 10% less than that required for flat plates. In cases where a drop
panel is provided with overall dimensions greater than the minimum specified (e.g., the thickness is
greater than the minimum in order to increase shear strength), a corresponding decrease in the
minimum slab thickness is not permitted unless deflections are computed.

A decrease of 10% in the minimum thickness is also permitted in exterior panels with relatively stiff
edge beams. In particular, this reduction is allowed in panels where the stiffness ratio αf is equal to or
greater than 0.8.

NSCP 409.6.3.2 requires that a 125 mm minimum slab thickness be provided for slabs without drop
panels and a 100 mm minimum thickness be provided for slabs with drop panels' It has been
demonstrated that slabs conforming to the limitations of NSCP 409.6.3.2 have not exhibited any
deflection problems for both short and long term roads.

The greatest minimum slab thickness that is determined from all panels is used for the entire floor or
roof system. Like the case for beams and one-way slabs, the most economical solution is obtained by
varying the reinforcement and not the slab thickness.

SLABS WITH INTERIOR BEAMS

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DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURE
SLAB
Provisions for minimum slab thickness of two-way systems with beams spanning between the
supports on all sides of a panel are given in NSCP 409.6.3.3. These provisions are based on the
average value of the relative beam stiffness of αfm

Minimum slab thickness for two-way slabs without interior beams

(Grade 60 reinforcement)

Stiffness Ratios αf and αfm

The term αf is the ratio of the flexural stiffness of a beam section to the flexural stiffness of a width of
slab bounded laterally by centerlines of any adjacent panels on each side of the beam (see NSCP
413-3)

In this equation, Ecb and Ecs are the moduli of elasticity of the concrete beam and slab, respectively,
which are determined in accordance with NSCP 408.6.1. in most monolithic cast-in-place structures,
the same concrete is used for the beams and slabs, so Ecb = Ecs.

The moment of inertia of the slab section Is is determined using the full width of the slab that is
tributary to the beam:

In this equation, l2 is the width of the slab tributary to the beam and hf is the slab thickness (see figure
below for both interior and edge beams).

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DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURE
SLAB

Effective beam and slab sections for computation of stiffness ratio for
interior and edge beams

The moment of inertia of the beam section Ib is determined using the web portion of the section in
combination with the flange portion that has an effective width be, which is defined in NSCP 413.3.4.
The above figure contains interior and edge beams where the beam web projects below the slab; in
general, the greater of the projections above or below the slab is used to calculate be.

The following equation can be used to determine Ib for both interior and edge beams:

The term yb is the distance from the bottom of the beam section to the centroid of the combined
section:

The stiffness ratio αfm is defined as the average value of the stiffness ratios αf for all beams on the
edge of a panel. Thus, for a panel with four beams, αfm =( αf1 + αf2 + αf3 + αf4)/4.

MINIMUM SLAB THICKNESS

Once αfm has been established, the minimum slab thickness h = hf is determined by NSCP 409.6.3.3.
A summary of these requirements is given in the table below.

In NSCP Eqs. (409-12) and (409-13), ln is the length of the clear span in the long direction measured
face-to-face of supporting beams and β is the ratio of the long to the short span clear span
dimensions of the panel.

It is evident from the table that panels with an average relative stiffness ratio αfm less than 0.2 must
have a minimum thickness that is equal to or greater than that required for two-way systems without
interior beams. In other words, the beams in such cases are not stiff enough to warrant a decrease in
minimum thickness.

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αfm NSCP Equation Number Minimum h

αfm ≤ 0.2 – Use the provision of NSCP 409.6.3.2

0.2 < αfm ≤ 2.0 409-12

and not less than 125 mm

αfm > 2.0 409-13

and not less than 90 mm

Minimum Slab Thickness for Two-way Slabs with Beams Spanning Between the Supports

NSCP Eqs. (409-12) and (409-13) must be modified where beams at discontinuous panel edges do
not meet certain minimum stiffness requirements. In particular, the minimum thickness values
obtained by these equations must be increased by at least 10% where an edge beam has a stiffness
ratio αf less than 0.80. this requirement exemplifies the positive effect that stiff edge beams have in
controlling overall deflections.

Definition of clear span

Example 1

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DESIGN OF CONCRETE STRUCTURE
SLAB
Determine the minimum slab thickness for the beam-supported slab system as shown. Use Grade 60
reinforcement (fy = 414 MPa)

Solution

For slabs with interior beams spanning between supports, NSCP Section 409.6.3 (ACI 9.5.3) must be
used.

Since slab thickness is unknown, assume αfm > 2.0.

For Edge Bay

fy
ln ⁡( 0.8+ )
hmin = 1400 and not less than 90 mm.
36 +9 β
ln = 7200 – 500 = 6700 mm

7200−500
β= = 1.1
6600−500

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