A beam is typically considered "deep" if its span is less than four times its depth.

Beams which are classified as deep do not behave the same way normal beams do - the typical assumptions cannot be taken for granted here. You will have to analyze deep beams using a different method. One example of how deep beams are analyzed comes from concrete design. A method called "strut and tie modeling" is used for deep concrete beams and beams with unusual geometry, like holes. Deep Beams Concept Deep beams are structural elements loaded as simple beams in which a significant amount of the load is carried to the supports by a compression force combining the load and the reaction. As a result, the strain distribution is no longer considered linear, and the shear deformations become significant when compared to pure flexure. Floor slabs under horizontal load, short span beams carrying heavy loads, and transfer girders are examples of deep beams.

Deep beam is a beam having large depth/thickness ratio and shear span depth ratio less than 2.5for concentrated load and less than 5.0 for distributed load. Because the geometry of deep beams, their behavior is different with slender beam or intermediate beam. Difference between Deep Beams & Simple Beams The followings are the major different of deep beam element compared with simple beam based on the design assumption, as follows: Two-Dimensional Action, because of the dimension of deep beam they behave as two-dimensional action rather than one-dimensional action. Plane Section Do Not Remain Plane, the assumption of plane section remain plane cannot be used in the deep beam design. The strain distribution is not longer linear. Shear Deformation, the shear deformation cannot be neglected as in the ordinary beam. The stress distribution is not linear even in the elastic stage. At the ultimate limit state the shape of concrete compressive stress block is not parabolic shape again

The Design is based on the ACI Ultimate Strength Design Method and applies to those flexural members having a clear span to depth ratio of less than 4.0. The flexural reinforcement is designed taking into account the reduced lever arm due to the non-linearity of the strains' distribution. Deep beams play a very significant role in design of mega and as well as small structures. Some times for architectural purposes buildings are designed without using any column for a very large span. In such case if ordinary beams are provided they can cause failure such as flexural failure. To avoid this problem of construction of some very long span halls etc the concept of deep beams is very effective and durable. But there are also some minor problems with the construction of deep beams as well let

Waffle slabs
Introducing voids to the soffit reduces dead weight and these deeper, stiffer floors permit longer spans which are economic for spans between 9 and 14 m. The saving of materials tends to be offset by complication in site operations. Standard moulds are 225, 325 and 425 mm deep and are used to make ribs 125 mm wide on a 900 mm grid. Toppings are between 50 and 150 mm thick. ADVANTAGES Medium to long spans Lightweight Profiles may be expressed architecturally, or used for heat transfer DISADVANTAGES Higher formwork costs than for other slab systems Slightly deeper members result in greater floor heights Slow. Difficult to prefabricate reinforcement span
The design of such slabs is generally similar to flat slabs (Whittle, 1994) but the following may be noted: (a) Owing to the presence of the ribs deflection is likely to be more critical than that for flat slabs and the ribs should be allowed for; (b) It is recommended that the section at mid span should be used to calculate the flexural stiffness and taken as constant over the complete span for equivalent frame analyses unless the solid section at the column has a dimension greater than one-third the shorter panel dimension in which case the effect of the solid may be included; (c) It is further recommended that the solid portion should extend at least 2,5 times the slab effective depth from the face of the column; (d) Should critical shear perimeters extend outside the solid region into the ribbed area, then the shear should be divided equally between all the ribs. Also at the corners of a solid section whence two ribs frame then a potential 45* shear plane should be considered (Fig. 10.25); (e) Should shear links be required in the ribs, although they should be avoided if at all possible, then they should extend for a distance along the rib at least equal to the effective depth after the theoretical cut off point. Cl 5.3.6 indicates that waffle or ribbed slabs need not be treated as discrete elements in the analysis if Rib spacing is less than 1500mm, Depth of the rib below the flange does not exceed 4 times its width