BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 5

One-Way Wide
Module Joist Slab

GROUP “IZ”
Introduction
Wide-module joist construction, which is also
referred to as ‘‘skip-joist’’ construction, is an
approach to reduce form costs and develop
longer spans than standard one-way joist
systems. Where statutory building codes
require thickness of top slabs at or about 4.5’
(11.43 cm) for fire ratings, the flexural capacity
of the slab is under-utilized within limitations
of standard joist dimensions with maximum
clear spacing between joists of 30’ (76.2 cm).
The wide-module joist concept utilizes
standard reusable joist forms with alternate
ribs blocked off.
General arrangement for reusable form for
wide-module joist system.
Benefits
● They are economical for long spans with heavy loads.
● The pan voids reduce the dead load
● Electrical and mechanical equipment can be placed between joists,
which means the overall floor depth need not be increased to
accommodate this equipment. The longer spans and inherent
vibration resistance make this an attractive floor system for office
buildings, hospitals, and schools.

These are practically the same with One-Way Joist Slabs, however, the
wide-module joists are more economical for very long span lengths, and
provide large, column-free spaces for maximum flexibility in space
planning—all without concerns for vibration.
Design Considerations

The overall depth of the joists is

governed by the deflection requirements
in ACI 9.5.2.

Standard form dimensions for one-way joist construction

 FLEXURAL DESIGN

● The flexural capacity of the slab is under-utilized within

limitations of standard joist dimensions with maximum
clear spacing between joist of 30 in.

● For the one-way slab of a wide-module joist system, a

single layer of longitudinal reinforcement is provided.

● The first interior support negative moment governs the

design as tabulated in Table 2.1.2.1. Therefore, it is
favorable to place the single layer reinforcement closer
to the top fiber of the concrete slab.
 Methodology

The factored moment and shear can be determined using the simplified method if the
requirements are satisfied: ACI 318-14 (6.5.1)

● Members are prismatic.

● Loads are uniformly distributed.

● There are at least two spans.

● The longer of two adjacent spans does not exceed the shorter by more than 20 percent.

Thus, the approximate coefficients can be used. The factored moments and shears are determined and
summarized in the following tables. ACI 318-14 (Table 6.5.2 and Table 6.5.3)
Analysis
Wide-module joists, or “skip” joists, are similar
to standard one-way joists, except the pans are
53 in. or 66 in. wide. For the 53 in. pans, the
pan depth varies from 16 in. to 24 in., and for
66 in. pans, the range is 14 in. to 24 in. Wide-
module systems are economical for long spans
with heavy loads and improved vibration
resistance. The gravity loads treatment is
shown in this example and the lateral load
effects are resisted by reinforced concrete
shear walls.
An example of slab and joist dimensions for One-
The structural members of this type of joist Way Wide Module Joist Slabs
construction shall be designed with standard
provisions for slabs and beams.
An example of partial plan view illustrating slab design. Since the joists were considered
as beams, the design of joists conformed to the requirements of T-beams.
 An example of the cross-sectional
view at joist mid-span

An example of the cross-sectional

view at joist near support face.
Detailing

The wide-module joist concept utilizes standard reusable joist forms with alternate ribs blocked
off. Deeper-size forms with ribs depths 16’ or 20’ below the slab are usually used in wide-
module construction. Rib spacings may be 6” or more depending upon depth of rib, or module
established by architectural reasons.

The ribs are designed as beams. Minimum concrete cover on reinforcement is 1.5’ instead of
0.75’ as in standard joists. Minimum shear reinforcement is required. Shear carried by the
concrete is 10% less than that allowed for standard joists. Draped two-way reinforcement in the
top slab is permitted.
Systems formed with the 30-in. pans are usually economical for spans between 30 ft
and 35 ft, while systems utilizing the 53-in. and 66-in. Pans are viable for span lengths
between 35 ft and 50 ft and beyond. The difference in cost of systems formed with
30-in., 53-in., and 66-in. pans is less than 6% for live loads up to 100 psf and span
lengths between 35 ft and 40 ft. Also, an increase in live load from 50 psf to 100 psf
results in only a 5% increase in the overall cost of the floor system. Depending on the
loads, post-tensioning the joists may result in the most economical solution for spans
greater than about 40 ft to 45 ft. On average, the formwork costs account for
approximately 51% of the total floor system cost. The concrete material, placing, and
finishing costs are about 31%, and the material and placing costs of the mild
reinforcement are 18%.
 The principal practical problem is providing shear
reinforcement in the amounts required in the ribs—
detailed for practicable placing in narrow sections.
Vertical U-stirrups are acceptable, although
practicable bending limitations may require that
they be set at an angle to the longitudinal
reinforcement. Single leg stirrups with alternating
direction of the hooked ends can be considered.
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) 318
Building Code also permits single leg, deformed or
plain welded wire fabric (WWF) meeting special
requirements. Minimum shear reinforcement
requirements will control in most cases, either
throughout the span or at a short distance from
supports.

One-Way Wide Module Joist Flooring Frame System

Fin.