ARMY TM 5-809-12

AIR FORCE AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

DEPARTMENTS OF THE ARMY AND

THE AIR FORCE TECHNICAL MANUAL

CONCRETE FLOOR SLABS

ON GRADE SUBJECTED
TO HEAVY LOADS

DEPARTMENTS OF THE ARMY, AND THE AIR FORCE

AUGUST 1987
 *TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

TECHNICAL MANUAL HEADQUARTERS

NO.5-809-12 DEPARTMENTS OF THE ARMY
AIR FORCE MANUAL AND THE AIR FORCE
NO. 88-3, CHAPTER 15 WASHINGTON, D.C., 25 August 1987

CONCRETE FLOOR SLABS ON GRADE SUBJECTED TO HEAVY LOADS

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION

Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1 1-
Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2 1-
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.3
Basic considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5

CHAPTER 2. BASIS OF FLOOR SLAB ON GRADE DESIGN

Stresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Vehicle-imposed loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
Stationary live loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
Wall loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4

CHAPTER 3. DETERMINATION OF FLOOR SLAB

REQUIREMENTS

Vehicular loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1 3-

Traffic distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2 3-
Stationary live loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Wall loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Unusual loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-5

CHAPTER 4. SITE INVESTIGATION

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1 4-
Subgrade conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Envirormental conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
Concrete strength . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-4 4-

CHAPTER 5. DESIGN PROCEDURE

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1 5-
Floor slab loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2
Subgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3
Base courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Reinforced Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Steel reinforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5
Joint types and usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Floor slab geometry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8
Fiber reinforced design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9

* This manual supersedes TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chapter 15, dated 1 April 1977.

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TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

Page
APPENDIX A. REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
APPENDIX B. EQUATIONS FOR COMPUTING THE ALLOWABLE
WALL LOADS NEAR CENTER OF SLAB OR NEAR
KEYED OR DOWELED JOINTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
APPENDIX C. DESIGN EXAMPLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-1
BIBLIOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BIBLIO-1

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 3-1 Widths of thickened slabs and slab

edge conditions under wall loads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-
5-1 Design curves for concrete floor
slabs by design index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-2 Design curves for concrete floor
slabs for heavy forklifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-3 Reinforcement for odd-shaped slabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-4 Design thickness for reinforced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
floor slabs
5-5 Typical floor slab joint layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-6 Contraction joints for reinforced and
nonreinforced floor slabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-7 Joint sealant details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-8 Contraction joint details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-9 Doweled construction joints for
concrete floor slabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-10 Keyed construction joints for concete
floor slabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-11 Doorway slab design for
vehicular traffic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-12 Isolation joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-13 Thickened-edge joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-14 Joints in concrete floor slabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-15 Design curves for fiber-reinforced
concrete floor slab by design index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-16 Design curves for fiber-reinforced
concrete floor slab for heavy forklifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-17 Deflection curves for fiber-reinforced
concrete floor slabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-18 Allowable deflection for jointed fiber-
reinforced concrete floor slabs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-

LIST OF TABLES
Table 3-1 Maximum allowable stationary live load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-
3-2 Minimum thickness of thickened floor
slab for wall load near center of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-
slab or near keyed or doweled joint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-
3-3 Maximum allowable wall load near
free edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-
4-1 Typical values of modulus of subgrade
reaction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-
5-1 Traffic categories for design index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-2 Recommended spacing of transverse
contraction joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-
5-3 Dowel size and spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-

ii
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1-1. Purpose. g. Vibratory loads. Dynamic and/or oscillatory

This manual prescribes the criteria for the design of loading of significant magnitude.
concrete floor slabs on grade in buildings for heavy h. Design load. The effects of stationary live,
loads and is applicable to all elements responsible dead, and wall loads and moving live loads. Dead
for military construction. Heavy loads in buildings loads of floor slabs on grade are ignored.
such as warehouses include moving loads, stationary i. Special soils. Soils which exhibit undesirable
live loads, and wall loads. properties for construction uses such as high com-
pressibility or swell potential.
1-2. Scope. j. Nonreinforced slab. Concrete slab resting on
Theoretical concepts, practical applications, basis of grade containing minimal distributed steel, usually of
design, and design procedures for heavy loads are welded wire fabric (WWF), for the purpose of
discussed in this manual. Related criteria for light- limiting crack width due to shrinkage and tempera-
loaded areas such as office spaces are separately ture change.
treated in TM 5-809-2/AFM 88-3, Chap. 2. Criteria k. Reinforced slab. Concrete slab resting on grade
for areas subjected to vibratory loadings are containing steel reinforcement which consists of
included in TM 5-81 8-1/AFM 88-7, Chap. 1. For either a welded wire fabric or deformed reinforcing
design criteria outside the scope of this manual, steel bars.
industry standards are recommended.
1-4. Basic considerations.
1-3. Definitions. Concrete floor slabs on grade are subjected to a
The following definitions have been adopted for the variety of loads and loading conditions. The design
manual: procedure includes determining slab thickness based
a. Slab on grade. Concrete slab supported di- on moving live loads and then checking adequacy of
rectly on foundation soil. slab thickness for stationary live load. The design
b. Light loads. Loads which consist of (compa- procedure separately includes determining thickness
rable) forklift axle load of 5 kips or less and of slab under wall load. The entire design procedure
stationary live loads less than 400 pounds per square is based on a working stress concept. Stresses in-
foot. duced by temperature gradients and other environ-
c. Heavy loads. Loads which consist of any one mental effects are taken into account by the assign-
of the following: moving live loads exceeding a ment of working stresses. Working stresses have
forklift axle load of 5 kips, stationary live loads been established empirically based on experience
exceeding 400 pounds per square foot, and gained in roadway and airfield pavement perform-
concentrated wall loads exceeding 600 pounds per ance data.
linear foot.
d. Wall load. Concentrated loads imposed by 1-5. References.
walls or partitions. Appendix A contains a list of references used in this
e. Dead load. All the materials composing the document.
permanent structure, including permanent wall loads
and all equipment that is fixed in position.
f. Live load. Loads imposed by the use and
occupancy of the structure.
(1) Moving live load. Loads imposed by ve-
hicular traffic such as forklift trucks.
(2) Stationary live load. Loads imposed by
movable items such as stored materials.

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 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

CHAPTER 2
BASIS OF FLOOR SLAB ON GRADE DESIGN

2-1. Stresses. thermal expansion and contraction of the concrete

The structural design of a concrete floor slab on slab and warping stresses resulting from moisture
grade is primarily controlled by the stresses caused and temperature gradients within the slab, due to
by moving live loads and in some cases the their cyclic nature, will at times be added to the
stationary loads. Stresses in floor slabs on grade moving live load stresses. Provision for these
resulting from vehicular loads are a function of floor stresses that are not induced by wheel loads is made
slab thickness, vehicle weight and weight by safety factors developed empirically from full-
distribution, vehicle wheel or track configuration, scale accelerated traffic tests and from the observed
modulus of elasticity and Poisson*s ratio of performance of pavements under actual service
concrete, and modulus of subgrade reaction of conditions.
supporting material. The volume of traffic during
the design life is important for fatigue consid- 2-3. Stationary live loads.
erations. The floor slab design procedure presented The maximum allowable stationary live load is lim-
herein is based on limiting the critical tensile stresses ited by both the positive bending moment stress
produced within the slab by the vehicle loading, as under the load and the negative bending moment
in TM 5-822-6/AFM 88-7, Chap. 1. Correlation stresses occurring at some distance from the load.
studies between theory, small-scale model studies, a. Positive bending moments. Stresses due to
and full-scale accelerated traffic tests have shown positive bending moment are relatively simple to
that maximum tensile stresses in floor slabs will compute by using Westergaard*s analysis* of elasti-
occur when vehicle wheels are tangent to a free cally supported plates. An appropriate safety factor
edge. Stresses for the condition of the vehilcle is applied to determine allowable stresses due to
wheels tangent to an interiorjoint where the two these loads because environmentally imposed
slabs are tied together are less severe than a free stresses must also be accounted for when
edge because of the load transfer across the two considering stationary loads.
adjacent slabs. In the case of floor slabs, the design b. Negative bending moments. The effect of
can be based on the control of stress at interior negative bending stress is somewhat more difficult
joints. Exceptions to this assumption for interior to determine. A slab on an elastic subgrade will
joint loading occur when a wheel is placed at the deform under loading somewhat like a damped sine
edge at doorways or near a free edge at a wall. curve in which the amplitude or deformation of
successive cycles at a distance from the loading
2.2 Vehicle-imposed loads. position decreases asymptotically to zero. Thus,
For determining floor slab design requirements, mili- there exists some critical aisle width where the
tary vehicles have been divided into three general damped sine curves from parallel loading areas are
classifications: forklift trucks, other pneumatic and in phase and additive. In this situation, the negative
solid tired vehicles, and tracked vehicles. The bending moment stresses wil become significant and
relative severity of any given load within any of the must be considered. Therefore, allowable stationary
three classifications is determined by establishing a live loads were established to include the effects of
relationship between the load in question and a negative moment bending stresses. These
standard loading. Floor slab design requirements are calculations are reflected in the tabulated values of
then established in terms of the standard load. Other allowable stationary live loads.
stresses such as restraint stresses resulting from

* Westergaards analysis Is actually for plates on a liquid foundation, sometimes called a Winkler foundation. There Is a distinct
difference between the structural behavoir of plates on a liquid and on an elastic foundation. In many textbooks, the term beam
on elastic foundation Is actually beam on liquid foundation.

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TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

2-4. Wall loads. is based on the theory of a beam on a liquid

There are situations where a wall is placed on a new foundation subjected to concentrated loads. Three
thickened slab or- on an existing concrete floor slab loading conditions are considered: loads at the
on grade. Walls weigh from several hundred to center of the slab, loads at a joint, and loads at the
several thousand pounds per linear foot. The design edge of the slab. The widths of thickened slabs are
table used for determining thicknesses required developed together with the recommended
under walls is developed by Staab (see Biblio) and transitions.

2-2
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

CHAPTER 3
DETERMINATION OF FLOOR SLAB REQUIREMENTS

3-1. Vehicular loads. the drive axle of a forklift truck is normally 87 to 94

The following traffic data are required to determine percent of the total gross weight of the loaded
the floor slab thickness requirements: vehicle.
Types of vehicles
Traffic volume by vehicle type For tracked vehicles, the gross weight is evenly
Wheel loads, including the maximum divided between two tracks, and the severity of the
single-axle and tandem-axle loading for load can easily be expressed in terms of gross
trucks, forklift trucks, and tracked weight. For moving live loads, axle loading is far
vehicles more important than the number of load repetitions.
The average daily volume of traffic Full-scale experiments have shown that changes as
(ADV) which, in turn, determines the little as 10 percent in the magnitude of axle loading
total traffic volume anticipated during the are equivalent to changes of 300 to 400 percent in
design life of the floor slab. the number of load repetitions.
For floor slabs, the magnitude of the axle load is of
far greater importance than the gross weight. Axle 3-2. Traffic distribution.
spacings generally are large enough so that there is To aid in evaluating traffic for the purposes of floor
little or no interaction between axles. Forklift truck slab design, typical forklift trucks have been divided
traffic is expressed in terms of maximum axle load. into six categories as follows:
Under maximum load conditions, weight carried by

Forklift Truck Forklift Truck Maximum Load

Category Maximum Axle Load, kips Capacity, kips

I 5 to 10 2 to 4
II 10 to 15 4 to 6
III 15 to 25 6 to 10
IV 25 to 36 10 to 16
V 36 to 43 16 to 20
VI 43 to 120 20 to 52

When forklift trucks have axle loads less than 5 kips considering each axle as one forklift truck axle of
and the stationary live loads are less than 400 approximate weight. For example, a three-axle truck
pounds per square foot, the floor slab should be with axle loads of 6, 14, and 14 kips will be
designed in accordance with TM 5-809-2/AFM 88- considered as three forklift truck axles, one in
3, Chap. 2. Vehicles other than forklift trucks such Category I and two in Category II. Tracked vehicles
as conventional trucks shall be evaluated by are categorized as follows:

Forklift
Truck Tracked Vehicles
Category Maximum Bross Weight, kips

I less than 40
II 40 to 60
III 60 to 90
IV 90 to 120

Categories for tracked vehicles may be substituted for the same category for forklift trucks.

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TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

3-3. Stationary live loads. k = the modulus of subgrade reaction, pounds

Floor slabs on grade should have adequate per cubic inch
structural live loads. Since floor slabs are designed h = the slab thickness, inches
for moving live loads, the design should be checked E= the modulus of elasticity for the slab
for stationary live loading conditions. Table 3-1 lists (assumed to equal 4.0 x 106 pounds per
values for maximum stationary live loads on floor square inch)
slabs. For very heavy stationary live loads, the floor
slab thicknesses listed in table 3-1 will control the The above equation may be used to find allowable
design. Table 3-1 was prepared using the equation loads for combinations of values of s, h, and knot
given in table 3-1. Further safety may be obtained by
reducing allowable extreme fiber stress to a smaller
kh percentage of the concrete flexural strength have
w ' 257.876s (eq 3-1) been presented by Grieb and Werner, Waddell, and
E Hammitt (see Biblio). The selection of the modulus
of subgrade reaction for use in table 3-1 is discussed
where in paragraph 4-2d. The design should be examined
w = the maximum allowable distributed for the possibility of differential settlements which
stationary live load, pounds per square foot could result from nonuniform subgrade support.
s = the allowable extreme fiber stress in tension Also, consideration of the effects of long-term
excluding shrinkage stress and is assumed to overall settlement for stationary live loads may be
be equal to one-half the normal 28-day necessary for compressible soils (see TM 5-818-
concrete flexural strength, pounds per 1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 7).
square inch

3-2
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

Table 3-1. Maximum allowable stationary live load

Stationary Live Load w in

Slab lb/ft2 for These Flexural
Thickness Strengths of Concrete
inches 550 lb 600 lb 650 lb 700 lb
h in2 in2 in2 in2
6 868 947 1,026 1,105

7 938 1,023 1,109 1,194

8 1,003 1,094 1,185 1,276

9 1,064 1,160 1,257 1,354

10 1,121 1,223 1,325 1,427

11 1,176 1,283 1,390 1,497

12 1,228 1,340 1,452 1,563

14 1,326 1,447 1,568 1,689

16 1,418 1,547 1,676 1,805

18 1,504 1,641 1,778 1,915

20 1,586 1,730 1,874 2,018

NOTE: Stationary live loads tabulated above are based on a modulus of subgrade
reaction (k) of 100 lb/in3. Maximum allowable stationary live loads for other
moduli of subgrade reaction will be computed by multiplying the
abovetabulated loads by a constant factor. Constants for other subgrade
moduli are tabulated below.

Modulus of 25 50 100 200 300

Subgrade reaction
Constant factor 0.5 0.7 1.0 1.4 1.7

For other modulus of subgrade reaction values, the constant values may be
found from the expression k/100.

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TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

3-4. Wall loads. 3-5. Unusual loads.

Floor slabs on grade should have adequate thickness Information regarding floor slab requirements for
to carry wall loads. Tables 3-2 and 3-3 show the special purpose ordnance, engineer, or transport
minimum thicknesses of thickened slabs for various vehicles producing loads significantly greater than
wall loads. The equations used to compute these those defined herein should be requested from
values are included in appendix B. When slab Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA)
thickness required for wall loads exceeds that (DAEN-ECE-G) Washington, DC 20314-1000 or
required for moving live loads or stationary live Headquarters, Air Force Engineering and Services
loads, the slab will be thickened in accordance with Center (DEMP), Tyndall MB, Fla. 32403.
figure 3-1. The safety factor for the design was
considered by using a reduced allowable tensile
stress of the concrete, ot , which was computed
using the equation ot = 1.6 /fc, where f'c is the
ultimate compressive strength of the concrete. If
wall loads exceed the tabulated values shown in
table 3-2, separate wall footings are suggested.
Figure 3-la shows the widths of thickened slabs
when the interior wall loads are near the slab center.
A recommended transition is also shown. The
thickened slab width is determined by the same
theory as the wall loads. The slab under the wall is
widened to the point where the stress in the thinner
slab section does not exceed the allowable tensile
stress of 1.6 /fc. Figure 3-1b shows a slab loaded
near a keyed or doweled edge. Figure 3-lc shows a
recommended slab thickening for a slab loaded near
a free edge. The width of the thickened edge varies
depending upon the width of the wall.

3-4
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

Table 3-2. Minimum thickness of thickened floor slab for wall load near center of slab or near keyed or doweled joint

Thickness of Slab Line Load Capacity, P, (lb/lin ft)

Thickened Floor Flexural Strengtha of Concrete (lb/in2)
Slab, te, (inches) 550 600 650 700
4 425 455 485 510
5 565 600 640 675
6 710 755 805 850
7 860 920 975 1,030
8 1,015 1,080 1,150 1,215
9 1,175 1,255 1,330 1,410
10 1,340 1,430 1,520 1,605

NOTE: The allowable wall loads are based on a modulus of subgrade

reaction (k) of 100 pounds per cubic inch. The thickness of the
thickened slab will be computed by multiplying the above thick
nesses by a constant factor. Constants for other subgrade moduli are
tabulated below.

Modulus of 25 50 100 200 300

Subgrade reaction k
Constant factor 1.3 1.1 1.0 0.9 0.8

For other modulus of subgrade reaction values the constant values

5
may be found from 100/k.

a
For this application the flexural strength of concrete was
assumed equal to 9 fc) where fc is the specified compressive
strength of concrete (lb/in2).

3-5
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

Table 3-3. Maximum allowable wall load near free edge

Thickness of Slab Line Load Capacity, P, (lb/lin ft)

Thickened Slab, te Flexural Strengtha of Concrete (lb/in2)
(inches) ) 550 600 650 700

4 330 355 375 395

5 435 465 495 525

6 550 585 620 660

7 665 710 755 800

8 785 840 890 945

9 910 975 1,035 1,090

10 1,040 1,110 1,180 1,245

3-6
TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

3-7
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

CHAPTER 4
SITE INVESTIGATION

4-1. General c. Exploration and classification. If field recon-

Once the floor slab load capacity requirements have naissance and analysis of existing subsurface infor-
been established, an investigation of the existing mation are insufficient to provide the necessary data
conditions at the site must be made. Conditions to for floor-slab design, an exploration program should
be considered include an investigation of the be initiated according to provisions of TM 5-81 8-1/
subgrade, climatic conditions, the need for and AFM 88-3, Chap. 7. All soils should be classified in
availability of base course materials, and the accordance with MIL-STD-619. Sufficient
concrete strength properties likely to be investigations should be performed at the proposed
encountered in the locale. site to facilitate the classification of all soils that will
be used or removed during construction; other
4-2. Subgrade conditions. pertinent descriptive information should also be
a. Importance of subgrade conditions. The sub- included.
grade provides a foundation for supporting the floor d. Performance data. For the design of rigid floor
slab and base courses. As a result, the required floor slabs in areas where no previous experience regard-
slab thickness and the performance obtained form ing floor slab performance is available, the modulus
the floor slab during its design life will depend in a of subgrade reaction k to be used for design
large part, on the uniformity and bearing capacity of purposes is determined by the field plate-bearing
the subgrade. It is desirable, if economically feasible, test. A description of the procedure to be followed
to thoroughly investigate the subgrade to assess the for this test and the method for evaluating test
maximum support potential for the particular sub- results are given in MIL-STD-621. Where
grade. In unheated structures, the possibility of frost performance data from existing floor slabs on grade
heave emphasizes the importance of uniformity of are available, adequate values for k usually can be
soil conditions under the floor slab. estimated on the basis of soil type, drainage
b. Initial investigation. Preliminary investigations conditions, and frost conditions that prevail at the
of subgrade conditions at the site of proposed proposed site. Table 4-1 lists typical values of
construction should be performed to determine the modulus subgrade reaction for various soil types
engineering characteristics of the subgrade soils and and moisture contents. Values shown may be
the extent of any peculiarities of the proposed site. increased slightly if the density is greater than 95
The general suitability of the subgrade soils is to be percent maximum CE 55 density, except that a
based on classification of the soil, moisture density maximum of 500 pounds per cubic inch will be used
relationships, expansive characteristics, susceptibil- for design. These values should be considered as a
ity to pumping, and susceptibility to detrimental guide only, and their use in lieu of the field plate-
frost action. A careful study of the service history of bearing test is left to the discretion of the engineer.
existing floor slabs on similar subgrade materials in The fact that the materials are shown in the table
the locality of the proposed site should be made. does not indicate suitability for use. Suitability must
Factors such as ground water, surface infiltration, be determined for the particular job conditions.
soil capillarity, topography, rainfall, drainage condi-
tions, and the seasonal change of such factors also
may affect the support rendered by the subgrade.

4-1
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

Table 4-1. Typical values of modulus of subgrade reaction

Modulus of Subgrade Reaction, k, in lb/in3

for Moisture Contents of
1 5 9 13 17 21 25
to to to to to to to Over
Types of Materials 4% 8% 12% 16% 20% 24% 28% 29%

Silts and clays -- 175 150 125 100 75 50 25

Liquid limit > 50
(OH, CH, MH)

Silts and clays -- 200 175 150 125 100 75 50

Liquid limit < 50
(OL, CL, ML)

Silty and clayey 300 250 225 200 150 --

sands (SM & SC)

Gravelly sands 300+ 300 250 --

(SW & SP)

Silty and clayey 300+ 300+ 300 250 --

gravels (GM & GC)

Gravel and sandy 300+ 300+ --

gravels (GW & GP)

NOTE: k values shown are typical for materials having dry densities
equal to 90 to 95 percent of the maximum CE 55 density. For materials
having dry densities less than 90 percent of maximum CE 55 density,
values should be reduced by 50 lb/in3, except that a k of 25 lb/in3 will
be the minimum used for design.

4-2
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

4-3. Environmental conditions. economical means of maintaining a stable thermal

a. Freezing and thawing. Special additional regime in permafrost under slabs-on-grade is by
design considerations and measures are necessary means of a ventilated foundation. Provision is made
where freezing and thawing may occur in underlying for ducted circulation of cold winter air between the
soils. The effects of such occurrences, which are insulated floor and underlying ground. The air
termed frost action, include surface heaving circulation serves to carry away the heat both from
during freezing and loss of bearing capacity upon the foundation and the overlying building, freezing
thawing. Detrimental frost action is the result of the back the upper layers of soil which were thawed the
development and/or thawing of segregated ice in preceding summer. The characteristics of permafrost
underlying soils. Potential difficulties from frost and engineering pinciples in permafrost regions are
action exist whenever a source of water is available described in TM 5-852-1/AFM 88-19, Chap. 1, and
to a frost-susceptible soil which is subject to TM 5-852-4.
subfreezing temperatures during a portion of the d. Applicable technical manuals. Where freezing
year. Conditions necessary for the development of and/or thawing may occur in underlying soils, slab
ice segregation in soils together with a description design will be in accordance, as applicable, with TM
of the ice segregation process and the detrimental 5-818-2/AFM 88-6, Chap. 4 and TM 5-852-4.
effects of frost action are given in TM 5-818- Thermal computatio procedures are detailed in TM
2/AFM 88-6, Chap. 4. 5-852-6/ AFM 88-19, Chap. 6.
b. Cold storage facilities. A somewhat different
problem is encountered in cold storage facilities 4-4. Concrete strength.
where a structure in contact with the ground is a. General. For a given water-cement ratio, the
maintained at subfreezing temperature. Thus, frost concrete strength likely to be obtained in a given
action under such structures is a long-term rather locale depends primarily on the aggregate sources
than a seasonal phenomenon, and deep frost available. Maximum particle size and quality of the
penetration will eventually result, even in areas coarse aggregate will have a pronounced effect on
where subfreezing ground temperatures are not concrete strength as will the gradation of the
naturally experienced, unless insulation or blended coarse and fine aggregate. In general,
provisions for circulation of warm air beneath the aggregates of the bankrun variety, as opposed to
slab are provided in design. Recommended as a crushed aggregates, will produce a lower-strength
reference is American Society of Heating, concrete due to particle shape. Specified concrete
Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineering strength should be sufficient to provide high wear
ASHRAE Handbook and Product Directory, resistance properties, constructability, and a
Equipment, and Applications, (see Biblio). It should reasonably high flexural stress to attain the greatest
be kept in mind that insulation may merely slow economy in the design. A study should be made of
frost penetration. It does not prevent heat flow. the strengths likely to be encountered, since
c. Permafrost. Since construction alters the ex- specifying an unusually high-strength concrete mix
isting thermal regime in the ground, an additional may result in a higher material cost for the project.
problem is encountered in regions where heat flow b. Traffic types. The minimum concrete compres-
from the facility may result in the progressive thaw- sive strength for floors subjected to pneumatic tired
ing of perennially frozen ground (permafrost). Ther- traffic will be 4,000 pounds per square inch; for
mal degradation of permafrost which contains floors subjected to abrasive traffic such as steel
masses of ice will result in subsidence as well as wheels, the minimum concrete compressive strength
reduction in bearing capacity. Both may be severe. will be 5,000 pounds per square inch.
The most widely employed, effective, and

4-3
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

CHAPTER 5
DESIGN PROCEDURE

5-1. General. which expresses varying axle loads and traffic

Once the floor-slab design requirements have been volume in terms of relative severity. The DI ranges
established, i.e., the type of loadings, including wall from 1 to 10 with the higher number indicating a
loads and both stationary live and moving live loads, more severe design requirement. The basic loading
the requirements are translated into meaningful described above was used to assign and rank the
design data. These design data are then compared Dl*s. More information concerning the DI can be
with the existing condition data, and a floor slab found in TM 5-822-6/AFM 88-7, Chap. 1. Table 5-
design is evolved. The design procedure covers sub- 1 shows the DI*s for various traffic volumes. Thick-
grade conditions, steel reinforcing, and various de- ness requirements for floor slabs which contain only
tails such as jointing. temperature reinforcement for the ten DI*s are
shown in figure 5-1. The floor-slab thickness
5-2. Floor slab loads. requirements are a function of concrete strength and
a. Traffic loadings. In order to satisfy require- subgrade modulus and DI. Larger forklifts having
ments of different types of vehicles and traffic vo- axle loads greater than 25 kips are treated
lumes, all Category I, II, and III traffic has been separately. The required slab thickness for
expressed in terms of equivalent operations of a pavements designed for these loads are not
basic axle loading. The basic loading was assumed significantly affected by vehicles having axle loads
to be an 1 8,000-pound single-axle load with two less than 25 kips (trucks, cars, buses, and small
sets of dual wheels spaced 58-1/2 inches apart with forklifts). These light loads are therefore ignored in
13-1/2 inches between dual wheels. It should be determining requirements for pavements carrying
noted that the basic loading was arbitrarily selected axle loads greater than 25 kips. The thickness
to provide a reasonable spread in the loadings and requirements for these loads are shown in figure 5-2.
traffic volumes likely to be encountered under
normal conditions. A design index (DI) was devised

Table 5-1. Traffic categories for design index

Maximum Operations Design

Per Day Over 25 Years Load Index

50 10-kip axle-load forklift truck 4

250 10-kip axle-load forklift truck 5

10 15-kip axle-load forklift truck

250 10-kip axle-load forklift truck 7

100 15-kip axle-load forklift truck

250 15-kip axle-load forklift truck 8

5 25-kip axle-load forklift truck

5-1
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-2
TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-3
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

b. Stationary live loads. Stationary live loads are pavement design in equation 5-1:
expressed in terms of maximum allowable pounds
per square foot. These loadings are given in table 3-
1. The method used to determine the allowable (eq 5-1)
1.4
loads is based on the concrete flexural strength, the 1.4
3 1.4
slab thickness, and the modulus of subgrade ho ' h & 0.0063 Ef hs
reaction. Entering table 3-1 with the flexural
strength and the slab thickness, the allowable
stationary live load can be selected. Based on the
modulus of subgrade reaction, the load is adjusted where
using the constant factor given in the note (table 3- ho = thickness of rigid pavements overlay
1). required over the stabilized layer, inches
c. Wall loads. Stationary-partition loads are h = thickness of rigid pavement from design
expressed in terms of pounds per linear foot. These chart (fig. 5-1) based on k value of
loadings are given in table 3-2. The method used to unbound material, inches
determine thickness, tc, of the thickened floor slab is Ef = flexural modules of elasticity
based on the concrete flexural strength, the load, (as determined by ASTM C 78)
and the modulus of subgrade reaction. Entering hs = thickness of stabilized layer, inches
table 3-2 with the flexural strength of the concrete
and the load, the concrete thickness is selected, e. Design Examples. Example design problems
based on a modulus of subgrade reaction of 100 pci. can be found in appendix C.
The thickness is adjusted using the constant factor
given in the note (table 3-2), for other subgrade 5-3. Subgrade.
moduli.
d. Design procedures for stabilized foundations. a. Compaction. Compaction improves
(1) Soil stabilization or modification. Soils stabiliity of most subgrade soils and provides a
that have been treated with additives such as more uniform foundation for the floor slabs or base
cement, lime, fly ash, or bitumen are considered to course. Method 100 of MIL-STD-621, Compaction
be either stabilized or modified. A stabilized soil is Effort CE 55, should be used to determine the
one that shows improvement in load-carrying compaction characteristics of the subgrade soils.
capability and durability characteristics. A modified During construction, prolonged exposure of the
soil is one that shows improvement in its subgrade to the atmosphere may allow overwetting
construction characteristics but which does not or and drying therefore should not be allowed.
show an increase in the strength of the soil b. Cut sections. With the exception of areas of
sufficiently to qualify as a stabilized soil. The special soil, the top 6 inches of subgrade in cut
principal benefits of soil modification or stabilization sections should be scarified and moistened to
include a stable all-weather construction platform approximately optimum moisture content and
and a reduction of rigid pavement thickness compacted. Cohesive subgrade soils should be
requirements when applicable, swell potential, and compacted to a minimum of 90 percent of CE 55
susceptibility to pumping and strength loss due to maximum density and cohesionless soils to a
moisture. minimum percent of CE 55 maximum density.
(2) Requirements. The design of the c. Fill sections. With the exception of fill com-
stabilized or modified layers will follow TM 5-822- posed of special soils, all fills composed of cohesive
4, and TM 5-818-2/AFM 88-6, Chap. 4. To qualify materials should be compacted to minimum of 90
as a stabilized layer, the stabilized material must percent of CE 55 maximum and all fills composed of
meet the unconfined compressive strength and cohesionless materials should be compacted to a
durability requirements in TM 5-882-4; otherwise, minimum of 95 percent of CE 55 maximum density.
the layer is considered to be modified. Some adjustment., for compaction requirements
(3) Thickness design. The thickness require- may be necessary ;for fills of expansive soils..
ments for a rigid pavement on a modified soil d. Cut-to-fill sections. When a rigid floor slab is
foundation will be designed as if the layer is located partially on a fill area and partially on a cut
unbounded using the k value measured on top of the area, the compaction. requirements set forth in the
modified soil layer. For stabilized soil layers, the preceding paragraphs should be followed. The
treated layer will be considered to be a low-strength depth of subgrade compaction in the cut area
base pavement and the thickness determined using should be increased to 12 inches.
the following modified partially bonded rigid overlay

5-4
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15
e. Nonuniformity. Where it is not possible to 5-4. Base courses.
create uniform subgrade conditions by the methods a. Requirements. Base courses may be required
described herein, the slab design can be varied under rigid floor slabs to provide protection against
throughout the project to maximize economy. Con- detrimental frost action, drainage, a suitable
crete flexural strength, percent reinforcing steel, and working platform for the construction operation
slab thickness can all be adjusted to provide a design during adverse weather conditions, and additional
which is balanced in terms of service life. The support to the floor slab. In any of the above-
specific combinations to be used will depend upon mentioned applications for base courses, an
local conditions and costs, and selection of design economic study is required to determine base course
alternatives is left to the discretion of the design requirements in floor-slab design. The economic
engineer. study will typically include costs of base course
f. Special soils. Although compaction increases materials such as hauling and required floor-slab
the stability and strength of most soils, some soil thickness with and without base course.
types show a marked decrease in stability when
scarified, worked, and rolled. Also, there are some Consideration should also be given to the use of the
soils that shrink excessively during dry periods and floor slab, i.e., what material is to be stored and
expand excessively when allowed to absorb what operations are likely to occur on the floor slab.
moisture. In general, these are inorganic clays of These considerations will also have an impact on
relatively high plasticity usually classified as CH whether to include a base course.
soils. Special types of soils are discussed in TM 5- b. Compaction. Where base courses are used, the
825-2/AFM 88-6, Chap. 2, TM 5-818-1/AFM 88-3, base-course materials should be compacted in
Chap. 7, and TM 5-818-7. accordance with the criteria given above. With this
g. Back filling. Special care should be exercised in mind, note that compaction of thin base courses
in backfill areas around walls and columns to ensure placed on yielding subgrades to high densities is
compliance with compaction requirements outlined difficult.
in the above paragraphs. Backfilling around walls c. Drainage. Adverse moisture conditions result-
and columns should be performed with pneumatic ing from high water table and subsoils subject to
tampers, gasoline-powered tampers, and other capillary action may cause damage to floor covering
mechanized hand-operated devices. Soil moisture and stored material. If the subgrade soils provide for
content and lift thickness should be carefully con- movement of water by capillary flow (CH, CL, MH,
trolled to ensure that compaction requirements are and ML types) and the ground-water table is less
met through the full depth of the backfill. than 5 feet from the final grade, a minimum
h. Treatment of unsuitable materials. Soils desig- thickness of 6 inches of free-draining base course
nated as unsatisfactory for subgrade use by MIL-. will be required. Base courses for drainage will not
STD-619 should be removed and replaced. The be required under conditions of deep ground-water
depth to which such undesirable soils should be table. Positive drainage is to be provided to ensure
removed depends on the soil type, drainage against water being trapped beneath the pavement.
conditions, type of material stored, magnitude of The floor should be protected against the migration
tolerable differential settlement, and depth of of water vapor through the slab and joints. Water
freezing-temperature penetration. The depth of vapor damage is to be prevented by an impermeable
removal and replacement should be determined by membrane placed on the subgrade prior to concrete
the engineer on the basis of judgement and previous placement. Such vapor barriers shall be installed
experience and with due consideration of the traffic even in conjunction with base courses if moisture-
to be served as well as the costs involved. In some susceptible floor coverings or conduits are present.
instances, unsatisfactory or undesirable soils may be See TM 5-809-2/AFM 88-3, Chap. 2 for
improved economically by stabilization with such embedment of conduits.
materials as cement, fly ash, lime, or certain d. Materials. If conditions indicate that a base
chemical additives whereby the characteristics of the course is desirable, a thorough investigation should
composite material become suitable for use as be made to determine the source, quantity, and
subgrade. Criteria for soil stabilization are given in characteristics of the available materials. A study
TM 5-822-4. Subgrade stabilization, however, should be made to determine the most economical
should not be attempted unless the cost reflects thickness of material for a base course that will meet
corresponding savings in base course, floor slabs, or the requirements. The base course may consist of
drainage facilities construction and is approved by natural materials, processed materials, or stabilized
HQDA (DAEN-ECE-G) Washington, DC 2031 4-1 materials as defined in TM 5-882-4. The material
000 or Headquarters, Air Force Engineering selected should be the one that best accomplishes
Services Center (DEMP), Tyndall AFB, Fla. 32403.

5-5
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

the intended purpose of the base course. In general, high level at these points, and objectionable material
the base course material should be well-graded high- is prevented from infiltrating the cracks; and (d)
stability material. TM 5-822-6/AFM 88-7, Chap. 1 differential settlement due to nonuniform support or
and TM 5-818-2/AFM 88-6, Chap. 4 provide frost heave is reduced materially. Guidance relative
requirements for base courses for additional support to the use of reinforced pavement is discussed in the
and frost action. If the base course is for drainage, following paragraphs.
the maximum particle size shall be 1-1/2 inches, and a. Subgrade conditions. Reinforcement may be
no particles shall be smaller than the No. 4 sieve used to control cracking in rigid pavements found
size. If a free-draining, open-graded subbase is used, on subgrades where differential vertical movement
a filter layer may be placed under the base course to is a definite potential (for example, foundations with
prevent pumping action and subgrade intrusion. definite or borderline frost susceptibility that cannot
Coarse aggregate shall have a percentage of wear by feasibly be made to conform to conventional frost
the Los Angeles abrasion test of not more than 50. design requirements.)
Uniform high-quality materials shall be used. b. Economic considerations. For the general case,
Weakly cemented rocks and most shales should not reinforced rigid pavements will not be economically
be used; an exception would be baked shales competitive with nonreinforced rigid pavements of
occurring adjacent to intrusive dikes. The frost equal load-carrying capacity, even though a reduc-
susceptibility criterion listed previously in chapter 4 tion in pavement thickness is possible. Alternate
is also applicable to base course materials. bids, however, should be invited if reasonable doubt
Durability will be checked if the base aggregate will exists on this point.
be exposed to frost. Aggregates that break down c. Nonreinforced slabs. In otherwise nonrein-
excessively when subjected to freeze-thaw cycles forced floor slabs, steel reinforcement should be
will not be used. used for the conditions below.
(1) Odd-shaped slabs. Odd-shaped slabs
5-5. Steel reinforcement. should be reinforced using a minimum of 0.06
Under certain conditions, concrete pavement slabs percent of steel in directions normal to each other
may be reinforced with welded wire fabric or de- over the entire area of the slab. An odd-shaped slab
formed bar mats arranged in a square or rectangular is considered to be one in which the longer
grid. The advantages in using steel reinforcement dimension exceeds the shorter dimension by more
include: (a) a reduction in the required slab than 25 percent or a slab which essentially is neither
thickness usually is permissible; (b) wider spacing square nor rectangular. Figure 5-3 presents an
between transverse contraction joints may be used; example of reinforcement required in odd-shaped
(c) the width of crack opening is controlled, with slabs.
the result that load transmission is maintained at a

5-6
TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-7
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

(2) Mismatched joints. A partial reinforce- determining the percentage of steel required, the
ment of slab is required where the joint patterns of thickness of the reinforced floor slab, and the
abutting or adjacent floor slabs do not match, and maximum allowable length of the slabs. Figure 5-4
when the pavements are not positively separated by presents a graphic solution for the design of rein-
an expansion or slip-type joint. The floor slab forced floor slabs. Since the thickness of a
directly opposite the mismatched joint should be reinforced floor slab is a function of the percentage
reinforced with a minimum of 0.06 percent of steel of steel reinforcing, the designer may determine the
in directions normal to each other for a distance of required percentage of steel for a predetermined
3 feet back from the juncture, and for the full width thickness of floor slab or determine the required
or length of the slab in a direction normal to the thickness of floor slab for a predetermined
mismatched joint. Mismatched joints normally will percentage of steel. in either case, it is necessary
occur at intersections of floor slabs or between first to determine the required thickness of
regular floor slab and fillet areas (fig 5-3). nonreinforced floor slab by the method outlined
d. Other uses. Reinforced and continuously rein- previously (para 5-2) for non reinforced floor slabs.
forced floor slabs may be considered for reasons The exact thickness (to the nearest 1/10 inch) of the
other than those described above provided a report floor slab, h , is then used to enter the nomogram in
containing a justification of the need for figure 5-4. A straight line is then drawn from the
reinforcement is prepared and submit for approval value of h to the value selected for the thickness of
to HQDA (DAEN-ECE-G), Washington, DC reinforced floor slab, hr ,and extended to the
20314-1 000, or Headquarters, Air Force required percentage of reinforcing steel, S , or
Engineering and Services Center (DEMP), Tyndall drawn from the value h to the value selected for the
AFB, Fla. 32403. percentage of reinforcing steel, and extended to the
thickness, hr . The thickness, hr , will always be
5-6. Reinforced design. equal to or less than the thickness, h. It should be
a. Thickness design on unbonded base or noted that the S value indicated in figure 5-4 is the
subbase. The design procedure for reinforced percentage to be used in the longitudinal direction
concrete floor slabs uses the principle of allowing a only. For nomral designs, the percentage of
reduction in the required thickness of nonreinforced nonreinforcing steel used in the transverse direction
concrete floor slab due to the presence of the steel will be one-half of that to be used in the longitudinal
reinforcing. The design procedure has been dirction. Once the hr and S values have been
developed empirically from a limited number of determined, the maximum allowable slab length L is
prototype test pavements subjected to accelerated obtained from the intersection of the straight line
traffic testing. Although it is anticipated that some and the scale of L . Provision also is made in the
cracking will occur in the floor slab under the design nomograph for adjusting L on the basis of the yield
traffic loadings, the steel reinforcing will hold the strength fs of the reinforcing steel. Difficulties may
cracks tightly closed. The reinforcing will prevent be encountered in sealing joints between very long
spalling or faulting at the cracks and provide a slabs because of large volumetric changes caused by
serviceable floor slab during the anticipated design temperature changes.
life. Essentially, the design method consists of

5-8
TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-9
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

b. Thickness design on stabilized base or sub- may be either deformed bars or welded wire fabric.
grade. To determine the thickness requirements for Specifications for both types of reinforcement are
reinforced concrete floor slabs on a stabilized given in TM 5-825-3/AFM 88-6, Chap. 3.
foundation, it is first necessary to determine the (2) Placement. Placement of the reinforcing
thickness of nonreinforced concrete floor slab steel in floor slabs should follow the criteria given in
required for the design conditions. This thickness of TM 5-825-3/AFM 88-6, Chap. 3. In addition, the
nonreinforced floor slab is determined by the following criteria regarding the maximum spacing of
procedures set forth in paragraph 5-2d. Figure 5-4 reinforcement should be observed. For welded wire
is then entered with the values of h , hr, and S fabric, the maximum spacing of the longitudinal
c. Limitations. The design criteria for reinforced wires and transverse wires should not exceed 6
concrete floor slabs on grade are subject to the inches and 12 inches, respectively; for bar mats, the
following limitations: maximum spacing of the longitudinal bars and the
(1) No reduction in the required thickness of transverse bars should not exceed 15 inches and 30
nonreinforced floor slabs should be allowed for per- inches, respectively.
centages of steel less than 0.05 percent.
(2) No further reduction in the required 5-7. Joint types and usage.
thickness of nonreinforced floor slabs should be Joints are provided to permit contraction and expan-
allowed over that indicated in figure 5-4 for 0.50 sion of the concrete resulting from temperature and
percent steel, regardless of the percentage of steel moisture changes, to relieve warping and curling
used. stresses due to temperature and moisture differen-
(3) The maximum length L of reinforced tials, to prevent unsightly, irregular breaking of the
floor slabs should not exceed 75 feet regardless of floor slab; as a construction expedient, to separate
the percentage of steel, yield strength of the steel, or sections or strips of concrete placed at different
thickness of the pavement. times; and to isolate the floor slab from other
(4) The minimum thickness of reinforced building components. The three general types of
floor slabs should be 6 inches. joints are contraction, construction, and isolation. A
d. Reinforcing steel. typical floor-slab joint layout is shown in figure 5-5.
(1) Type. The reinforcing steel for floor slabs

5-10
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

a. Contraction joints. forces caused by subsequent expansion. Contraction

Weakened-plane contraction joints are provided to joints will be required transversely and may be
control cracking in the concrete and to limit curling required longitudinally depending upon slab
or warping stresses resulting from drying shrinkage thickness and spacing of construction joints.
and contraction and from temperature and moisture Contraction joints for reinforced and nonreinforced
gradients in the slab, respectively. Shrinkage and floor slabs are shown in figures 5-6 and 5-7,
contraction of the concrete causes slight cracking respectively. Instructions regarding the use of saw
and separation of the slabs at the weakened planes, cuts or preformed inserts to form the weakened
which will provide some relief from tensile forces plane are contained in TM 5-822-7/ AFM 88-6,
resulting from foundation restraint and compressive Chap. 8.

5-11
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-12
TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-13
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

(1) Width and' depth of weakened plane concrete and dictate the depth of groove required.
groove. The width of the weakened plane groove For example, concrete placed early in the day, when
will be a minimum of 1/8 inch and a maximum equal the air temperature is rising, may experience
to the width of the sealant reservoir contained in (2) expansion rather than contraction during the early
below. The depth of the weakened plane groove life of* the concrete with subsequent contraction
must be great enough to cause the concrete to crack occurring several hours later as the air temperature
under the tensile stresses resulting from the drops. The concrete may have attained sufficient
shrinkage and contraction of the concrete as it strength before the contraction occurs so that each
cures. Experience, supported by analyses, indicates successive weakened plane does not result in
that this depth should be at Last one-fourth of the fracturing of the concrete. As a result, excessive
slab thickness for floor slabs 12 inches or less, 3 opening may result where fracturing does occur. To
inches for pavements greater than 12 and less than prevent this, the depth of the groove will be
18 inches in thickness, and one-sixth of the slab increased to assure the fracturing and proper
thickness for floor slabs greater than 18 inches in functions of each of the scheduled joints.
thickness. In no case will the depth of the groove be (2) Width and depth of sealant reservoir. The
less than the maximum nominal size of aggregate width and depth of the sealant reservoir for the
used. Sawcut contraction joints for steel-fiber weakened plane groove will conform to dimensions
reinforced concrete should be cut a minimum of shown in figure 5-8. The dimensions of the sealant
one-third of the slab thickness. Concrete placement reservoir are critical to satisfactory performance of
conditions may influence the fracturing of the the joint sealing materials.

5-14
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

(3) Spacing of transverse contraction joints. dimensions under traffic. Therefore, it is desirable,
Transverse contraction joints will be constructed insofar as practicable, to keep the length and width
across each paving lane perpendicular to the center dimensions as nearly equal as possible. In no case
line. The joint spacing will be uniform throughout should the length dimension (in the direction of
any major paved area, and each joint will be straight paving) exceed the width dimension more than 25
and continuous from edge to edge of the paving lane percent.
and across all paving lanes for the full width of the (a) Nonreinforced slabs. The joint spac-
paved area. Staggering of joints in adjacent paving ings in table 5-2 have given satisfactory control of
lanes can lead to sympathetic cracking and will not transverse cracking in most instances and may be
be permitted unless reinforcement, as described in used as a guide, subject to modification based on
paragraph 5-5b, is used. The maximum spacing of available information regarding the performance of
transverse joints that will effectively control existing pavements in the vicinity or unusual proper-
cracking will vary appreciably depending on ties of the concrete. The maximum size of a slab
pavement thickness, thermal coefficient, and other panel bounded by contraction joints should be 600
characteristics of the aggregate and concrete, square feet in accordance with TM 5-809-2/AFM
climatic conditions, and foundation restraint. It is 88-3, Chap. 2. Under certain climatic conditions,
impracticable to establish limits on joint spacing that joint spacings different from those in table 5-2 may
are suitable for all conditions without making them be satisfactory. Where it is desired to change the
unduly restrictive. For best slab performance, the joint spacing, a request will be submitted to HQDA
number of joints should be kept to a minimum by (DAEN-ECE-G), Washington, DC 20314-1000, or
using the greatest joint spacing that will Headquarters, Air Force Engineering Services
satisfactorily control cracking. Experience has Center (DEMP), Tyndall, AFB, Fla. 32403,
shown, however, that oblong slabs, especially in thin outlining the local conditions that indicate that the
slabs, tend to crack into smaller slabs of nearly equal proposed change in joint spacing is desirable.

Table 5-2. Recommended Spacing of Transverse Contraction Joints

Slab Thickness Joint Spacing

in. ft.

4 - 6* Up to 12.5
6-9 12.5-15.0
9 - 12 15.0-20.0
> 12 20.0 - 25.0

*This thickness is allowed for steel-fiber reinforced concrete only.

5-15
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

(b) Reinforced slabs. Transverse contrac- (5) Doweled and tied contraction joints.
tion joints in reinforced concrete slabs should not be (a) Dowels are required in transverse
constructed at intervals of less than 25 feet nor more contraction joints. Dowel requirements and
than 75 feet. Maximum allowable slab width and specifications are given in paragraph 5-7d.
length may be determined from the equation (b) For nonreinforced slabs, deformed tie
bars, which are 5/8 inch in diameter, 30 inches long,
and spaced on 30-inch centers, will be required in
3
L ' 0.00047 hr (fsS)2 # 75 (eq 5-2) longitudinal contraction joints that fall 15 feet or 1es
from the free edge of paved areas greater than 100
feet in width to prevent cumulative opening of these
joints.
b. Construction joints. Construction joints are
where provided to separate areas of concrete placed at
L = the maximum length (or width), feet different times. They may be required in both the
hr = the reinforced slab thickness, inches longitudinal and transverse directions. The spacing
fs = the steel yield strength, pounds per square of construction joints will depend largely on the size
inch and shape of the floor slab that is being placed and
S = steel reinforcing ration, percentage the equipment used to place it. Joint spacing will
also be affected by column spacing and bay sizes.
Allowable slab dimensions can be determined Longitudinal construction joints, generally spaced
directly from figure 5-4 for a yield strength of 20 to 25 feet apart but may reach 50 feet apart
60,000 pounds per square inch. Selection of final depending on construction equipment capability,
spacing should be based on local conditions. Where will be provided to separate successively placed
only a portion of the slabs are reinforced, joint paving lanes. Tranverse construction joints will be
spacing should be a maximum commensurate with installed when it is necessary to stop concrete
the unreinforced slab configurations. placement within a paving lane for a sufficient time
(4) Spacing of longitudinal contraction for the concrete to start to set. All transverse
joints. Contraction joints will be placed along the construction joints will be located in place of other
centerline of paving lanes that have a width greater regularly spaced transverse joints (contraction or
than the indicated maximum spacing of transverse isolation types). There are several types of
contraction joints in table 5-2. These joints may also construction joints available for use, as shown in
be required in the longitudinal direction for overlays, figures 5-9, 5-10, and 5-11 and as described below.
regardless of overlay thickness, to match joints The selection of the type of construction joint will
existing in the base pavement unless a bond- depend on such factors as the concrete placement
breaking medium is used between the overlay and procedure (formed or slipformed) and foundation
base slab or the overlay slab is reinforced. conditions.

5-16
TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-17
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-18
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

(1) Doweled butt joint. The doweled butt (3) Thickened-edge joint. Thickened-edge-
joint is considered to be the best joint for providing type joints maybe used instead of other types of
load transfer and maintaining slab alignment. It is a joints employing load-transfer devices. When the
desirable joint for the most adverse conditions such thickened-edge joint is constructed, the thickness of
as heavy loading, high traffic intensity, and lower the concrete at the edge is increased to 125 percent
strength foundations. However, because the of the design thickness. The thickness is then
alignment and placement of the dowel bars are criti- reduced by tapering from the free-edge thickness to
cal to satisfactory performance, this type of joint is the design thickness at a distance of 5 feet from the
difficult to construct, especially for slipformed con- longitudinal edge. The thickened-edge butt joint is
crete. However, the doweled butt joint is required considered adequate for the load-induced concrete
for all transverse construction joints in stresses. However, the inclusion of a key in the
nonreinforced pavements. Doweled construction thickened-edge joint provides some degree of load
joints are shown in figure 5-9. transfer in the joint and helps maintain slab
(2) Keyed joint. The keyed joint is the most alignment; although not required, it is recommended
economical method, from a construction standpoint, for pavement constructed on low- to medium-
of providing load transfer in the joint. It has been strength foundations. The thickened-edge joint may
demonstrated that the key or keyway can be be used at free edges of paved areas to
satisfactorily constructed using either formed or accommodate future expansion of the facility or
slipformed methods. Experience has proved that the where wheel loadings may track the edge of the
required dimensions of the joint can best be pavement. All floor slabs accommodating vehicular
maintained by forming or slipforming the keyway traffic will be thicked at doorways to have an edge
rather than the key. The dimensions and location of thickness of 1.25 times the design thickness as
the key (fig 5-10) are critical to its performance. shown in figure 5-11. The use of this type joint is
The structural adequacy of keyed ed construction contingent upon adequate base-course drainage.
joints in rigid floor slabs, however, can be impaired c. Isolation joints. Isolation joints are provided to
seriously by such factors as small changes in the prevent load transfer and allow for differential
dimensions of the key and positioning the key other settlement between the floor slab and other building
than at the middepth of the slab. Exceeding the components. Isolation joints also allow for some
design values for the key dimensions produces an horizontal movement. Isolation joints should be
oversize key, which can result in failure of either the placed at locations where slabs abut walls or their
top or bottom edge of the female side or the joint. foundations and around columns, column
Similarly, construction of an undersizes key can foundations, and other foundations that carry
result in shearing off the key. Keyed joints should permanent dead load other than stored material.
riot be used in floor slabs 8 inches or less in Isolation joints are provided by placing 30-pounds
thickness except where tie bars are used. Tie bars in asphalt, coal-tar saturated felt, or equivalent
the keyed joint, will limit opening of the joint and material between the floor slab and the building*s
provide some shear transfer that will improve the structural components before the floor is placed.
performance of the keyed joints. However, tied Such sheets should be placed or fastened to the
joints in floor widths of more than 75 feet can result buildings components to prevent any bonding or
in excessive stresses and cracking in the concrete direct contact between the floor slab and the
during contraction. When a longitudinal building component. This requires that the sheets
construction joint is used at the center of a floor two have a height equal to the floor slab thickness and
paving lanes wide, a keyed joint with tie bars should be placed at the same elevation as the floor slab, as
be used. When a keyed longitudinal structure joint shown in figure 5-12.
is used at the center of a floor four or more paving
lanes in width, dowels should be used.

5-19
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

d. Special joints and junctures. Situations will The design of the thickened-edge slip joint will be
develop where special joints or variations of the similar to the thickened-edge construction joint (fig
more standard type joints will be needed to 5-13). The bond-breaking medium will be either a
accommodate the movements that will occur and to heavy coating of bituminous material not less than
provide a satisfactory operational surface. Some of 1/16 inch thick when joints match or a normal
these special joints or junctures are discussed below. nonextruding-type expansion joint material not less
(1) Slip-type joints. At the juncture of two than 1/4 inch thick when joints do not match. The
pavement facilities, expansion and contraction of the 1/16-inch bituminous coating may be either a low
concrete may result in movements that occur in penetration (60-70 grade asphalt) or a clay-type
different directions. Such movements may create asphalt-base emulsion similar to that used for roof
detrimental stresses within the concrete unless coating (Military Specification MIL-R-3472) and
provision is made to allow the movements to occur. will be applied to the face of the joint by hand
At such junctures, a thickened-edge slip joint shall brushing or spraying.
be used to permit the horizontal slippage to occur.

5-20
TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-21
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

(2) Special joint between new and existing considered as an alternate to the special joint; how-
floors. A special thickened-edge joint design (fig 5- ever, a thickened-edge design will be used for the
13) will be used at the juncture of new and existing new floor at the juncture.
floors for the following conditions: e. Doweled joints. The primary function of dow-
(a) When load-transfer devices (keyways els in floor slabs is that of a load-transfer device. As
or dowels) or a thickened edge was not provided at such, the dowels affect a reduction in the critical
the free edge of the existing floor. edge stress directly proportional to the degree of
(b) When load-transfer devices or a thick- load transfer achieved at the joint. A secondary
ened edge was provided at the free edge of the function of dowels is to maintain the vertical
existing floor, but neither met the design alignment of adjacent slabs, thereby preventing
requirements for the new floor. faulting at the joints. Dowels are required at all
(c) For transverse contraction joints, when contraction joints in slabs that are 8 inches or
removing and replacing slabs in an existing floor. greater in thickness and for thinner slabs in
(d) For longitudinal construction joints, concentrated traffic areas.
when removing and replacing slabs in an existing (1) Dowel specifications. Dowel diameter,
floor if the existing load-transfer devices are length, and spacing should be in accordance with the
damaged during the slab removal. criteria presented in table 5-3. When dowels larger
(e) Any other location where it is than 1 inch in diameter are required, an extra-
necessary to provide load transfer for the existing strength pipe may be used as an alternate for solid
floor. The special joint design may not be required bars. When an extra-strength pipe is used for
if a new floor joins an existing floor that is grossly dowels, however, the pipe should be filled with a
inadequate to carry the design load of the new floor, stiff mixture of sand-asphalt or cement mortar, or
or if the existing floor is in poor structural the ends of the pipe should be plugged. If the ends
condition. If the existing floor can carry a load that of the pipe are plugged, plugs should fit inside the
is 75 percent or less of the new floor design load, pipe and be cut off flush with the end of the pipe so
special efforts to provide edge support for the that there will be no protruding material to bond
existing floor may be omitted; however, if omitted, with the concrete and prevent free movement of the
accelerated failures in the existing floor may be pavement. All dowels should be straight, smooth,
experienced. Any load-transfer devices in the and free from burrs at the ends. One-half of each
existing floor should be used at the juncture to dowel should be painted and oiled or otherwise
provide as much support as possible to the existing treated to prevent bonding with the concrete. A
floor. The new floor will simply be designed with a schematic drawing of joint layout showing dowels
thickened edge at the juncture. Drilling and grouting is given in figure 5-14.
dowels in the existing floor for edge support may be

5-22
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

Table 5-3. Dowel size and spacing

Minimum Maximum
Pavement Dowel Dowel
Thickness Length Spacing
inches inches inches Dowel Diameter and Type

Less than 8 16 12 3/4-inch bar

8 to and 16 12 1-inch bar

including
11.5

12 to and 20 15 1- to 1-1/4-inch bar, or 1-inch

including extrastrength pipe
15.5

16 to and 20 18 1- to 1-1/2-inch bar, or 1-

including 1-1/2-inch extra-strength pipe
20.5

21 to and 24 18 2-inch bar, or 2-inch extra-

including strength pipe
25.5

Over 26 30 18 3-inch bar, or 3-inch extra

strength pipe

5-23
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-24
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15
(2) Dowel placements. Normally, dowels operations. For proper drainage of the floor-slab
should be located at the middepth of the floor slab. surface into floor drains, a fall of c inch per foot
However, a tolerance of one-half of the dowel toward the floor drain is recommended. For
diameter, above or below middepth of the slab, may sustained operations, gasoline- and LP gas-operated
be allowed in locating the dowels in contraction and forklift trucks can generally negotiate a maximum
construction joints where the allowance of such a slope of 20 percent (20 feet vertically for every 100
tolerance will expedite construction. feet horizontally) satisfactorily. Electric-powered
f. Joint sealing. All joints will be sealed with a forklift trucks can perform sustained operations on
suitable sealant to prevent infiltration of surface a maximum slope of 10 percent (10 feet vertically
water and solid substances. A jet-fuel resistant for every 100 feet horizontally). The above-
(JFR) sealant will be used in the joints of floors mentioned maximum slopes are based on a
where diesel fuel or other lubricants may be spilled coefficient of friction of 0.9 for the operating
during the operation, parking, maintenance, and surface. The use of sealants, waxes, etc., to reduce
servicing of vehicles. Sealants that are not fuel dusting will lower the coefficient of friction
resistant will be used in joints of all other considerably. In areas where these compounds are
pavements. JFR sealants will conform to Federal used and a tough broom finish is not. practical,
Specifications SS-S-200 and SS-S-1614, and non- reducing the slope of the ramp should be
JFR sealants will conform to Federal Specifications considered. If the slope cannot be reduced,
55-5-1401. Preformed seal-ants must have an pressure-sensitive abrasive tapes should be installed.
uncompressed width of not less than twice the width The abrasive tapes are of the type used on stairway
of the joint sealant reservoir. The selection of a treads to produce a nonskid surface.
pourable or preformed sealant should be based upon 5-9. Fiber reinforced design.
the economics involved. Compression-type
preformed sealants are recommended when the joint a. Basis of jointed fiber reinforced concrete floor
spacings exceed 25 feet and are required when joint slab design. The design of jointed fiber concrete
spacings exceed 50 feet. (JFC) floor slabs is based upon limiting the ratio of
g. Special provisions for slipform paving. Provi- the concrete flexural strength and the maximum
sions must be made for slipform payers when there tensile stress at the joint, with the load either parallel
is a change in longitudinal joint configuration. The or normal to the edge of the slab, to a value found
thickness may be varied without stopping the paving to give satisfactory performance in full-scale
train, but the joint configuration cannot be varied accelerated test tracks. Because of the increased
without modifying the side forms, which will nor- flexural strength and tenacity at cracks that develop
mally require stopping the paver and installing a in the fibrous concrete, the thickness can be
header. The following requirements shall apply: significantly reduced; however, this results in a more
(1) The header may be set on either side of flexible structure, which causes an increase in
the transition slab with the transverse construction vertical deflections as well as in potential for den-
joint doweled as required. The dowel size and sification and/or shear failures in the foundations,
location in the transverse construction joint should pumping of the subgrade material, and joint
be commensurate with the thickness of the deterioration. To protect against these latter factors,
pavement at the header. a limiting vertical deflection criterion has been
(2) When there is a transition between a applied to the thickness developed from the tensile
doweled longitudinal construction joint and a keyed stress criteria.
longitudinal construction joint, the longitudinal con- b. Uses. Although several types of fiber have been
struction joint in the transition slab may be either studied for concrete reinforcement, most of the
keyed or doweled. The size and location of the experience has been with steel fibers, and the design
dowels or keys in the transition slabs should be the criteria presented herein are limited to steel fibrous
same as those in the pavement with the doweled or concrete. Fibrous concrete is a relatively new mate-
keyed joint, respectively. rial for pavement construction and lacks a long-time
(3) When there is a transition between two performance history. Because of this, its use will
keyed joints with different dimensions, the size and require approval of HQDA (DAEN-ECE-G), Wash-
location of the key in the transition slab should be ington, DC 20314-1 000, and/or Headquarters, Air
based on the thickness of the thinner pavement. Force Engineering Services Center (DEMP),
Tyndall AFB, Fla. 32403. The major uses to date
5-8. Floor slab geometry. have been for thin resurfacing or strengthening
Careful attention should be given to floor-slab overlays where grade problems restrict the thickness
geometry to ensure proper drainage and satisfactory of overlay that can be used. The use of JFC floor
slabs should be based upon the economics involved.

5-25
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

c. Mix proportioning considerations. The design (5) Maximum size coarse aggregates should
mix proportioning of fibrous concrete will be deter- fall between 3/8 and 3/4 inch. The percent of coarse
mined by a laboratory study. The following are aggregate (of the total aggregate content) can vary
offered as guides and to establish limits where between 25 and 60 percent.
necessary for the use of the design criteria included d. Thickness determination. The required thick-
herein. ness of FJC floor slabs will be a function of the
(1) The criteria contained herein are based design concrete flexural strength R, modulus of soil
upon fibrous concrete containing 1 to 2 percent by reaction k, the thickness hb and flexural modulus of
volume (100 to 250 pounds) of steel fibers per cubic elasticity Efs, of stabilized material if used, the
yard of concrete, and fiber contents within this vehicle or axle gross load, the volume of traffic, the
range are recommended. type of traffic area, and the allowable vertical
(2) Most experience to date has been with deflection. When stabilized material is not used, the
fibers from 1 to 1-1/2 inches long, and for use of the required thickness hdf of JFC is determined directly
criteria contained herein, fiber lengths within this from the appropriate chart (figs 5-15 and 5-16). If
range are recommended. the base or subgrade is stabilized meets the
(3) For proper mixing, the maximum aspect minimum strength requirements of TM 5-822-
ratio (length to diameter or equivalent diameter) of 4/AFM 88-7, Chap. 4, the stabilized layer will be
the fibers should be about 100. treated as a low-strength base and the design will be
(4) The large surface area to volume ratio of made using the equation given in paragraph 5-2d(3)
the steel fibers requires an increase in the paste above. The resulting thickness, h or hdof , will be
necessary to ensure that the fibers and aggregates rounded up to the nearest half or full inch. The
are coated. To accomplish this, cement contents of rounded thickness, hdf or hdof will then be checked
750 to 900 pounds per cubic yard of concrete are for allowable deflection in accordance with
recommended. The cement content may be all paragraph 5-9e. The minimum thickness for JFC
portland cement or a combination of portland floor slabs will be 4 inches.
cement and up to 25 percent fly ash or other
pozzolans.

5-26
TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-27
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-28
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

e. Allowable deflection for JFC pavement. The allowable deflections determined from figure 5-18.
elastic deflection that JFC floor slabs experience Deflections need not be checked for axle loads less
must be limited to prevent overstressing of the foun- than 25 kips. If the computed deflection is less than
dation material and thus premature failure of the the allowable deflection, the thickness meets allow-
pavement. Curves are provided (fig 5-17) for the able deflection criteria and is acceptable. If the
computation of the vertical elastic deflection that a computed deflection is larger than the allowable de-
slab will experience when loaded. Use of the curves flection, the thickness must be increased or a new
requires three different inputs: slab thickness, sub- design initiated with a different value for either R or
grade modulus, and gross weight of the design ve- k . The process must be repeated until a thickness
hicle. The slab thickness is that which is determined based upon the limiting stress criterion will also
from paragraph 5-9d above. The computed vertical have a computed deflection equal to or less than the
elastic deflection is then compared with appropriate allowable value.

5-29
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-30
TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5-31
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

APPENDIX A
REFERENCES

Government Publications
General Services Administration

Federal Specifications
SS-S-200E Sealing Compounds, Two-Component, Elestomeric, Polymer
Type, Jet-Fuel-Resistant, Cold Applied.
SS-S-1401 C Sealing Compound, Hot-Applied, for Concrete and Asphalt
Pavements.
SS-S-1 614P Sealing Compound, Jet-Fuel-Resistant, Hot Applied, One Com-
ponent, for Portland Cement and Tar Concrete Pavements.
Department of Defense.
Military Standards
MIL-STD-619B Unified Soil Classification System for Roads, Airfields, Embank-
ments, and Foundations.
MIL-STD-621A Test Method for Pavement Subgrade, Subbase, and Base-Course
& Notices 1 & 2 Materials
Military Specifications
MIL-R-3472 Roof-Coating, Asphalt-Base Emulsion.
Departments of the Army and the Air Force.
TM 5-809-2/AFM 88-3, Chap. 2 Concrete Structural Design for Buildings.
TM 5-818-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 7 Soils and Geology
Procedures for Foundation Design of Buildings and Other
Structures (Except Hydraulic Structures).
TM 5-818-2/AFM 88-6, Chap. 4 Pavement Design for Seasonal Frost Conditions.
TM 5-818-7 Foundations in Expansive Soil.
TM 5-822-4 Soil Stabilization for Pavements.
TM 5-822-6/AFM 88-7, Chap. 1 Engineering and Design: Rigid Pavements for Roads, Streets,
Walks, and Open Storage Areas.
TM 5-822-7/AFM 88-6, Chap. 8 Standard Practice for Concrete Pavements.
TM 5-825-3/AFM 88-6, Chap. 3 Rigid Pavements for Airfields Other Than Army.
TM 5-825-2/AFM 88-6, Chap. 2 Flexible Pavement Design for Airfields.
TM 5-825-1/AFM 88-19, Chap. 1 Arctic and Subarctic Construction: General Provisions.
TM 5-825-4 Arctic and Subarctic Construction: Building Foundations.

A-1
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

TM-5-825-6/AFM 88-19, Chap. 6 Arctic and Subarctic Construction:

Calculation Methods for Determination of Depths of Freeze
and Thaw in Soils.

Non-government Publications
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103

C 78 Standard Method of Test for Flexural Strength of Concrete

(using simple beam with Third-Point Loading).

A-2
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

APPENDIX B
EQUATIONS FOR COMPUTING THE ALLOWABLE WALL LOADS
NEAR CENTER OF SLAB OR NEAR KEYED
OR DOWELED JOINTS

fc = specified compressive strength of concrete, pounds per square inch

te = slab thickness, inches

k = modulus of subgrade reaction, pounds per cubic inch

B-1
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

Equations for Computing the Allowable Wall Load Near A Free Edge

B8x = 0.3224 (point of maximum moment, see table in Beams on Elastic Foundations by M.
Hetenyl)

B-2
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

APPENDIX C
DESIGN EXAMPLES

C-1. Example 1: Concrete slab thickness for interior loads.

a. Problem. The floor slab for a warehouse will be designed based on the following information:

Traffic
Type of Traffic Average Daily Volume Category
5-axle trucks 50 I
4 axles, 5 kips each
1 axle, 10 kips
15-kip forklift or trucks 15 II
Stationary Live Load 1,200 pounds per square inch
Interior Wall Load 1,400 pounds per linear foot

Material properties
Concrete flexural strength = 650 pounds per square inch
Modulus of subgrade reaction, k = 150 pounds per cubic inch

b. Solution.
(1) Floor slab thicknesses h should be determined by using equivalent forklift truck axle load
below.
Equivalent
Forklift Number Maximum
Truck Axle of Average Operations Design
Load, kips Axles Daily Volume Per Day Index

5 4 50 200 4
10 1 50 50 4
15 1 15 15 7

Matching the axle loads and maximum operations per day in table 5-1, the design index for each axle-load
group is selected as shown in the far right column in the above-mentioned table. Design index 7 is selected
for the design. From figure 5-1, usingk = 150 pounds per cubic inch and 650 pounds per square inch flexural
strength, slab thickness equal to 6.7 inches, and round to 7 inches should be selected.

(2) One must check for adequacy of 7 inch slab for stationary live load, w = 1 200 pounds per
square foot. Table 3-1 should be entered using 650 pounds per square inch flexural strength concrete and 7
inch slab thickness; allowable stationary live load is selected, w =1,109 pounds per square inch. The w is
adjusted based on k = 150 pounds per cubic inch.

150
w ' 1,109 ' 1,358lb/ft 2 > 1,200lb/ft 2
100

(3) Thickness, tc, of thickened floor slab supporting interior wall weighing 1,400 pounds per linear
foot should be determined by entering table 3-2 using 650 pounds per square inch flexural strength concrete
and wall load p = 1,400 pounds per linear foot. Thus, tc equals 10 inches, and tc is adjusted based on k = 150
pounds per square inch.

C-1
TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

5
100
t c ' 10 ' 9 inches
200

from figure 3-1, minimum tc = h h1; tc = 7+ 2 = 9 inches.

C-2. Example 2: Thickened floor slab design for exterior wall.

a. Problem. The thickened concrete floor slab supporting an 8 inch exterior load bearing wall
weighing 1,000 pounds per linear foot should be designed.

Floor slab data

Thickness = 4 inches
Flexural strength = 600 pounds per square inch
Modulus of subgrade reaction k = 200 pounds per cubic inch

b. Solution. Table 3-3 should be entered using 600 pounds per square inch and wall load, p =
1,000 pounds per linear foot. Thickness t should be adjusted based on modulus of subgrade reaction, k =
200 pounds per cubic inch.

5
100
t e ' 10 ' 8.7
200

For thickened slab configuration, see table 3-3.

Note: For other practical considerations, i.e., frost line, erosion etc., the thickness, te, may be increased.

C-3. Example 3: Reinforced concrete slab.

a. Problem. It is decided that the 7-inch floor slab in Example 1 should be reduced to 6 inches by
reinforcing the slab using 60,000-pounds per square inch yield strength steel reinforcement. The percent
reinforcement required for the 6-inch slab should be determined.
b. Solution. From figure 5-4, a straight line should be drawn between h = 7 inches and hr = 6 inches
and extend line to S. This should read S = 0.13 percent.

C-4. Example 4: Concrete slab Thickness for tracked vehicle.

a. Problem. The floor slab thickness h, should be determined for a tank repair shop. The largest
tank has a gross weight of 60 kips, Traffic is limited to 40 vehicles per day.
Material Properties:
Concrete flexural strength = 700 pounds per square inch
Modulus of subgrade reaction, k = 100 pounds per cubic inch
b. Solution. Based on 60 kips gross weight, equivalent forklift truck category II is selected from
second tabulation in paragraph 3-2. From first tabulation in paragraph 3-2 for category II, forklift truck axle
load is 10 to 15 kips. Table 5-1 is entered using 15 kips. Loaded at a frequency of 100 operation per day, the
design index is 7. Figure 5-1 is entered using concrete flexure strength = 700 pounds per square inch, k = 100
pounds per cubic inch and DI = 7, slab thickness, h = 6.6 inches, or if rounded, 7 inches.

C-2
 TM 5-809-1/AFM 88-3, Chap. 15

BIBLIOGRAPHY

ASHRAE Handbook and Product Directory, 1981, Equipment, 1979, and

Applications, 1982, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air
Conditioning Engineers.

Beams on Elastic Foundation, M. Hetenyi, University of Michigan Press, Ann

Arbor, Mich., 1946.

Comparison of Splitting Tensile Strength of Concrete with Flexural and

Compressive Strength, W. W. Grieb and G. Werner, American Society for
Testing and Materials, Proceedings, Vol 62, pp 972-995, 1962.

Concrete Construction Handbook, J. W. Waddell, McGraw-Hill, New York, pp 6-

12, 1968.

Concrete Strength Relationships, G. M. Hammitt II, US Army Engineer

Waterways Experiment Station, Miscellaneous Paper S-74-30, Vicksburg,
Miss., 1974.

Criteria for Selection and Design of Residential Slabs-on-Ground. National

Academy of Sciences, Building Research Advisory Board, 1968.

Development of a Design Manual for Concrete Floor Slabs on Grade,J. L. Rice,

A. C. Eberhardt, and L. Varga, US Army Construction Engineering Research
Laboratory, Technical Report S-27, 1974.

Minimum Concrete Strength for Pavements and Floor Slabs, R. S. Rollings, US

Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Miscellaneous Paper GL-80-3,
Vicksburg, Miss., 1980.

Partition Loads on Slabs-on-Grade, E. Staab, US Army Engineer Missouri River

Division, 1980.

BIBLIO i
 REPRODUCTION AUTHORIZATION/RESTRICTIONS

This manual has been prepared by or for the Government and is public
property and not subject to copyright.

Reprints or republications of this manual should include a credit

substantially as follows: "Joint Departments of the Army and Air Force
USA, Technical Manual TM 5-809-12/AFM 88-3, Chapter 15, Concrete Floor
Slabs on Grade Subjected to Heavy Loads.
By Order of the Secretaries of* the Army and the Air Force:

CARL E. VUONO
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff

Official:
R. L. DILWORTH
Brigadier General, United States Army
The Adjutant General

LARRY D. WELCH, General, USAF

Chief of Staff

Official:

WILLIAM 0. NATIONS, Colonel, USAF

Director of Information Management
and Administration

DISTRIBUTION:
Army:
To be distributed in accordance with DA Form 12-34B, Requirements for Concrete
floors, Slabs on grade Subjected to Heavy Loads.

Air Force: F
PIN: 032464-000