DIRECT DESIGN

METHOD
“DDM”
1
 Load Transfer Path For Gravity Loads

• All gravity loads are basically “Volume Loads” generated due

to mass contained in a volume

• Mechanism and path must be found to transfer these loads to

the “Supports” through a Medium

• All type of Gravity Loads can be represented as:

– Point Loads
– Line Loads
– Area Loads
– Volume Loads
2
 Conventional Approach

• For Wall Supported Slabs

– Assume load transfer in One-Way or Two-Way manner
– Uniform, Triangular or Trapezoidal Load on Walls

• For Beam Supported Slabs

– Assume beams to support the slabs in similar ways as walls
– Design slabs as edge supported on beams
– Transfer load to beams and design beams for slab load

• For Flat-Slabs or Columns Supported Slabs

– Assume load transfer in strips directly to columns

3
 Simplified Load Transfer

To Lines To Points To Lines and Points

Transfer of Area Load

4
 Gravity Load Transfer Paths

Single Path Single Path Dual Path

Slab On Walls Slab on Columns Slab On Beams,
Beams on Columns

5
 Gravity Load Transfer Paths

Mixed Path Complex Path Three Step Path

Slab On Walls Slab on Beams Slab On Ribs
Slab On Beams Slab on Walls Ribs On Beams
Beams on Walls Beams on Beams Beams on Columns
Beams on Columns

6
Stiffness Based Load Sharing

7
Stiffness Based Load Sharing

Small Stiffness – Less Share

8
 Stiffness Based Load Sharing

B
Slab T = 200 mm
Beam Width, B = 300 mm
Beam Depth, D
a) 300 mm
b) 500 mm
c) 1000 mm 9
 Moment Distribution in Beam-Slab

Effect of Beam Size on

Moment Distribution

a) Beam Depth = 300 mm

c) Beam Depth = 1000 mm b) Beam Depth = 500 mm10

 Moment Distribution in Slab Only

Effect of Beam Size on

Moment Distribution

a) H = 300 mm

c) H = 1000 mm b) H = 500 mm 11
 Moment Distribution in Beams Only

Effect of Beam Size on

Moment Distribution

a) H = 300 mm

c) H = 1000 mm b) H = 500 mm
12
 Moment Distribution in Slabs Only

Effect of Beam Size on Moment Distribution

a) H = 300 mm b) H = 500 mm c) H = 1000 mm

13
 The Design Strip Concept

Design Strip Middle Strip

Column Strip

Middle Strip
Design Strip

14
(1) General Description
In reinforced concrete buildings, a basic and common type of
floor is the slab-beam-girder construction. As shown in Fig.1(a),
the shaded slab area is bounded by the two adjacent beams on
the sides and portions of the two girders at the ends.

Fig.1(a)

15
(1) General Description

When the length of this area is two or more times its width, almost
all of the floor load goes to the beams, and very little, except some
near the edge of the girders, goes directly to the girders. Thus the
slab may be designed as a one-way slab, with the main
reinforcement parallel to the girder and the shrinkage and
temperature reinforcement parallel to the beams. The deflected
surface of a oneway slab is primarily one of single curvature.

16
(1) General Description
When the ratio of the long
span L to the short span S as
shown in Fig.1(b) is less than
about 2, the deflected surface
of the shaded area becomes
one of double curvature.
Fig.1(b)
The floor load is carried in both directions to the four supporting
beams around the panel; hence the panel is a two-way slab.
Obviously, when S is equal to L, the four beams around a typical
interior panel should be identical; for other cases the long beams
take more load than the short beams. 17
 Behaviour of two way slabs

Fig.- shows the two center strips of a rectangular plate with

short span ℓa and long span ℓb . If the uniform load is w per square
foot of slab, each of the two strips acts approximately like a simple
beam, uniformly loaded by its share of w. Because these
imaginary strips actually are part of same monolithic slab, their
deflections at the intersection point must be the same.

Equating the center deflections of the short and long strips gives

5w a 4a 5w b 4b
 (a )
384EI 384EI
 Behaviour of two way slabs

Where wa is the share of load w carried in short direction and wb

is the share of the load carried in the long direction. Consequently

w a  4b
 4 b
wb  a

From the eq.(b) it is clear that larger share of the load is carried
in the short direction, the ratio of the two portions of the total load
being inversely proportional to the fourth power of the ratio of the
spans.
 Behaviour of two way slabs

w a  4b
 4 b
wb  a
b b
4 w a  256 w b  3 .5 w a  150.06 w b
a a
b b
3 w a  81w b  2 .5 w a  39.06 w b
a a
b
2 w a  16 w b
a
b
1 wa  wb
a
 Behaviour of two way slabs

Types of reinforced concrete slabs that are characterized by

two-way action include

 Slabs supported by walls or beams on all sides

 Slab without beams, with column capital or drop panel, flat
slab.
 Slab directly supported on columns, flat plate.
(1) General Description
Both the flat slab and flat plate floors shown in Figs.2(b) and
2(a) are characterized by the absence of beams along the interior
column lines, but edge beams may or may not he used at the
exterior edges of the floor.

Fig.2(a)
23
Fig.2(b)
(1) General Description
Flat slab floors differ from flat plate floors in that flat slab floors
provide adequate shear strength by having either or both of the
following: (a) drop panels (i.e., increased thickness of slab) in the
region of the columns; or (b) column capitals (i.e., tapered
enlargement of the upper ends of columns).
In flat plate floors a uniform slab thickness is used and the shear
strength is obtained by the embedment of multiple-U stirrups or
structural steel devices known as shearhead reinforcement within
the slab of uniform thickness. Relatively speaking, flat slabs are
more suitable for larger panel size or heavier loading than flat
plates. 24
 (2) General Design Concept of ACI Code
The basic approach to the design of two-way floor systems
involves imagining that vertical cuts are made through the entire
building along lines midway between the columns. The cutting
creates a series of frames whose width lies between the
centerlines of the two adjacent panels as shown in Fig.3.

Fig.3 25
 (2) General Design Concept of ACI Code
The resulting series of rigid frames, taken separately in the
longitudinal and transverse directions of the building, may be
treated for gravity loading floor by floor as would generally be
acceptable for a rigid frame structure consisting of beams and
columns, in accordance with ACI.

A typical rigid frame would consist of (1) the columns above and
below the floor, and (2) the floor system, with or without beams,
bounded laterally between the centerlines of the two panels (one
panel for an exterior line of columns) adjacent to the line of
columns.
26
 (2) General Design Concept of ACI Code
Thus the design of a two-way floor system (including two-way
slab, flat slab, and flat plate) is reduced to that of a rigid frame;
hence the name "equivalent frame method.”

As in the case of design of actual rigid frames consisting of

beams and columns, approximate methods of analysis may be
suitable for many usual floor systems, spans, and story heights.
For gravity load only and for floor systems within the specified
limitations, the moments and shears on these equivalent frames
may be determined (a) approximately using moment and shear
coefficients prescribed by the "direct design method”, or
27
 (2) General Design Concept of ACI Code

(b) by structural analysis in a manner similar to that for actual

frames using the special provisions of the "equivalent frame
method”. An elastic analysis (such as by the equivalent frame
method) must be used for lateral load even if the floor system
meets the limitations of the direct design method for gravity load.

The equivalent rigid frame is the structure being dealt with

whether the moments are determined by the "direct design
method (DDM)" or by the "equivalent frame method (EFM)."
These two ACI Code terms describe two ways of obtaining the
longitudinal variation of bending moments and shears. 28
 (2) General Design Concept of ACI Code

When the "equivalent frame method" is used for obtaining the

longitudinal variation of moments and shears, the relative stiffness
of the columns, as well as that of the floor system, can be
assumed in the preliminary analysis and then reviewed, as is the
case for the design of any statically indeterminate structure.
Design moment envelopes may be obtained for dead load in
combination with various patterns of live load, In lateral load
analysis, moment magnification in columns due to sidesway of
vertical loads must be taken into account as prescribed in ACI.

29
(2) General Design Concept of ACI Code
Once the longitudinal variation in factored moments and
shears has been obtained, whether by ACI "DDM" or "EFM,"
the moment across the entire width of the floor system being
considered is distributed laterally to the beam, if used, and to
the slab. The lateral distribution procedure and the remainder
of the design is essentially the same whether "DDM" or "EFM"
has been used.

30
 (3) Total factored static moment
Consider two typical interior panels ABCD and CDEF in a two-
way floor system, as shown in Fig.4. Let L1 and L2 be the panel
size in the longitudinal and transverse directions, respectively.

Fig.4
Fig.5 31
 (3) Total Factored Static Moment
Let lines 1-2 and 3-4 be centerlines of panels ABCD and CDEF,
both parallel to the longitudinal direction. Isolate as a free body
[see Fig.5] the floor slab and the included beam bounded by the
lines 1-2 and 3-4 in the longitudinal direction and the transverse
lines 1’-3’ and 2’-4’ at the faces of the columns in the transverse
direction. The load acting on this free body [see Fig.6] is wuL2 per
unit distance in the longitudinal direction. The total upward force
w uL 2L n
acting on lines 1’-3' or 2'-4' is , where wu is the factored load
2
per unit area and Ln is the clear span in the longitudinal direction
between faces of supports.
32
(3) Total Factored
Static Moment

If Mneg and Mpos are the

numerical values of the Fig.6
total negative and
positive bending
moments along lines 1‘-3'
and 5-6, then moment
Fig.7
equilibrium of the free
body of Fig.7 requires

WuL 2L2n
Mneg  Mpos  (1)
8 Fig.8 33
 (3) Total Factored Static Moment
For a typical exterior panel, the negative moment at the interior
support would be larger than that at the exterior support. The
maximum positive moment would occur at a section to the left of
the mid-span, as shown in Fig.11.

Fig.10

Fig.9

Fig.11
34
 (3) Total Factored Static Moment
In practical design, it is customary to use Mpos at midspan for
determining the required positive moment reinforcement.
For this case,

Mneg (left )  Mneg (right ) w uL 2L2n

 Mpos  (2)
2 8
A proof for Eq.(2) can be obtained by writing the moment
equilibrium equation about the left end of the free body shown in
Fig.9

WuL 2L n  L n  L 
Mneg (left )  Mpos     Vmidspan  n  (3 )
2  4   2 
35
 (3) Total Factored Static Moment
and, by writing the moment equilibrium equation about the right
end of the free body shown in Fig.10,
WuL 2L n  L n   Ln 
Mneg (right )  Mpos     Vmidspan   ( 4)
2  4   2 

Equation(2) is arrived at by adding equations (3) and (4) and

dividing by 2 on each side. Eq.(2) may also be obtained, as shown
in Fig.11, by the superposition of the simple span uniform loading
parabolic positive moment diagram over the trapezoidal negative
moment diagram due to end moments.

36
 (3) Total Factored Static Moment
w uL 2L2n
ACI- uses the symbol M0 to mean 8
and calls M0 the total
factored static moment. It states, Absolute sum of positive and
average negative factored moments in each direction shall not be
less than M0"; or
Mneg (left )  Mpos (right )  w uL 2L2n 
 Mpos  M0   in which (5)
2  8 
wu = factored load per unit area
Ln = clear span in the direction moments are being determined,
measured face to face' of supports (ACI), but not less than 0.65L1
L1 = span length in the direction moments are being determined,
measured center to center of supports
L2 = transverse span length, measured center to center of
37
supports
 (3) Total Factored Static Moment
Equations (1) and (2) are theoretically derived on the basis that
Mneg(left), Mpos, and Mneg(right) occur simultaneously for the same
live load pattern on the adjacent panels of the equivalent rigid
frame defined in Fig.3.

If the live load is relatively heavy compared with dead load, then
different live load patterns should be used to obtain the critical
positive moment at midspan and the critical negative moments at
the supports. In such a case, the "equal" sign in Eqs.(1) and (2)
becomes the "greater" sign. This is the reason why ACI states
"absolute sum . . . shall not be less than Mo" as the design
requirement. 38
 (3) Total Factored Static Moment
To avoid the use of excessively small values of Mo in the case of
short spans and large columns or column capitals, the clear span
Ln to be used in Eq.(5) is not to be less than 0.65L1 (ACI).

When the limitations for using the direct design method are met, it
is customary to divide the value of Mo into Mneg into Mpos, if the
restraints at each end of the span are identical (Fig.4 to 8); or into
[Mneg(left) + Mneg(right)]/2 and Mpos if the span end restraints are
different (Fig.9 to 11). Then the moments Mneg(left), Mneg(right),
and Mpos must be distributed transversely along the lines 1‘-3', 2‘-
4', and 5-6, respectively. This last distribution is a function of the
relative flexural stiffness between the slab and the included beam.
39
 Total Factored Static Moment in Flat Slabs.
Consider the typical interior panel of a flat slab floor subjected to
a factored load of wu per unit area, as shown in Fig.12. The total
load on the panel area (rectangle minus four quadrantal areas) is
supported by the vertical shears at the four quadrantal arcs. Let
Mneg and Mpos be the total negative and positive moments about a
horizontal axis in the L2 direction along the edges of ABCD and
EF, respectively. Then

Load on area ABCDEF= sum of reactions at arcs AB and CD

 L1L 2 c 2 
 w u    ( 6)
 2 8 
40
Total Factored Static Moment in Flat Slabs.

Fig.13
Fig.12 41
 Total Factored Static Moment in Flat Slabs.
Considering the half-panel ABCDEF as a free body, recognizing
that there is no shear at the edges BC, DE, EF, and FA, and
taking moments about axis 1-1,

 L1L 2 c 2  c  w uL1L 2  L1  w u c 2  2c 
Mneg  Mpos  w u         0 (7 )
 2 8    2 4 8  3 
Letting Mo  Mneg  Mpos
2
2 c  1 2 2c 
3
1 4c

Mo  w uL 2L11   
2 

 w uL 2L11   (8 )
8  L1 3L 2L1  8  3L1 

Actually, Eq.(8) may be more easily visualized by inspecting the

equivalent interior span as shown in Fig.13.

42
 Total Factored Static Moment in Flat Slabs.
ACI states that circular or regular polygon shaped supports shall
be treated as square supports having the same area. For flat
slabs, particularly with column capitals, the clear span Ln
computed from using equivalent square supports should be
compared with that indicated by Eq.(8), which is L1 minus 2c/3. In
some cases, the latter value is larger and should be used,
consistent with the fact that ACI does express its intent in an
inequality.

43
Two way floor system for slab with beams
Figure-1 shows a two-way slab floor with a total area of 12,500 sq ft. It
is divided into 25 panels with a panel size of 25 ft x 20 ft. Concrete
strength is fc  3000 psi and steel yield strength is fy=40,000 psi.
Service live load is to be taken as 138 psf. Story height is 12 ft. The
preliminary sizes are follows: slab thickness is 6.5 in.; long beams are
14  28 in. Overall; short beams are 12  24 in. overall; upper and
lower columns are 15  15 in. The four kinds of panels (corner, long-
sided edge, short-sided edge, and interior) are numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4
in Fig.-1. Determine the total factored static moment in a loaded span
in each of the four equivalent rigid frames whose widths are
designated A, B, C and D in Fig.2. 44
Given data

Fig.-1
45
For two way slab (with beams), the total factored static moment in a
loaded span in each of the four equivalent rigid frame whose widths
are designated A, B, C and D in Fig.2

Fig.-2 109
46
The factored load wu per unit floor area is

wu=1.2wD +1.6wL

=1.2(6.5)(150/12) +1.6(138)

=98 + 221 =319 psf

ACI states that Ln shall extend from face to face of columns, capitals or
walls.
Mo  w uL 2Ln  0.319 20 25  1.25   448 ft  kips
1 2 1 2
For frame A,
8 8
Mo  w uL 2L2n  0.319 10 25  1.25   224 ft  kips
1 1 2
For frame B, 8 8
Mo  w uL 2Ln  0.319 25 20  1.25   350 ft  kips
1 2 1 2
For frame C,
8 8

w uL 2L2n  0.319 12.5 20  1.25   175 ft  kips

1 1
Mo 
2
For frame D,
8 8
47
Two way floor system for flat slab

Figure-1 shows a flat slab floor with a total area of 12,500 sq ft. It is
divided into 25 panels with a panel size of 25 ft x 20 ft. Concrete
strength is fc  3000 psi and steel yield strength is fy=40,000 psi. Service
live load is to be taken as 140 psf. Story height is 10 ft. Exterior
columns are 16 in. square and interior columns are 18 in. round. Edge
beams are14  24 in. Overall; Thickness of slab is 7.5 in. outside of
drop panel and 10.5 in. through the drop panel. Sizes of column capital
and drop panels are shown in Fig.-1. Determine the total factored
static moment in a loaded span in each of the four equivalent
rigid frames whose widths are designated A, B, C and D in Fig.2.
48
Fig.-1

49
Neglecting the weight of the drop panel, the service dead load is
(150/12)(7.5)=94 psf; thus

wu=1.2wD +1.6wL

=1.2(9.4) +1.6(140)

=113 + 224

=337 psf

25  
2 2
 2c  
  0.337 20 25 2 1 
1 1
Mo  w uL 2L211    396 ft  kips
8  3L1  8  325  
(Frame  A in long direction)
25  
2 2
 2c  
  0.337 10 25 2 1 
1 1
Mo  w uL 2L211    198 ft  kips
8  3L1  8  325  
(Frame  B in long direction)
50
 25  
2 2
 2c  
  0.337 25 20 2 1 
1 1
Mo  w uL 2L211    293 ft  kips
8  3L1  8  320  
(Frame  C in short direction)
25  
2 2
2 2c  2
  8 0.337 12.5 20  1  320    147 ft  kips
1 1

Mo  w uL 2L11  
8  3L 1  
(Frame  D in short direction)

The equivalent square area for the column capital has its side
equal to 4.43 ft; then, using Eq.5, with Ln measured to the face of
capital (i.e., equivalent square),

51
 w uL 2L2n  0.337 20 25  4.43   356 ft  kips
1 1
Mo 
2

8 8
(Frame  A in long direction)

Mo  w uL 2L2n  0.337 10 25  4.43   178 ft  kips

1 1 2

8 8
(Frame  B in long direction)

Mo  w uL 2L2n  0.337 25 20  4.43   255 ft  kips

1 1 2

8 8
(Frame  C in short direction)

Mo  w uL 2L n  0.337 12.5 20  4.43   127.5 ft  kips

1 2 1 2

8 8
(Frame  D in short direction)
Insofar as flat slabs with column capitals are concerned, it
appears that the larger values of 396 ft-kips and 293 ft-kips should
be used because Eq.8 is specially suitable; in particular, ACI
states that the total factored static moment shall not be less than
that given by Eq.5. 52
 Two way floor system for flat plate slab
Figure-1 shows a flat plate floor with a total area of 4500 sq ft. It is
divided into 25 panels with a panel size of 1512 ft. Concrete
strength is fc  4000 psi and steel yield strength is fy= 50,000 psi.
Service live load is 72 psf. Story height is 9 ft. All columns are
rectangular, 12 in. in the long direction and 10 in. in the short
direction. Preliminary slab thickness is set at 5.5 in. No edge beams
are used along the exterior edges of the floor. Determine the total
factored static moment in a loaded span in each of the four
equivalent rigid frames whose widths are designated A, B, C and D in
Fig.1.
53
Fig.-1

54
The dead load for a 5.5 in slab is

wD=(5.5/12)(150)=69 psf

The factored load per unit area is

wu =1.2wD +1.6wL

=1.2(6.9) +1.6(72)

= 83 + 115 =198 psf

Using Eq.5, with clear span Ln measured face-to-face of columns,

w uL 2L2n  0.198 1215  1  58.2 ft  kips

1 1
Mo 
2

8 8
(Frame  A in long direction)

Mo  w uL 2L2n  0.198 6 15  1  29.1 ft  kips

1 1 2

8 8
(Frame  B in long direction)
55
Using Eq.5, with clear span Ln measured face-to-face of columns,

w uL 2L2n  0.198 15 12  0.83   46.3 ft  kips

1 1
Mo 
2

8 8
(Frame  C in short direction)
1 1
   
Mo  w uL 2L n  0.198 7.5 12  0.83  23.15 ft  kips
2 2

8 8
(Frame  D in short direction)

56
(4) Ratio of Flexural Stiffnesses of Longitudinal
Beam to Slab
When beams are used along the column lines in a two-way floor
system, an important parameter affecting the design is the relative
size of the beam to the thickness of the slab. This parameter can
best be measured by the ratio αf of the flexural rigidity (called
flexural stiffness by the AC1 Code) EcbIb of the beam to the
flexural rigidity ECSIS, of the slab in the transverse cross-section of
the equivalent frame shown in Fig.14,15&16. The separate moduli
of elasticity Ecb and Ecs, referring to the beam and slab, provide for
different strength concrete (and thus different Ec values) for the
beam and slab. 57
(4) Ratio of Flexural Stiffnesses of Longitudinal
Beam to Slab

Fig.14

Fig.15
Fig.16 58
(4) Ratio of Flexural Stiffnesses of Longitudinal
Beam to Slab
The moments of inertia Ib and Is refer to the gross sections of the
beam and slab within the cross-section of Fig.16. ACI permits the
slab on each side of the beam web to act as a part of the beam,
this slab portion being limited to a distance equal to the projection
of the beam above or below the slab, whichever is greater, but not
greater than four times the slab thickness, as shown in Fig.17.

Fig.17

59
(4) Ratio of Flexural Stiffnesses of Longitudinal Beam to Slab

More accurately, the small portion of the slab already counted in

the beam should not be used in Is, but ACI permits the use of the
total width of the equivalent frame in computing Is. Thus,

E cbIb
f  (9 )
E csIs

The moment of inertia of a flanged beam section about its own

centroidal axis (Fig.17) may be shown to be

b w h3
Ib  k (10)
12

60
(4) Ratio of Flexural Stiffnesses of Longitudinal Beam to Slab

In which
 bE  t    t   bE  t  
2 3
t
1    1  4  6   4     1  
 bw  h   h  h   bw  h  
k (11)
 bE  t 
1    1 
 bw  h 

where
h = overall beam depth
t =overall slab thickness
bE =effective width of flange
bw = width of web

61
 Two way floor system for slab with beams

For the two-way slab with beams design problem-1, Compute the ratio
f of the flexural stiffness of the longitudinal beam to that of the slab in
the equivalent rigid frame for all the beams around panels 1, 2, 3, and 4
in Fig.-3.

62
(a) B1-B2, Referring to Fig.3, the effective width bE for B1-B2 is the
smaller of 14 + 2 (21.5) = 57 and 14 + 8 (6.5) =66
thus bE = 57 in. Using Eq.11

Fig.-3 63
Fig.-4

64
 bE 57 t 6 .5
  4.07,   0.232
b w 14 h 28
1428 
3
k  1.774, Ib  1.774  45,400 in.4
12

Using Eq.9, where Ecb=Ecs

Is 
1
2406.53  5490 in.4 f 
EcbIb 45400
  8.27
12 EcsIs 5490

65
(b) B3-B4, Referring to Fig.3, the effective width bE for B3-B4 is
the smaller of 14 + 21.5 =35.5 in. and14 + 4 (6.5) = 40; thus
bE = 35.5 in. Using Eq.11

bE 35.5 t 6 .5
  2.54,   0.232
bw 14 h 28
1428 
3
k  1.484, Ib  1.484  38,000 in.4
12

Using Eq.9, where Ecb=Ecs

Is 
1
1206.53  2745 in.4 f 
EcbIb 38,000
  13.83
12 EcsIs 2745

66
(c) B5-B6, Referring to Fig.4, the effective width bE for B5-B6 is the
smaller of 12 + 2 (17.5) = 47 in. and 12 + 8 (6.5) = 64
thus bE = 47 in. Using Eq.11

bE 47 t 6 .5
  3.92,   0.271
b w 12 h 24
1224 
3
k  1.762, Ib  1.762  24,400 in.4
12

Using Eq.9, where Ecb=Ecs

Is 
1
3006.53  6870 in.4 f 
EcbIb 24,000
  3.50
12 EcsIs 6870

67
(d) B7-B8, Referring to Fig.4, the effective width bE for B7-B8 is
the smaller of 12 +17.5 = 29.5 in. and12 + 4 (6.5) = 38; thus
bE = 29.5 in. Using Eq.11
bE 29.5 t 6 .5
  2.46,   0.271
bw 12 h 24
1224 
3
k  1.480, Ib  1.480  20,500 in.4
12
Using Eq.9, where Ecb=Ecs
Is 
1
1506.53  3435 in.4 f 
EcbIb 20,500
  5.96
12 EcsIs 3435
The resulting f values for B1 to B8 around panels 1, 2, 3 and 4
are shown in Fig.4. For the design, the f values vary between
3.50 and 13.83; thus the equivalent rigid frames have their
substantial portion along or close to the column lines, even
68
though their widths vary from 10 to 25 ft.
Fig.-3 69
(5) Minimum slab thickness for deflection control

To aid the designer, ACI provides a minimum thickness table for

slabs without interior beams, though there can be exterior
boundary beams. For slabs with beams spanning between the
supports on all sides, ACI provides minimum thickness equations.
If the designer wishes to use lesser thickness, ACI permits "if
shown by computation that the deflection will not exceed the limits
stipulated in Table." Computation of deflections must "take into
account size and shape of the panel, conditions of support, and
nature of restraints at the panel edges”.

70
(5) Minimum slab thickness for deflection control
Slabs without interior beams spanning between supports.
The minimum thickness, with the requirement that the ratio of long
to short span be not greater than 2, shall be that given by Table-1,
but not less than:

(flat plate) For slabs without drop panels 5 in.

(flat) For slabs with drop panels 4 in.

In the flat slab and flat plate two-way systems, there may or may
not be edge beams but there are definitely no interior beams in
such systems.
71
 Table-1 Minimum thickness of slab without interior beams

WITHOUT DROP PANELS WITH DROP PANELS

f*y EXTERIOR PANELS INTERIOR EXTERIOR PANELS INTERIOR
(ksi) αf = 0 αf  0.8 PANELS αf = 0 αf  0.8 PANELS
40 Ln Ln Ln Ln Ln Ln
33 36 36 36 40 40
Ln Ln Ln Ln Ln Ln
60
30 33 33 33 36 36

Ln Ln Ln Ln Ln Ln
75
28 31 31 31 34 34

*For fy between 40 and 60 ksi, min. t is to be obtained by linear

72
interpolation.
(5) Minimum slab thickness for deflection control
Slabs Supported on Beams.

Four parameters affect the equations of ACI for slabs supported

on beams on all sides; they are (1) the longer clear span Ln of the
slab panel; (2) the ratio β of the longer clear span Ln to the shorter
clear span Sn; (3) the yield strength fy of the steel reinforcement;
and (4) the average αfm for the four αf values for relative stiffness
of a panel perimeter beam compared to the slab

In terms of these parameters, ACI requires the following for "slabs

with beams spanning between the supports on all sides.”

73
(5) Minimum slab thickness for deflection control
Slabs Supported on Beams.
Slabs supported on shallow beams where αfm ≤ 0.2.
The minimum slab thickness requirements are the same as for
slabs without interior beams.
Slabs supported on medium stiff beams where 0.2 < αfm < 2.0.
 fy 
L n  0.8  
For this case, Min t   200,000 
(12)
36  5( f m  0.2)

The minimum is not be less than 5 in.

Slabs supported on very stiff beams where αfm > 2.0.

 fy 
Ln  0.8  
Min t  
200,000 
For this case, (13)
36  9

The minimum is not to be less than 3.5 in. 74

(5) Minimum slab thickness for deflection control
Slabs Supported on Beams.

Edge beams at discontinuous edges.

For all slabs supported on beams, there must be an edge beam at

discontinuous edges having a stiffness ratio f not less than 0.80,
or the minimum thickness required by Eqs.(12) or (13) "shall be
increased by at least 10 percent in the panel with the
discontinuous edge."

75
(6) Nominal requirements for slab thickness and size
of edge beams, column capital, and drop panel

Whether the ACI "direct design method" or the "equivalent frame

method" is used for determining the longitudinal distribution of
bending moments, certain nominal requirements for slab
thickness and size of edge beams, column capital, and drop panel
must be fulfilled. These requirements are termed "nominal"
because they are code-prescribed. It should be realized, of
course, that the code provisions are based on a combination of
experience, judgment, tests, and theoretical analyses.

76
(6) Nominal requirements for slab thickness and size
of edge beams, column capital, and drop panel
Slab Thickness. As discussed in Section-5, ACI Formulas
[Eqs.12&13], along with ACI-Table [Table-1] set minimum slab
thickness for two-way floor systems. In addition, ACI set lower
limits for the minimum value based on experience and practical
requirements. These lower limits for two-way slab systems are
summarized:
Flat plates and flat slabs without drop panels 5 in.
Slabs on shallow interior beams having fm < 0.2 5 in.
Slabs without interior beams but having drop panels 4 in.
Slabs with stiff interior beams having fm  2.0 3.5 77in.
(6) Nominal requirements for slab thickness and size
of edge beams, column capital, and drop panel

Edge Beams. For slabs supported by interior beams, the

minimum thickness requirements assume an edge beam having a
stiffness ratio f not less than 0.80. If such an edge beam is not
provided, the minimum thickness as required ACI Formulas
[Eqs.12&13] must be increased by 10% in the panel having the
discontinuous edge. For slabs not having interior support beams,
the increased minimum thickness in the exterior panel having the
discontinuous edge is given by ACI-Table [Table-1].

78
(6) Nominal requirements for slab thickness and size
of edge beams, column capital, and drop panel

Fig.18

Column Capital. Used in flat slab construction, the column

capital (Fig.18) is an enlargement of the top of the column as it
meets the floor slab or drop panel. 79
(6) Nominal requirements for slab thickness and size
of edge beams, column capital, and drop panel
Since no beams are used, the purpose of the capital is to gain
increased perimeter around the column to transmit shear from the
floor loading and to provide increasing thickness as the perimeter
decreases near the column. Assuming a maximum 45° line for
distribution of the shear into the column, ACI requires that the
effective column capital for strength considerations be within the
largest circular cone, right pyramid, or tapered wedge with a 90°
vertex that can be included within the outlines of the actual
supporting element (see fig. 18). The diameter of the column
capital is usually about 20 to 25% of the average span length
80
between column.
(6) Nominal requirements for slab thickness and size
of edge beams, column capital, and drop panel
Drop Panel. The drop panel (Fig.2b) is often used in flat slab
construction as a means of increasing the shear strength around a
column or reducing the negative moment reinforcement over a
column. It is an increased slab thickness in the region surrounding
a column. A drop panel must comply with the dimensional
limitations of ACI. The panel must extend from the centerline of
supports a minimum distance of one-sixth of the span length
measured from center-to-center in each direction; the projection of
the panel below the slab must be at least one-fourth of the slab
thickness outside of the drop. 81
(6) Nominal requirements for slab thickness and size
of edge beams, column capital, and drop panel

Drop Panel. When a qualifying drop is used, the minimum

thickness given by ACI-Table-1 has been reduced by 10% from
the minimum when a drop is not used.
For determining the reinforcement requirement, ACI stipulates that
the thickness of the drop below the slab be assumed no larger
than one-quarter of the distance between the edge of the drop
panel and the edge of the column or column capital. Because of
this limitation, there is little reason to use a drop panel of greater
plan dimensions or thickness than enough to satisfy using the
reduced thickness for the slab outside the drop panel. 82
 Two way floor system for slab with beams

For the two-way slab with beams problem-1, Determine the minimum
thickness requirement for deflection control; and compare it with the
preliminary thickness of 6.5 in.

83
Fig.-3 84
The average ratios αfm for panels 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be computed from
the α values shown in Fig.4; thus

1
α fm for panel 1  (5.96  8.27  3.55  13.83)  7.90
4
1
α fm for panel 2  (3.50  8.27  3.50  13.83)  7.29
4
1
α fm for panel 3  (5.96  8.27  3.50  8.27)  6.50
4

1
α fm for panel 4  (3.50  8.27  3.50  8.27)  5.89
4

85
Since the αfm values for all four panels are well above 2, Eq.13
applies. The minimum thickness for all panels, using Ln=24 ft,
Sn=18.83 ft, and fy=40,000 psi, become

 0 .2 f y 
Ln  0.8  
 40,000  24121.0
min t    6.07 in.
9Ln 924 
36  36 
Sn 18.83

If a uniform slab thickness for the entire floor area is to be used,

the minimum for deflection control is 6.07 in., which compares
well with the 6.5 in. preliminary thickness.

86
 Two way flat slab floor system

Review the slab thickness and other nominal requirements for the
dimensions in this flat slab design described in problem-1.

87
(a) Stiffness of edge beams.

Before using Table-1, the αf values for the edge beams are
needed. The moment of inertia of the edge beam section
shown in Fig.2 is 22,9000 in4. Thus the αf value for the long
edge beam is

Fig.-2

88
 89
Fig.-3
 Ib 22,900 22,900
f     5.42
Is 1207.53
4220
12
and for the short edge beam, it is
Ib 22,900 22,900
f     4.34
Is 1507.53
5270
12

These f values are entered on Fig.3.

(b) Minimum slab thickness using Table-1. The long and short
clear spans for deflection control are:
Ln = 25-4.43 = 20.57 ft; Sn = 20-4.43 = 15.57 ft. From which
Ln 20.57
  1.32
Sn 15.57 90
For fy=40 ksi, a flat slab with drop panel, and αf = smaller of 4.34 and
5.42, Table-1 gives

Ln 20.57(12)
min t    6.17 in.
40 40

For both exterior and interior panels.

(c) Nominal requirement for slab thickness.

The minimum thickness required is, from part (b), 6.17 in. The 7.5
in. slab thickness used is more than ample; 6.5 in. should
probably have been used.
91
(d) Thickness of drop panel.

Reinforcement within the drop panel must be computed on the

basis of the 10.5 in. thickness actually used or 7.5 in. plus one-
fourth of the projection of the drop beyond the column capital,
whichever is smaller.

In order that the full 3-in. projection of the drop below the 7.5 in.
slab is usable in computing reinforcement, the 6 ft 8 in. side of the
drop is revised to 7 ft so that one-fourth of the distance between
the edges of the 5-ft column capital and the 7-ft drop is just equal
to (10.5 - 7.5) = 3 in.

92
 Two way floor system for flat plate slab

Review the slab thickness and other nominal requirements for the
dimensions in the flat plate design example.

93
For fy = 50 ksi, for a flat plate which inherently has f = 0 and
Ln = 15-1=14 ft, from Table-1

For fy = 50 ksi, for a flat plate which inherently has f = 0 and

Ln = 15-1=14 ft, from Table-1
Minimum slab thickness

For fy=50 ksi, for a flat plate which inherently has αf = 0, and
Ln=15-1=14 ft, from Table-1,

min t=linear interpolation between fy=40 ksi and fy=60 ksi

1  Ln Ln  1  1 1 
min t      (168 )    5.34 in (exterior panel)
2  33 30  2  33 30 
and
1  Ln Ln  1  1 1 
min t      (168)    4.88 in (interior panel)94
2  36 33  2  36 33 
A table value seems appropriate and entirely within the accuracy
of engineering knowledge regarding deflection. The 5.5 in. slab
thickness used for all panel satisfies the ACI-Table minimum and
exceeds the nominal minimum of 5 in. for slabs without drop panel
and without interior beams.

95