Flat slab design

Introduction

A flat slab is a two-way reinforced concrete slab that usually does not have beams and girders,

and the loads are transferred directly to the supporting concrete columns.

FLAT SLAB: a typical type of construction in which reinforced slab is built monolithically with

the supporting column & reinforced in two or more direction without any provision of beam.

The flat slab transfer the load directly to supporting columns suitable spaced below the slab B/C

of exclusion of beam system in this type of construction a plain ceiling is obtained thus giving

attractive appearance from architectural point of view.

Advantages

Flat slabs are used by engineers in many building due to its advantages over other reinforced

concrete floor system in different cases. The most important advantages of flat slabs are given

below:

1. Flexibility in room layout.

 Partition walls can be placed anywhere.

 Offers a variety of room layout to the owner.

 False ceilings can be omitted.

2. Reinforcement placement is easier.

As reinforcement detailing of flat slab is simple, it is easier to place

3. Ease of Framework installation.

Big table framework can be used in flat slab

4. Building height can be reduced.

 As no beam is used, floor height can be reduced and consequently the building height

will be reduced.

 Approximately 10% of the vertical member could be saved

 Foundation load will also reduce.

5. Less construction time.

 Use of big table framework helps to reduce construction time

6. Prefabricated welded mesh.

 Standard sizes

 Less installation time

 Better quality control.

7. Auto sprinkler is easier.

Disadvantage

Flat slab have some disadvantages also. The major disadvantages are given below.

1. Span length is medium.

In flat plate system, it is not possible to have large span.

2. Not suitable for supporting brittle (masonry) partitions

3. Use of drop panels may interfere with larger mechanical ducting

 4. Critical middle strip deflection

In flat slabs, the middle strip deflection may be critical.

5. Higher slab thickness

Compared to typical reinforced concrete two way slab system, the thickness of flat plate slabs are

higher.

Flat slabs are generally used in parking decks, commercial buildings, hotels or places where

beam projections are not desired.

Component of flat plate (slab) construction.

Drop of flat slab: To resist the punching shear which is predominant at the contact of slab and

column Support?

Column head: certain amount of negative moment is transferred from the slab to the column at

the support.

To resist this negative moment the area at the support needs to be increased .this is facilitated by

providing column capital/heads

Panel: Panel means that part of a slab bounded d on-each of its four sides by the center -line of

a Column or center-lines of adjacent-spans.

Design methods of flat slab

Both direct method and equivalent frame methods are approximate methods so values of bending

moment and shear force different significantly.

Direct design method (DDM)

DDM is very simplest and approximate method for analysis of flat slab.in this method total

moment (Mo) is calculated to total negative and positive moment. All the negative and positive

moments are distributed in the column strips and middle strips respectively.

Equivalent frame method (EFM)

In this method moment at each joint is calculated by moment distribution method using the Fixed

End Moment on each span. Using those moments calculate negative moment at both left and

right support.

Email electronic copy of your project report to [email protected] by the

due date. Note that there will be a penalty for late submissions.

The plan and elevation views of a five-story office building are shown below. The lateral-load

resisting system consists of columns and floor slab. The following design data have been

provided.

Unfactored gravity loads:

 Roof: LL = 1 kN/m2

 Floors: LL = 3kN/m2,

 DL = 2kN/m2 (partitions and ceiling)

The slab thickness is 250 mm,

spandrel beams are 300 mm x 500 mm, and

all columns are 400 mm x 400 mm.

Concrete C-30 and steel Fe = 400 MPa.

The coefficient of thermal expansion 𝛼 𝑇 of concrete is

between 1.0 and 1.2 X 10-5 °C-1 take 𝛼𝑇 = 1.0 X 10−5 °C−1

Poisson’s ratio 𝝼 = 0.20

Unit weight of RC concrete (Ὑ𝑐)= 25 KN/m3

Ec = 32GPa
Part I

Calculate the gravity load design moments in the slab, beams, and columns based on Equivalent

Frame Method. Clearly show your model (including the node and element numbers),

summarize the member properties used in your analysis, and provide a condensed version of

your outputs.

Part II

a. In a tabular format, summarize the moments in the slab (column strip and middle strip),

beams, and columns from all the analyses for interior and exterior column lines. Make

sure that the table is clear, e.g., indicate the location of each tabulated moment on a

figure, put the results from each method in a separate column of the table, etc.

b. Establish the torque diagram for the spandrel beams in the N-S direction.

Part III

a. Design a typical interior panel in the N-S direction. Draw the reinforcement details.

b. Design a typical exterior panel in the N-S direction. Draw the reinforcement details.

c. Design a typical spandrel beam in the N-S direction. Draw the reinforcement details.

d. Design a typical interior and exterior column. Draw the reinforcement details. Hint: You

may have to account for slenderness effects and biaxial bending. Ignore shear in the slab

and issues related to slab-column connections.

Part IV

Each team will prepare and present a 10-minute presentation (i.e., prepare a PowerPoint) to

highlight the important aspects of the team’s calculations, results, and observations.
General Notes:

1. Submit electronic copies of your design calculations and reports.

2. Submit electronic copies of your input and output files for your computer models.

3. Submit any electronic copies of your drawings.

4. Each team needs to submit a one-page summary describing each member’s role in the

project.
Tasks included in the project

Part I

Calculate the gravity load design moments in the slab, beams, and columns based on

Equivalent Frame Method.

 Clearly show your model (including the node and element numbers),

 Summarize the member properties used in your analysis, and

 Provide a condensed version of your outputs.

Establish the torque diagram for the spandrel beams in the N-S direction.

Part III

a. Design a typical interior panel in the N-S direction. Draw the reinforcement details.

b. Design a typical exterior panel in the N-S direction. Draw the reinforcement details.

c. Design a typical spandrel beam in the N-S direction. Draw the reinforcement details.

d. Design a typical interior and exterior column. Draw the reinforcement details. Hint: You

may have to account for slenderness effects and biaxial bending. Ignore shear in the slab

and issues related to slab-column connections.

Methodology and software used

Methodology = equivalent frame method

Software = SAPE
Analysis

Find the design loads

The following design data have been provided.

Unfactored gravity loads:

 Roof: LL = 1 kN/m2

 Floors: LL = 3kN/m2,

 DL = 2kN/m2 (partitions and ceiling)

The slab thickness is 250 mm,

spandrel beams are 300 mm x 500 mm, and

all columns are 400 mm x 400 mm.

Concrete C-30 and steel Fe = 400 MPa.

Unit weight of RC concrete (Ὑ𝑐)= 25 KN/m3

i. For interior slab

w = ts ∗ Ὑc

w = 0.25 ∗ 25 = 6.25 KN/m2 …..self-weight of slab

Partitions and ceiling) DL = 2kN/m2 (given)

Floors: LL = 3kN/m2,

Total factored load, Pd = 1.2 ∗ (DL + w) + 1.6 ∗ LL

Pd = 1.2 ∗ (2 + 6.25) + 1.6 ∗ 3

Pd = 14.7 KN/m2
ii. For exterior frame

w = Dw ∗ Ὑc

w = 0.25 ∗ 25 + (0.5 − 0.25) ∗ 25 = 12.5 KN/m2 (Self-weight of slab and spandrel

beam)

DL = 2 KN/m2 (Given) , LL = 3 KN/m2

Total factored load, Pd = 1.2 ∗ (DL + w) + 1.6 ∗ LL

𝑃d = 1.2 ∗ (2 + 12.5) + 1.6 ∗ 3

Pd = 22.2 KN/m2

Strip formation in both N-S and E-W direction

1. Interior strip

i. N-S direction (short direction)

ii. E-W direction (long direction)

2. Exterior strip

i. E-W direction
 ii. N-S direction

Calculation of effective moment of inertia of the cross section for both directions

1. For interior strip

iii. N-S (short) direction

𝑏 ∗ ℎ3
𝐼𝑠 =
12

7200 ∗ 2503
𝐼𝑠 =
12
 𝐼𝑠 = 9.375 ∗ 109 𝑚𝑚4

iv. E-W (long) direction

𝑏 ∗ ℎ3
𝐼𝑠 =
12

6000 ∗ 2503
𝐼𝑠 =
12

𝐼𝑠 = 7.813 ∗ 109 𝑚𝑚4

2. For exterior strip

i. N-S (short) direction

𝑏 ∗ ℎ3
𝐼𝑠 =
12

7200 ∗ 2503
𝐼𝑠 =
12

𝐼𝑠 = 9.375 ∗ 109 𝑚𝑚4

 0.25 0.25
3.75 ∗ 0.25 ∗ 2 + 0.3 ∗ 0.25 ∗ (0.25 + 2 )
Ῡ=
3.75 ∗ 0.25 + 0.3 ∗ 0.25

Ῡ = 0.1435 m = 143.5 mm from top of the section

3750 ∗ 2503 2
300 ∗ 2503
𝐼𝑠𝑏 = + 3750 ∗ 250 ∗ 18.5 + + 300 ∗ 250 ∗ (106.5 + 250/2)2
12 12

𝐼𝑠𝑏 = 9.614 ∗ 109 𝑚𝑚4

ii. E-W (long) direction

0.25 0.25
3.15 ∗ 0.25 ∗ 2 + 0.3 ∗ 0.25 ∗ (0.25 + 2 )
Ῡ=
3.15 ∗ 0.25 + 0.3 ∗ 0.25

Ῡ = 0.1467 m = 146.7 mm from top of the section

3150 ∗ 2503 300 ∗ 2503

𝐼𝑠𝑏 = + 3150 ∗ 250 ∗ 21.72 + + 300 ∗ 250 ∗ (103.3 + 250/2)2
12 12

𝐼𝑠𝑏 = 8.772 ∗ 109 𝑚𝑚4

Compute the torsional stiffness of the slab-beam

Case one
Case two

Find the torsional constant C for the edge beam

𝑥 𝑥3
𝐶 = ∑( 1 − 0.63 ∗ ) ∗ ∗ 𝑦
𝑦 3
 Where: x and y are the shorter and longer sides of a given rectangle respectively.

i. For case one above

X1=0.25, y1=0.25, x2=0.3, y2=0.5

𝑥 𝑥3
𝐶 = ∑( 1 − 0.63 ∗ ) ∗ ∗ 𝑦
𝑦 3

0.25 0.253 0.3 0.33

𝐶 = (1 − 0.63 ∗ )∗ ∗ 0.25 + (1 − 0.63 ∗ )∗ ∗ 0.5
0.25 3 0.5 3

𝐶 = 0.0033 m4

ii. For case two above

X1=0.25, y1=0.3, x2=0.25, y2=0.55

𝑥 𝑥3
𝐶 = ∑( 1 − 0.63 ∗ ) ∗ ∗ 𝑦
𝑦 3

0.25 0.253 0.25 0.253

𝐶 = (1 − 0.63 ∗ )∗ ∗ 0.3 + (1 − 0.63 ∗ )∗ ∗ 0.55
0.3 3 0.55 3

𝐶 = 0.0028 m4

Therefore take the larger value of C

𝐶 = 0.0033 m4

Find the torsional stiffness of the edge beam

i. For N-S (short) direction

9∗𝐸∗𝐶 𝐼𝑠𝑏
𝐾𝑡 = 2 ∗ 𝐶2 3 * 𝐼𝑠
𝑙2(1− )
𝑙2

9∗𝐸∗0.0033 9.614∗109
𝐾𝑡 = 2 ∗ 0.4 3 *
3.6(1− ) 9.375∗109
3.6

𝐾𝑡 = 0.02𝐸

ii. For E-W (long) direction

9∗𝐸∗𝐶 𝐼𝑠𝑏
𝐾𝑡 = 2 ∗ 𝐶2 3 * 𝐼𝑠
𝑙2(1− )
𝑙2

9∗𝐸∗0.0033 8.772∗109
𝐾𝑡 = 2 ∗ 0.4 3 *9.375∗109
3(1− )
3

𝐾𝑡 = 0.03𝐸

Design loads

a. Interior equivalent frame in N-S direction (axis B)

Design load

𝑃𝑑 = 14.7 𝐾𝑁/𝑚2

Transverse equivalent length l2 =7.2 m

Design load per meter

𝑃𝑑 = 14.7 ∗ 7.2 = 105.84𝐾𝑁/𝑚

Concentrated load of spandrel beam on both transverse side of the strip

𝑃𝑠𝑏 = 0.3 ∗ (0.5 − 0.25) ∗ 7.2 ∗ 25 = 13.5𝐾𝑁

𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑃𝑠𝑏 refers to load of spandrel beam

b. Exterior equivalent frame in N-S direction (axis A)

Design load

𝑃𝑑 = 22.2 𝐾𝑁/𝑚2

Transverse equivalent length l2 =3.6 m

Design load per meter

𝑃𝑑 = 22.2 ∗ 3.6 = 79.98 𝐾𝑁/𝑚

Concentrated load of spandrel beam on both transverse side of the strip

𝑃𝑠𝑏 = 0.3 ∗ (0.5 − 0.25) ∗ 3.6 ∗ 25 = 6.72 𝐾𝑁

𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑃𝑠𝑏 refers to load of spandrel beam

c. Interior equivalent frame in E-W direction ( axis 2)

Design load

𝑃𝑑 = 14.7 𝐾𝑁/𝑚2

Transverse equivalent length l2 =3.6 m

 Design load per meter

𝑃𝑑 = 14.7 ∗ 6 = 88.2 𝐾𝑁/𝑚

Concentrated load of spandrel beam on both transverse side of the strip

𝑃𝑠𝑏 = 0.3 ∗ (0.5 − 0.25) ∗ 6 ∗ 25 = 11.25 𝐾𝑁

𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑃𝑠𝑏 refers to load of spandrel beam

d. Exterior equivalent frame in E-W direction (Axis 1)

Design load

𝑃𝑑 = 22.2 𝐾𝑁/𝑚2

Transverse equivalent length l2 =3 m

Design load per meter

𝑃𝑑 = 22.2 ∗ 3 = 66.6 𝐾𝑁/𝑚

Concentrated load of spandrel beam on both transverse side of the strip

𝑃𝑠𝑏 = 0.3 ∗ (0.5 − 0.25) ∗ 3 ∗ 25 = 5.63 𝐾𝑁

𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑃𝑠𝑏 refers to load of spandrel beam

Design moments for beams, columns and slabs in tabular form with diagram

a. For columns

b. For spandrel beams

 c. For slab

Moments for column strip and middle strip in tabular forms with diagram (should number

nodes and elements

Establish the torque diagram for the spandrel beams in the N-S direction.

Design a typical interior panel in the N-S direction. Draw the reinforcement details.

Design a typical exterior panel in the N-S direction. Draw the reinforcement details.

Design a typical spandrel beam in the N-S direction. Draw the reinforcement details.

Design a typical interior and exterior column. Draw the reinforcement details.