Chapter -4

Reinforced Concrete
Structures – Slabs
Strip Method For Slabs
Reference
. Dr.Ing. Girma Zereyohaness structural design lecture note AAU
. Dr.Ing. Adil Zekaria Structural design lecture note AAU
. EBCS 2-1995 code provision
. Reinforced Concrete Design & Mechanics by James.K. Wight and
James Macgregor.
. Professor Arne Hiller Borg. Sweden, 1956
Prepared by: Bereket Bogale (Ing.)
Academic Year: 2017/18
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 1
 General Methods of Analysis
EBCS-2,1995:- Recommended four analysis methods:
1. Linear analysis (elastic) - stress strain have linear relationship)
2. Linear analysis followed by plastic moment
redistribution
3. Plastic analysis (seen in chapter- 3)
4. Non-linear analysis
 Material non-linearity (Have different Modulus of
elasticity and poisons ratio. e.g.. Composite beams or
columns or slabs
 Geometric non-linearity (Have different. Cross
sectional dimension).
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 2
 Structural Plasticity
 General Theory:
 The collapse load of a structure lies between
two limits, an upper bound and a lower bound
of the true collapse load.

Lower Bound and Upper Bound theorems as applied to slabs:

 Lower Bound Theorem: if, for a given external load, it

is possible to find a distribution of moments that satisfies
equilibrium requirements, with the moment not exceeding
the yield moment at any location, and if the boundary
conditions are satisfied, then the given load is a lower
bound of the true carrying capacity.
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 3
 Structural Plasticity

 Upper Bound Theorem: if, for a small increment of

displacement, the internal work done by the slab,
assuming that the moment at every plastic hinge is equal
to the yield moment and that boundary conditions are
satisfied, is equal to the external work done by the given
load for that same small increment of displacement, then
that load is an upper bound of the true carrying capacity.

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 4

 Comparison of the Two Theorems
 Lower Bound Conditions:
 If satisfied, the slab can certainly carry the given load
 A higher load may be carried if internal redistribution of
moments occur
 E.g. Coefficient Method, Strip Method
 Advantages of Strip Method for slabs.
 . Strip method give safe side result, preferable for
practice.
 . Best method for calculation of reinforcement.
 . Simple to use slabs which have holes or irregular
boundaries
 . Economical, encourages strong band of steel like
around opening
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 5
 Structural Plasticity
 Upper Bound Conditions:
 A load greater than the given load will certainly cause a failure
 A lower load may produce collapse if the selected failure
mechanism is incorrect in any sense
 E.g. Yield Line Method
 . Disadvantages of upper bound/Yield line method/
 . The result is un safe side. Which means the actual carrying
capacities is less than or least equal to the capacity predicted.
 . The distribution of reinforcement is the same all over the
section. This result is in this method is uneconomical.
NOTE:- Generally lower bound theorem is more advantages than
Upper bound theorem by giving safe side result for the design of
structures.

Strip Method for Slabs 2011/12 AY 6

 Strip Method for Slabs
 Strip method of slab design is a lower bound
approach – gives results on the safe side
 Satisfies both equilibrium and boundary
conditions everywhere in the slab
 Sometimes refered as equilibrium theory
Forces acting on small
slab element:
surface and shear
forces

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 7

 Strip Method for Slabs
Forces acting on small slab element:
flexural and twisting moments

This equation is independent of

elasticity or plasticity effects,
poisson’s ratio or whether the
slab is isotropic or orthotropic
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 8
 Strip Method for Slabs - Plate Equation

Mx and My – bending moment along x and y axis

Mxy is the twisting moment ( twisting strength of
slab is very large.)
This differential equation can be solved in such a
way that:
 Equilibrium equation is satisfied
 Boundary conditions are satisfied
 Yield moment capacity is exceeded no where

 The starting point of Hillerborg’s strip theory!

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 9
 Professor Arne Hillerborg (Sweden, 1956)

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 10

 Hillerborg’s Strip Method
 Hillerborg chooses as his solution the condition
Mxy = 0
 Load is carried entirely by
criterion.

 . No load is assumed to resisted by twisting

strength of slabs (Mxy = 0)
 Hence the slab can be considered as a system of
x-direction and y-direction strips only,
 i.e. using independent torsion-free strips criss-
crossing each other.
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 11
 Hillerborg’s Strip Method
 The above equation reduced to.

 He then considers two independent equilibrium

actions which are twist less,(Load Distribution
Equation)

 k proportion of the load is distributed in x-direc.

 1-k proportion of the load is distributed in y-direc.
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 12
 Choice of Load Distribution
 In principle, the load, q, can be divided arbitrarily between
the x and y directions
 i.e. choices open to the designer.

 Differentdivisions will, of course, lead to different patterns

of reinforcement and all will not be equally appropriate.
 The desired goal is:
To arrive at a practical arrangement of steel that is safe
and economical and that will avoid problems at the
service load level associated with excessive cracking and
deflection.
 It should be noted that the strip method provides choice
of moment patterns instead of unique solution.
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 13
 Choice of Load Distribution - Example
 .Consider a square, simply supported slab with
side length “a” and UDL (factored) “q” per unit
area:

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 14

 Load Distribution – Solution 1
The simplest load distribution is obtained by setting
k = 0.5

 The load on all strips in

each direction is thus
q/2

 Maximum design
moments will be
Mx=My=qa2/16
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 15
 Load Distribution – Solution 1
 This would not represent an economical or serviceable
solution
 Since, Curvatures and Moments are recognized to be
greater in the strips near the middle of the slab than
near the edges in parallel direction to supports

 If the slab were reinforced according to this solution,

extensive redistribution of moments would be required

 This certainly would have resulted in much cracking

in highly stressed regions near the middle of the slab
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/19 AY 16
 Load Distribution – Solution 2
 Distribution is k = 1 at
edge along x-axis on the
middle of y-axis or K= 0
edge of y-axis and
middle of x-axis
depending on the region

 The load in any region

is carried in the
direction giving the
shortest distance to the
nearest support

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 17

 Load Distribution – Solution 2
 The lateral distribution of moment shown in fig. d
would theoretically require a continuously variable
bar spacing.
 This obviously is impractical, hence, averaging of
moment over a certain width may be needed to
provide a practical spacing of bars

 However, Hillerborg notes that this is not strictly in

accordance with the equilibrium theory
 Design is no longer certainly on the safe side

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 18

 Load Distribution – Solution 3
 Discontinuity lines are
parallel to the edges
 Hence doesnot
require averaging
of moment
 Distribution is k=1 or
0 along middle edges
 K=0.5 corners and
centers of slab

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 19

 Load Distribution – Comparison
 The first would be unsatisfactory
 Requires more redistribution of moments
 Exccessive cracks and large deflections
 In the second solution reinforcement more nearly matches
the elastic distribution of moments
 But results in an impracticable bar spacing
 Moment averaging may be needed

 The third solution, with discontinuity lines parallel to edges,

doesnot require moment averaging, and leads to a practical
reinforcing arrangements
 Often prefered

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 20

 Rectangular Slabs
 It is reasonable to assume that
throughout most of the area, the
load will be carried in the short
direction
 Consistent with elastic theory
 Hillerborg presents one possible
division as shown in the first figure
 However, it is impractical

 Hillerborg suggested that the load

can be distributed as shown in the
second figure.
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/19 AY 21
 Rectangular Slabs
 It is reasonable to take edge bands of width equal to one-
fourth of the short span dimension
 No averaging of moments, and is always on the safe side
 Simple & economical

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 22

 Fixed Edges and Continuity
 Strip method provides a large amount of flexibility in
assigning loads to various regions of slabs.
 This flexibility extends to the assignment of moments
between Negative and Positive bending sections of slabs that
are fixed or continuous over their supported edges.
 Attention should be paid to elastic moment ratios (-ve/+ve) to
avoid problems of cracking and deflections.

Consider a slab strip carrying

loads only near the supports
and unloaded in the central
region

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/19 AY 23

 Fixed Edges and Continuity
 It is convenient if the unloaded region is
subjected to a constant moment (and hence, zero
shear)

The sum of absolute values of

+ve span moment and –ve end
moment at the left or right end
(Ml & Mr) is numerically equal
to the negative moment if the
strip carries the load as a
Cantilever.

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/19 AY 24

 Fixed Edges and Continuity
 Steps in Calculation of Design Moments
1) Determine the Cantilever moment
2) Decide on the ratio of –ve moment to +ve moment
 As a general rule (Hillerborg suggests) for fixed
edges, the support moment should be between 1.5-
2.5 times the span moment in the same strip
3) Calculate the span moments and support moments

** The first two steps determine the location of the

discontinuity lines.**

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 25

 Fixed Edges and Continuity
The side
strips around
continuous
edges are
wider to
account for
the greater
stiffness of
the strips
with fixed
ends.
−𝑣𝑒𝑀
•𝛼 =
+𝑣𝑒𝑀

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 26

 Non-Standard Problems
 The real power of the strip method becomes evident
when dealing with non-standard problems, such as
 Slabs with unsupported edges
 Slabs with holes or
 Slabs with reentrant corners (L-shaped slabs)

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 27

 Unsupported Edges
 The basis for analysis:
 Strips along unsupported edges acts as a support for
the strips at right angles
 Hence, they carry greater load per unit area than the
actual unit load acting
 Such strips have been referred to as “Strong Bands”,
(Wood and Armer)
 A strong band is, in effect, an integral beam,
usually having the same total depth as the
remainder of the slab but containing a
concentration of reinforcement.

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 28

 Unsupported Edges – short span
The load on a unit
middle strip in x-dir.
(fig. b) includes the
downward load “q”
around the fixed
support and the
upward reaction “kq”
around the free edge.

K can be calculated
after Mxs is selected
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 29
 Unsupported Edges – long span
A significant fraction
of the load in the slab
central region is
distributed in the
short direction.
The distribution
βb = selected based on shown in the figure is
tensile steel ratio (ρmax.) more suitable
Moment in y-dir.
.) strip
k1= is selected based on
minimum reinforcement ratio
in x-direction

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 30

 Slabs With Holes
 Integral load-
carrying beams are
provided along the
edges of the
openings, usually
having the same
depth as the rest of
the slab, but with
extra reinforcement.

Loads are distributed as shown by arrows

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 31
 Slabs With Holes
F
E

B A
G
D

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 32

 Examples 1
Figure below shows a typical interior panel of a
slab floor in which support is provided by beams
on all column lines. Hence the slab can be
considered fully restrained on all sides. The
floor must carry a live load of 6 kN/m2 with C30
grade concrete and steel having fyk = 420 MPa.
The dimensions of the slab panel are shown in
the figure. Find the moments at all critical
sections and determine the required slab
thickness and reinforcement.

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 33

 Examples

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 34

 Example 1 - Solution
 Depth required for serviceability

d = 145.5mm,

Dused=170mm
deff,s=149mm
deff,l=137mm

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 35

 Example 1 - Solution
 Loads on the slab
DL of the slab = (0.170 * 25) = 4.25 kN/m2
LL given in the problem = 6 kN/m2
Design load = 1.3(4.25) + 1.6(6) = 15.13 kN/m2
q = 15.13 kN/m2 q/2 = 7.56 kN/m2
 Strips in the slabs
The discontinuity lines are selected as shown in the figure below.
Edge strip width = b/4 = 6/4 = 1.5 m
In the corners the load is divided equally in the two directions;
elsewhere 100 percent of load is assigned to the direction indicated
by the arrows.
A ratio of support moment to the span moment of 2 is used
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 36
 Example 1 - Solution 37

 Calculation of moments:

X direction middle strip along A-A:

 Cantilever moment: mx = 15.13 * 1.52/2 = 17.02 kNm
 Negative Moment: mxs = 17.02 * 2/3 = 11.35 kNm
 Positive moment: mxf = 17.02 * 1/3 = 5.67 kNm

X direction edge strip:

 Cantilever moment: mx = 7.56 * 1.52/2 = 8.51 kNm
 Negative Moment: mxs = 8.51 * 2/3 = 5.67 kNm
 Positive moment: mxf = 8.51 * 1/3 = 2.84 kNm

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY

 Example 1 - Solution
 Calculation of moments:

Y direction middle strip along B-B:

Simply supported span moment:
my = 15.13 * 62/8 = 68.09 kNm
Negative Moment: mys = 68.09 * 2/3 = 45.39 kNm
Positive moment: myf = 68.09 * 1/3 = 22.69 kNm
Y direction edge strip:
Cantilever moment: my = 7.56 * 1.52/2 = 8.51 kNm
Negative Moment: mys = 8.51 * 2/3 = 5.67 kNm
Positive moment: myf = 8.51 * 1/3 = 2.84 kNm
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 38
 Example 1 - Solution

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 39

 Example 1 - Solution

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 40

 Example 2
Rectangular slab with long edge unsupported

The 3.65 m x 5.8 m slab shown in the figure

on slide no 30 with three fixed edges and one
long edge unsupported must carry a
uniformly distributed service live load of 6
kN/m2. Consider concrete grade to be used
as C30 and steel to be used has fyk = 420
MPa. Select an appropriate slab thickness,
determine all factored moments in the slab,
and select reinforcing bars and spacing for
the slab.

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 41

 Example 2 – Solution, Depth

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 42

 Example 2 - Solution , Loads

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 43

 Example 2 - Solution , Loads

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 44

 Example 2 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 45

 Example 2 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 46

 Example 2 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 47

 Example 2 - Solution , Depth Check

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 48

Example 2 - Solution , Reinforcements

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 49

 Example 3 - Slab With Hole

A rectangular slab, 5 m x 8 m with fixed supports

at all the four sides has a central opening of 1.2
m x 2.4 m. Slab thickness is Calculated to be of
200mm. The slab is to carry a uniformly
distributed factored load of 15 kN/m2 including
its self weight. Device an appropriate system of
strong bands to reinforce the opening and
determine moments to be resisted at all critical
sections of the slab. Materials used include;
concrete C-25, steel S-300, and class I works.

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 50

 Example 3 - Slab With Hole
F
E

B A
5m

G
D

8m
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 51
 Example 3 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 52

 Example 3 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 53

 Example 3 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 54

 Example 3 - Solution , Moments
Because of the
hole, certain
strips lack
support at one
end.
 0.3m wide
strong bands
will be
provided in
the X dir. and
 0.6m wide
strong bands
in the Y
direction
Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 55
 Example 3 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 56

 Example 3 - Solution , Moments
 The negative value of w1 indicates that the cantilever
strips are serving as support for strip D-D and in turn
for the strong bands in the Y direction

 which is hardly a reasonable assumption.

 Hillerborg suggests the restraint moment

to be as close to the “basic case” as
possible without w1 being negative i.e.
choosing w1 = 0 (cantilever alone).

mys = 15*(1.575)2 / 2 = 18.6 kNm

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 57
 Example 3 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 58

 Example 3 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 59

 Example 3 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 60

 Example 3 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 61

 Example 3 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 62

 Example 3 - Solution , Moments

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 63

 Example 3 - Solution , Depth Check

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 64

Example 3 - Solution , Reinforcements

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 65

 Assignments
1) Design of Flat Slab system given in example 2, up to
the reinforcement layout and bar schedule.

2) Reinforcement layouts and bar schedules of the slabs

designed in examples 1, 2 & 3 of the strip method

3) Design the slab in example 1 of the strip method using

the coefficient method, and compare the results in the
two methods of design.

Strip Method for Slabs 2017/18 AY 66

 END!!!

Thank You for

Your Attention!!
Strip Method for Slabs 2011/12 AY 67