Reinforced Concrete Slab Design and

Detailing Guide IS456: 2000

Home Structural Engineering Reinforced Concrete Slab Design and Detailing Guide IS456: 2000
Reinforced concrete slab design and detailing guidelines for depth of
slab, loads on slab, reinforcement guide for one-way and two-way slabs
as per IS 456:2000 have been tried to present here.

Following are the RCC Slab Design and Detailing guidelines:

Table of Contents [show]

Reinforced Concrete Slab Design Guidelines

a) Effective span of slab:
Effective span of slab shall be lesser of the two

1. L = clear span + d (effective depth)

2. L = Center to center distance between the support

b) Depth of slab:
The depth of slab depends on bending moment and
deflection criterion. the trail depth can be obtained using:

o Effective depth d= Span /((L/d)Basic x modification factor)

o For obtaining modification factor, the percentage of steel for slab can be
assumed from 0.2 to 0.5%.

o The effective depth d of two way slabs can also be assumed using
cl.24.1,IS 456 provided short span is <3.5m and loading class is
<3.5KN/m2

Type of support Fe-250 Fe-415

Simply supported L/35 L/28

Continuous support L/40 L/32

 Or, the following thumb rules can be used:
o One way slab d=(L/22) to (L/28).

o Two way simply supported slab d=(L/20) to (L/30)

o Two way restrained slab d=(L/30) to (L/32)

c) Load on slab:
The load on slab comprises of Dead load, floor finish and live load. The
loads are calculated per unit area (load/m2).
Dead load = D x 25 kN/m2 ( Where D is thickness of slab in m)
Floor finish (Assumed as)= 1 to 2 kN/m2
Live load (Assumed as) = 3 to 5 kN/m2 (depending on the occupancy of
the building)

Detailing Requirements of Reinforced Concrete Slab as

per IS456: 2000

a) Nominal Cover:
For Mild exposure 20 mm

For Moderate exposure 30 mm

However, if the diameter of bar do not exceed 12 mm, or cover may be

reduced by 5 mm. Thus for main reinforcement up to 12 mm diameter
bar and for mild exposure, the nominal cover is 15 mm.
 b) Minimum reinforcement:
The reinforcement in either direction in slab shall not be less than

o 0.15% of the total cross sectional area for Fe-250 steel

o 0.12% of the total cross-sectional area for Fe-415 & Fe-500 steel.

c) Spacing of bars:
The maximum spacing of bars shall not exceed

o Main Steel 3d or 300 mm whichever is smaller

o Distribution steel 5d or 450 mm whichever is smaller Where, d is the

effective depth of slab. Note: The minimum clear spacing of bars is not
kept less than 75 mm (Preferably 100 mm) though code do not
recommend any value.

d) Maximum diameter of bar:

The maximum diameter of bar in slab, shall not exceed D/8, where D is
the total thickness of slab.

Basics of Reinforced Concrete Slab

Design
Home Structural Engineering Basics of Reinforced Concrete Slab Design
Table of Contents [show]

Basics of Reinforced Concrete Slab Design

Slabs are generally designed on the assumption that they consists of a
number of beams of breadth one meter.

Effective Span
The effective span of a simply supported
slab shall be taken as the lesser of the
following:

1. Distance between the centers of bearings,

2. Clear span plus effective depth

Thickness of Slab
The following table gives the maximum values of the ratio of span to
depth.

Type of slab Ratio of span to depth

Simply supported and spanning in one direction 30

Continuous and spanning in one direction 35

Simply supported and spanning in two directions 35

Continuous and spanning in two directions 40

Cantilever slabs 12

Reinforcement
Minimum reinforcement in either direction shall be 0.15 percent of total
cross-sectional area.

Main reinforcement which is based on the maximum bending moment

shall not be less than 0.15 per cent of the gross sectional area. The
pitch of the main bars shall not exceed the following:

1. Three times the effective depth of slab, and

2. 45 cm.

Distribution bars are running at right angles to the main reinforcement

and the pitch shall not exceed

1. Five times the effective depth of slab, and

2. 45 cm.

The diameter of main bars may be from 8 mm to 14 mm. for distribution

bars, steel 6 mm or 8 mm are generally used.
 Cover of Reinforcement:
The minimum cover to outside of main bars shall not be less than the
following:

1. 15 mm and

2. Diameter of the main bar.

Steps to be followed in the design of slab

1. Assuming suitable bearings (not less than 10cm), find the span of the
slab between the centers of bearings.

2. Assume the thickness of slab (take 4 cm per metre run of the span).

3. Find the effective span which is lesser of (i) distance between centres of
bearings, and (ii) clear span and effective depth.

4. Find the dead load and the live load per square meter of the slab.

5. Determine the maximum bending moment for a one meter wide strip of
the slab.

The maximum bending moment per meter width of slab,

Where, w = total load intensity per square meter of the slab.

1. Equate the balanced moment of resistance to the maximum bending

moment

Find the effective depth d from the above equation.

1. Calculate the main reinforcement per metre width

For M15 concrete, lever arm = 0.87 d

Spacing of bar =

CONTINUOUS SLAB
Suppose a slab is supported at the ends and also at intermediate points
on beams, the maximum sagging and hogging moments to which the
slab is subjected to due to uniformly distributed load, can be computed
as follows:

Let = intensity of dead load per square metre

= intensity of live load per square metre.

Bending moment due to dead load and live load may be taken as follows
(IS: 456 2000)

At middle of end At middle of Over interior

Over support
span interior support support

BM due to dead
load

Bending
moment due to
live load

Types of Economical Floor Systems for

Reinforced Concrete Buildings
Home Structural Engineering Types of Economical Floor Systems for Reinforced Concrete Buildings
There are different types of economical floor systems (slabs) for
reinforced concrete buildings that nearly satisfy all loading and span
conditions. Selecting economical floor systems which can withstand
design requirements is discussed.
 Reinforced concrete provides wide range structural choices for
numerous conditions such as residential buildings, offices and industrial
buildings.

Due to the fact that floor system cost constitute major part of structural
cost, therefore selection of an economical floor system would affect the
overall cost of the project.

There are number of factors that influence the economy of floor

systems such as building type, architectural layout, span length
between columns and aesthetic features.

In this article, guidelines that lead to an economical selection of floor

systems will be provided.

Table of Contents [show]

Types of Economical Reinforced Concrete Floor

Systems for Buildings and Structures

Following are the different types of economical concrete floor systems.
Their selection criteria, advantages and uses are discussed in detail.

o Flat plate slabs

o Flat slabs

o Waffle slabs

o Slabs on beam

o One way slab on beams

o One-way joist floor system

Flat Plate Slab Floor System

Flat plate systems are directly supported by columns and suitable for
span of 6-8m with life load of 3-5KN/m2. This type of floor system is
adopted mainly for hotels, hospitals, multifamily residential buildings.
The most outstanding advantages of flat plates include fast
construction, simple and low formwork cost, flat ceiling that reduces
finishing cost.

When flat plates are used in the construction of buildings, the total
height of structure can be decreased which is an advantage from
economical point of view.

This is because the decrease of total building height would lead to

reduction in vertical runs of cladding, partition walls, mechanical
systems, plumbing and many other items of construction.

Another advantage of flat plates is that it would allow the increase of

storey numbers in structures of restricted height.

It should be considered that the relative stiffness and shear capacity of

flat plates are low.

Fig.1: Flat Plate Slab Floor System

Flat Slab Systems for Buildings
Flat slabs are similar to flat plate apart from thickening of flat slabs
around columns which are provided to improve shear capacity of this
floor system.
Flat slabs are economically viable for spans range from 6 to 9m and live
loads range from 4 to 7 KN/m2.
This type of floor system is suitable for the case where punching shear
stress prevent the use of flat plates especially when relatively shallow
slabs are intended. It should be known that thickening of floor system
around columns (drop panels) increase the cost of formworks.

The thickness of flat slab is 10 percent smaller than that of flat plate for
the same span length. ACI code specified the dimension of drop panels
so as to take advantage of this reduced thickness.

It is claimed that the cost of formwork, concrete material placement

and finishing, and steel placement are 47%, 36%, and 17%,
respectively of overall floor cost for flat slabs.

Fig.2: Flat Slab Floor System

Waffle Slabs
It is consist of reinforced concrete slab and evenly distributed waffle
slab in two directions. The slab around columns is solid to provide shear
resistance in column area.
Waffle slabs are economically appropriate for spans of 9 to 15m and live
load of 4 to 7KN/m2. The ultimate load carrying capacity of this floor
system is greater than of flat slabs, but cost of its formworks is
substantially high.

Fig.3: Waffle Slab

Slabs on Beams
This type of floor system is economically viable for spans ranges from 6
to 9m and live load of 3 to 6KN/m2.
The beam increases the relative stiffness of the floor system and hence
the deflection is declined, but the cost of formwork is increased due to
beam formwork.
 Fig.4: Slabs on Beams
One-way Slab on Beams
This type of floor system is suitable for span of 3 to 6m and live load of
3 to 5KN/m2. This span range can be increased at the expense of slight
increase of deflections and cost of the floor system.

Fig.5: One-Way Slab on Beams

One-Way Joist Floor System
It consists of uniformly spaced concrete ribs spanning in one direction,
reinforced concrete slab constructed monolithically with ribs and beams
which are spanning between columns.

On way joist floor system is economically suitable for spans of 6 to 9m

and live load of 4 to 6KN/m2.
There are several advantages offered by this floor system such as it is
cost effective for long spans with heavy loads, the overall depth does
not require to be increased for utility installation because they can be
placed between joists and pan voids reduces self-weight.

It is reported that of cost of formworks constitute about 51 percent of

the total cost of the floor system.

Fig.6: One Way Joist Floor System

One way slab & Two way slab

February 11, 2017 Abhash Acharya Structural 0
One Way Slab

One way slabs are such slabs in which the loads are shared only by the shorter direction of the slab.
In above figure (a) represents one way slab. Here ratio of longer span of slab to the shorter span of
slab is greater than 2. One way slab being supported on two opposite sides only leads to the
structural action in single direction.

Analysis and Design of One-way Slab:

Design steps:

Step 1: Preliminary Design:

Find depth of slab using deflection control criteria.

Take Span/d = 25 for simply supported slab.

= 30 for continuous slab.

D Dmin = 100mm for normal design.

= 125mm for earthquake resistant design.

Step 2: Analysis of slab:

Analyze the slab considering the slab as beam of 1m width and find respective loads, maximum
design bending moment and maximum design shear force.

Step 3: Design of Slab:

1. Verify depth of slab:

2. Determine Ast and and number of bars in shorter direction of slab.

Slab section is normally designed as Singly Reinforced Under Reinforced Rectangular Section.

Ast = Mu/(0.87fy(d-0.416xu)) which should not be less than Astmin.

3. Check slab for shear.

Step 4: Check slab at limit state of serviceability in deflection.

l/d

Step 5: Detailing of reinforcement.

Curtail or bent surplus bars.

Check development length at support.

Ld 1.3Ml / Vu + ld

Provide min. Ast as distribution bars in longer direction of slab.

Two Way Slab

Two way slabs are such slabs in which the loads are shared by both the shorter and longer direction
of the slab. In above figure (b) represents one way slab. Here the ratio of longer span of slab to the
shorter span of slab is less or equals to 2. Two way slab being supported on four sides the load will
be carried in both the directions.

Analysis and Design of Two Way Slab:

Design Steps:

Step 1: Preliminary Design.

Find depth of slab using deflection control criteria.

Take span/d = 28 for simply supported slab and 32 for continuous slab.

D Dmin = 100mm for normal design and 125mm for earthquake resistant design.

Step 2: Analysis of Slab.

Slab is analyzed by IS code method. (Ref. Annex D-1 and Annex D-2).

Step 3: Design of Slab.

1. Verify depth of slab:

2. Determine Ast and and number of bars in shorter direction of slab.

Slab section is normally designed as Singly Reinforced Under Reinforced Rectangular Section.

Ast = Mu/(0.87fy(d-0.416xu)) which should not be less than Astmin.

3. Check slab for shear in shorter direction.

Step 4: Check slab at limit state of serviceability in deflection in shorter direction.

l/d
Step 5: Detailing of reinforcement:

Curtail/bend the surplus bars as per detailing rules of code. (Ref. Annex)
Check development length at support.

Ld 1.3Ml / Vu + ld

Provide torsion reinforcement at the discontinuous edge of slab as per codal provision.

Causes of Excessive Deflections in

Reinforced Concrete Slabs
Home Structural Engineering Structural Design Causes of Excessive Deflections in Reinforced
Concrete Slabs
Deflection of reinforced concrete slabs is acceptable to a certain limit
which are specified by applicable Codes such as ACI, IS Codes and Euro
Codes. These codes to specify the amount of deflection which is
acceptable.

When the deflection limitation is exceeded, then it will probably lead to

several problems for example aesthetic issues, occupants will not be
comfortable to life in the building, cracks may develop in partitions, and
occasionally cause malfunctioning of doors and windows.

Excessive deflections in reinforced concrete slabs possibly results in

neighboring balcony to deflect inward. This is seriously problematic and
unacceptable because rain water fallen on the balcony will move inside
the building and can damage the building content. This is one of the
crucial factors that make the prevention of excessive deflection of
reinforced concrete slab substantially significant.

There are various causes that lead to excessive deflections in reinforced

concrete slabs, and it is possible that one single factor or combination of
them result in the deflection that is over limitations.
 The best way to avoid excessive deflection is to understand the cause of
the problems which will be explained in the following sections and only
then specify proper solutions.

Fig.1: Deflections in Reinforced Concrete Slab

Table of Contents [show]

Causes of Excessive Deflections in Reinforced Concrete

Slabs
Following are the different causes responsible for excessive deflections
in RCC slabs:

o Design of reinforced concrete slab

o Material properties used in the reinforced concrete slab

o Construction of reinforced concrete slab

o Change the function of the reinforced concrete slab

o Environmental conditions

Design of the Reinforced Concrete Slabs

By and large, both reinforced concrete slab thickness and
reinforcement ratio of the slab are common causes that may lead to
excessive deflection.

Selecting small slab thickness can be appropriate in terms of strength

but in most cases lead to excessive deflection and due to this issue
applicable Codes such as ACI Code recommends minimum slab
thickness to contain deflection within acceptable limit.

Similarly, if the computed reinforcement ratio is small, then it will yield

pretty soon and consequently flexural stiffness of the slab decrease
substantially and finally the deflection of the slab will be quite large.

Fig.2: Details of Reinforced Concrete Slabs

Material Properties Used in Reinforced Concrete Slabs
It is reported that, if abnormal shrinkage and creep is experienced by
materials employed in the slab construction, it will be one of the factor
which cause enormous deflection.

Sometimes large shrinkage is generated when high strength concrete is

used and this is likely to share part of large deflection.
It should be said that alkali aggregate reactions also imposed
detrimental influence on the deflection of reinforced concrete slab
because it leads to initiate cracks which eventually decline flexural
stiffness and hence increase deflection.

Construction of Reinforced Concrete Slabs

There are several construction aspects which may cause excessive
deflection if it is constructed in a wrong way.

For example, when large panels and cantilevers are not cambered
properly during construction then they will suffer large deflections.

If curing is not carry out adequately, the slab will not be able to gain
required strength and consequently deflect greatly.

It is likely that top reinforcement in slab during construction is forced

down by labors. This decreases the effective depth and consequently
the improvement of flexural stiffness provided by reinforcement
continuity at supports will be declined substantially.

RCC Slab at its early life may crack largely and its stiffness decreases
largely because of construction loads imposed by storage materials or
propping. If a slab is supported by props during construction and the
prop is fixed on a plate with insufficient area to prevent ground
settlement, then the movement of prop toward the ground produce
deflection in the slab.

It is worth motioning that deflection due to the decrease of effective

depth of top reinforcement is considerably usual, and it is reported that
decreasing effective depth from 20cm to 17cm can reduce flexural
stiffness by larger than 20%.

Therefore, it is significant to pay attention to the construction loads as

it may affect the deflection of the element substantially if it is not dealt
with properly.
Change in Function of Reinforced Concrete Slabs
Reinforced concrete slab is usually designed for specified purpose and
the function for which the strength and serviceability of the elements is
checked is known.

However, when the function of the slab is changed and the imposed
loads are increased specifically permanent loads, then the slab can
greatly deflect.

Environmental conditions of Reinforced Concrete Slabs

If reinforced concrete slab is exposed to environmental conditions such
as temperature variations which may establish temperature gradient,
then the slab is likely to deflect in unexpected manner.

Floating Slab Construction

Applications and Advantages
Home Constrution Floating Slab Construction Applications and Advantages
Floating slabs are concrete slabs that are laying over the ground,
without any kind of anchoring, as if it simply sits on it and floats.
Floating slab, as the name tells it resembles a plate that is simply laid
over water, with no kind of connection between them.

The main application of floating slabs is to use as a base foundation for

sheds, manufacturing workshops, home additional room, or garages. It
is economical when used in areas wherever the need for standard
foundations is not required. The construction details are explained in
detail in the following sections.

When we assume a building with floating arrangement, we must

picturize as a building with a standard foundation of strip footing, that is
constructed several feet below the ground. Then we have the wall built
up above the ground surface. Then literally the floating slabs float on
the ground. Here the need for ground preparation is reduced to a larger
extent.

The floating slabs are called as monolithic slabs as they have no

connection with the foundation. If its the case, only after curing of the
foundation we cast the floating slab.

Table of Contents [show]

Construction of Floating Slab

The construction of floating slabs requires details to start the proposed
building requires a solid foundation to completely support the whole
weight of superstructure.

As mentioned they are more used in garages, an extension of the house

or sheds that does not necessarily require huge foundations. These
buildings are light in structure. So floating slabs are found most suitable
and economical, compared with conventional slab construction.

The main construction layers in the floating slab are shown in figure-1.
The construction involves the following steps:

Fig.1: Floating Slab Layers

A: Site Excavation for Floating Slab Construction
The initial stage of floating slab construction is to clear the land and
excavate the area as per the plan. This is the initial preparation for the
construction.

Fig.2: Preparation of land by removing the upper layer

The step also involves making a drainage in the sides, for the water to
drain out through the gravel base as shown below. The trench
constructed is sealed with geotextile and gravels as shown below, which
will remove water from concrete slab foundation as shown in figure 3.

Fig.3: Excavated drainage and the prepared drainage

B: Laying Gravel Base for Drainage
 Fig.4: Laying Gravel base layer over the area for drainage of unwanted water
C: Reinforcement for Slabs
The slab mold is placed for casting procedure. To strengthen the slab,
the reinforcing bars are provided as per dimensions and codes.

Fig. 5: Reinforcement Bars Arranged in slabs

D: Casted Floating Slab
The concrete is poured into the slab formwork. It is compacted either
my labor or mechanical vibrator depending on the area and
workmanship. Proper compaction has to be undergone, to make the
slab fully productive. Proper curing has to undergone for almost 2 to 3
days.
 Fig.6: Compaction of Poured Concrete

Advantages of Floating Slabs

o The floating slab construction can be employed in site areas with lower load
carrying capacity and where investing large money on soil treatment is futile. This
system let us to use over loose soil or in the soil with varying compressibility.

o Floating slab have the property of spreading the vertical loads or stresses coming
over it to be distributed over a larger area.

o Floating slab foundations are a good solution when comes to extension of houses.
There is situation when we require a building extension without affecting the
already existing foundation. This wont interfere with the building structures
already built.

o Floating slabs behave as a barrier for the entrance of the moisture coming from
the ground. It acts a barrier between the superstructure and the ground. This
avoids seepage of water and frosting. For this purpose, the slab can be insulated
for frost or moisture. This had made their widespread usage in cold region
construction.

o The floating slabs do not require usage of footer trenches. They can be poured
with the help of trenching or digging which is economical.

o The floating slab does not cause any disturbance to the earth layer lying beneath
neither it will interfere with the quality.

o In areas where there are possibilities of shifting in the earth layer, mainly due to
high moisture content, the floating slabs are best suited.
 Disadvantages of Floating Slabs
o The floating slab does not make underground land available for underground
access for connection lines facing the utilities.

o It has a primitive technology

o Floating slab foundation have lower design resonance

http://by.genie.uottawa.ca/~murat/Chapter%203MS.doc

Flat Slab Types of Flat Slab Design

and its Advantages
Home Structural Engineering Slab Design Flat Slab Types of Flat Slab Design and its Advantages
Flat slab is a reinforced concrete slab supported directly by concrete
columns without the use of beams. Flat slab is defined as one sided or
two-sided support system with sheer load of the slab being
concentrated on the supporting columns and a square slab called drop
panels.

Drop panels play a significant role here as they augment the overall
capacity and sturdiness of the flooring system beneath the vertical
loads thereby boosting cost effectiveness of the construction. Usually
the height of drop panels is about two times the height of slab.
Flat Slabs are considered suitable for most of the construction and for
asymmetrical column layouts like floors with curved shapes and ramps
etc. The advantages of applying flat slabs are many like depth solution,
flat soffit and flexibility in design layout.

Even though building flat slabs can be an expensive affair but gives
immense freedom to architects and engineers the luxury of designing.

Benefit of using flat slabs are manifold not only in terms of prospective
design and layout efficacy but is also helpful for total construction
process especially for easing off installation procedures and saving on
construction time.

If possible, try to do away with drop panels as much as possible and try
to make the best use of thickness of flat slabs. The reason is to permit
the benefits of flat soffits for the floor surface to be maintained, ensure
drop panels are cast as part of the column.
 To utilize the slab thickness to optimum level, the essential aspects that should be
kept in mind are:
1. Procedure related to design

2. Presence or absence of holes

3. Significance of deflections

4. Previous layout application experience

Table of Contents [show]

Types of Flat Slab Construction

Following are the types of flab slab construction:

o Simple flat slab

o Flat slab with drop panels

o Flat slab with column heads

o Flat slab with both drop panels and column heads

Uses of Column Heads

o It increase shear strength of slab

o It reduce the moment in the slab by reducing the clear or effective span

Uses of Drop Panels

o It increase shear strength of slab

o It increase negative moment capacity of slab

o It stiffen the slab and hence reduce deflection

Advantages of Flat Slabs

It is recognized that Flat Slabs without drop panels can be built at a
very fast pace as the framework of structure is simplified and diminished.
Also, speedy turn-around can be achieved using an arrangement using
early striking and flying systems.
Flat slab construction can deeply reduce floor-to floor height especially in
the absence of false ceiling as flat slab construction does act as limiting
 factor on the placement of horizontal services and partitions. This can
prove gainful in case of lower building height, decreased cladding
expense and pre-fabricated services.
In case the client plans changes in the interior and wants to use the
accommodation to suit the need, flat slab construction is the perfect
choice as it offers that flexibility to the owner. This flexibility is possible
due to the use of square lattice and absence of beam that makes
channelling of services and allocation of partitions difficult.
Thickness of flat slab
Thickness of flat slab is another very attractive benefit because thin slab
provides the advantage of increased floor to ceiling height and lower
cladding cost for the owner. However, there is profound lower limit to
thickness of slab because extra reinforcements are needed to tackle
design issues. Besides this, added margin must be provided to facilitate
architectural alterations at later stages.

Types of Flat Slab Design

Multitudes of process and methods are involved in designing flat slabs
and evaluating these slabs in flexures. Some of these methods are as
following:

o The empirical method

o The sub-frame method

o The yield line method

o Finite element analysis

For smaller frames, empirical methods are used but sub-frame method is
used in case of more irregular frames. The designs are conceptualized
by employing appropriate software but the fact is using sub-frame
methods for very complicated design can be very expensive.
The most cost effective and homogenous installation of reinforcements
can be achieved by applying the yield line method. A thorough
visualization in terms of complete examination of separate cracking and
 deflection is required since this procedure utilises only collapse
mechanism.
Structures having floors with irregular supports, large openings or
bears heavy loads, application of finite- element analysis is supposed to be
very advantageous. Great thought is put into choosing material
properties or installing loads on the structures. Deflections and cracked
width can also be calculated using Finite- element analysis.
Areas That Require Attention in Design of Flat Slab
1. Deflections-Usually at the center of each panel deflections are
maximum. Foreseeing deflections can be very tricky and will engage
some form of elastic appraisal. While designing structure layout and
during implementation using sub frame method, one way to evaluate
mid-panel deflection is to use at least two parallel column strips.
2. Proprietary punching sheer reinforcement systems- In case of thin flat slab
construction punching sheer reinforcements are indispensable.
3. Optimization of Main reinforcement- In certain design procedures,
especially in yield line output is better optimized than in other design
methods.

Benefits of Using Flat Slab Construction Method

o Flexibility in room layout

o Saving in building height

o Shorter construction time

o Ease of installation of M&E services

o Use of prefabricated welded mesh

o Buildable score

Flexibility in Room Layout

Flat slabs allows Architect to introduce partition walls anywhere
required, this allows owner to change the size of room layout. Use of flat
slab allows choice of omitting false ceiling and finish soffit of slab with
skim coating.
 Saving in Building Height
o Lower storey height will reduce building weight due to lower partitions and
cladding to faade

o Approximately saves 10% in vertical members

o Reduced foundation load

Shorter Construction Time

Use of flat slabs requires less time for construction by the use of big
table formwork.

Single Soffit Level

Ease of Installation of Flat Slabs
All M & E services can be mounted directly on the underside of the slab
instead of bending them to avoid the beams.

Use of Prefabricated Welded Mesh

Use of prefabricated welded mesh minimizes the installation time of flat
slabs. These mesh are available in standard size and provides better
quality control in construction of flat slab.

Buildable Score
This allows standardized structural members and prefabricated
sections to be integrated into the design for ease of construction. This
process makes the structure more buildable, reduce the number of site
workers and increase the productivity at site, thus providing more
tendency to achieve a higher Buildable score.

Reinforced Concrete Slab Design and

Detailing Guide IS456: 2000
 Home Structural Engineering Reinforced Concrete Slab Design and Detailing Guide IS456: 2000
Reinforced concrete slab design and detailing guidelines for depth of
slab, loads on slab, reinforcement guide for one-way and two-way slabs
as per IS 456:2000 have been tried to present here.

Following are the RCC Slab Design and Detailing guidelines:

Table of Contents [show]

Reinforced Concrete Slab Design Guidelines

a) Effective span of slab:
Effective span of slab shall be lesser of the two

1. L = clear span + d (effective depth)

2. L = Center to center distance between the support

b) Depth of slab:
The depth of slab depends on bending moment and
deflection criterion. the trail depth can be obtained using:

o Effective depth d= Span /((L/d)Basic x modification factor)

o For obtaining modification factor, the percentage of steel for slab can be assumed
from 0.2 to 0.5%.

o The effective depth d of two way slabs can also be assumed using cl.24.1,IS 456
provided short span is <3.5m and loading class is <3.5KN/m2

Type of support Fe-250 Fe-415

Simply supported L/35 L/28

Continuous support L/40 L/32

Or, the following thumb rules can be used:

o One way slab d=(L/22) to (L/28).

o Two way simply supported slab d=(L/20) to (L/30)

o Two way restrained slab d=(L/30) to (L/32)

 c) Load on slab:
The load on slab comprises of Dead load, floor finish and live load. The
loads are calculated per unit area (load/m2).
Dead load = D x 25 kN/m2 ( Where D is thickness of slab in m)
Floor finish (Assumed as)= 1 to 2 kN/m2
Live load (Assumed as) = 3 to 5 kN/m2 (depending on the occupancy of
the building)

Detailing Requirements of Reinforced Concrete Slab as

per IS456: 2000

a) Nominal Cover:
For Mild exposure 20 mm

For Moderate exposure 30 mm

However, if the diameter of bar do not exceed 12 mm, or cover may be

reduced by 5 mm. Thus for main reinforcement up to 12 mm diameter
bar and for mild exposure, the nominal cover is 15 mm.

b) Minimum reinforcement:
The reinforcement in either direction in slab shall not be less than

o 0.15% of the total cross sectional area for Fe-250 steel

o 0.12% of the total cross-sectional area for Fe-415 & Fe-500 steel.
 c) Spacing of bars:
The maximum spacing of bars shall not exceed

o Main Steel 3d or 300 mm whichever is smaller

o Distribution steel 5d or 450 mm whichever is smaller Where, d is the effective

depth of slab. Note: The minimum clear spacing of bars is not kept less than 75
mm (Preferably 100 mm) though code do not recommend any value.

d) Maximum diameter of bar:

The maximum diameter of bar in slab, shall not exceed D/8, where D is
the total thickness of slab.

What is Punching Shear? Punching

Shear in Slabs and Foundations
Home Structural Engineering What is Punching Shear? Punching Shear in Slabs and Foundations
Table of Contents [show]

What is Punching Shear?

The punching shear is a failure mechanism in structural members like
slabs and foundation by shear under the action of concentrated loads.

The action of concentrated loads is on a smaller area in the structural

members. In most cases, this reaction is the one from the column
acting against the slab. Eventually the slab will fail. One possible
method of failure is that the load punches through the slab.

Some examples of the occurrence of concentrated loads on a slab are a

column, particularly on a pad foundation, and wheel loads. This same
type of failure could also happen in another way. Turning the structure
upside down we get a flat slab supported by a column, where there is a
high concentration of shear force around the column head.
When the total shear force exceeds the shear resistance of the slab, the
slab will be pushed down around the column, or this can be viewed as
the column being punched through the slab.

Punching shear failure mechanism is observed in normal floor slabs, flat

slabs, and in the foundation slabs below the column. In pad foundations,
where weight and depth are not so critical, its effects are satisfied by
providing sufficient depth.

Punching Shear in Reinforced Concrete Slabs

The Punching shear in reinforced concrete slabs can be considered as a
2D analog of the shear observed in beams. This kind of failure occurs as
a sudden rupture. This rupture cannot be restrained by the help of main
reinforcement.

Hence, there is a reduction of ultimate load capacity of the structure

below the flexural capacity by the action of shear. But when compared
to beam shear, the punching shear is less critical.

In slabs, the punching shear occurs when they are subjected to high
values of concentrated loads. These load categories includes the wheel
loads on the bridge slabs or the loads from above floors on the columns
that support the slab floors.
 Calculations in Punching Shear
The calculations of punching shear dealt in the design is based on the
punching shear force that is punching against the thickness of the slab
or foundation. This can happen only if there exists shear alone in the
system. This is not possible if there exist any form of moment in the
pedestal or the column.

The Maximum Punching Shear Stress is determined based on the punching

shear failure cone and the applied values of shear and moments.

Fig.1. Punching Shear Failure Zone for Slabs above and below the column
The d is the effective depth of the slab. The punching shear perimeter
is formed at a distance of d/2 from the edges of the column or the
pedestal. In the figure-1, Dped is the depth of the pedestal.

Design Considerations for Punching Shear in Slabs

The Punching Failure in the structure can be prevented by taking the
following control measures:

1. Undergo proper checking to make sure that the concrete itself is strong enough.
2. If the concrete lacks adequate strength, check whether the amount of
reinforcement that is provided is reasonable.

3. If it is not reasonable, it is recommended to change the form of the structure.

The methods involved in changing the form of the structure are:

1. Increasing the depth of the slab

2. The column size can be made larger

3. Incorporation of drop panels

4. Introduction of Flared column heads

5. Other foreign codes can be referred to practice other liberal designs

Different failure zones are mentioned below in figure-2 based along

with the area where the reinforcement have to be provided. Usually
vertical and traverse failure lines are possible. We do not actually know
where the failure can occur. So, each possible failure plane must be
reinforced.

Fig.2: Punching Shear Failure Zones

Based on building codes, the slabs are designed for punching shear as follows:
1. A cylindrical control surface is considered around the loaded area or
the column area at a particular distance. This distance is proportional to
the slab depth. This is shown in figure-3.

Fig.3. Control Surface Under Punching Failure Notation and Definition

2. The average shear stress on the control surface must not exceed the
design strength. This design strength is often proportional to the tensile
strength.

The effects of moment transfer at the column or the slab junction is

facilitated by the design for punching shear. The punching shear
assessment is based on different parameters. These parameters are
sections at particular distance from the face of the column.

Among different sections, the most important ones are at the face of
the column and at a distance of d/2 on either side of the column.

If the shear stress at these sections exceeds the allowable stress value,
the structure will be subjected to punching failure. The design formulas
and parameter distance would vary from one code to other. But the
concept behind the assessment of punching shear failure is the same.

How to Control Deflection of Reinforced

Concrete Beams and Slabs?
Home Structural Engineering How to Control Deflection of Reinforced Concrete Beams and Slabs?
In most cases design of reinforced concrete beams and slabs is
governed by deflection rather than strength. Various measures to
control deflections of RCC beams and slabs are explained in this article.

If these options are implemented properly, the result could be more

cost effective compared to elements that either show deflections
consequently require expensive rehabilitation or members which
designed for unnecessary deflection response.

To fully evaluate these techniques, designers need to know reinforced

concrete member stress level; whether concrete member is uncracked
or fully cracked. The concrete members are assumed to be fully cracked
when applied moment in positive parts are larger than two times
cracking moment.

Furthermore, influence of options on deflection, nearly the amount of

deflection reduction, and application of these techniques in proper
conditions are discussed for all options.

These choices are divided into three major categories includes design
techniques, construction techniques, selection of materials. In this
article design options for reducing deflections are discussed.
 Table of Contents [show]

How to Reduce Deflection of Reinforced Concrete

Beams and Slabs?

Following are the design techniques to reduce deflections of reinforced
concrete beams and slabs
o Make the element deeper

o Make the member wider

o Introduce compression reinforcement

o Add tension reinforcement

o Apply or increase prestressing

o Revise geometry of the structure

o Review deflection limit criteria

Make the RCC Beams and Slabs Deeper
It might be difficult or impossible to modify dimension of concrete
elements after architectural design is established, but there are
situations where increasing beam depth can be carried out.

It is claimed that reducing deflection is approximately equal to the

square of the effective depth [I = nAs (1-k) jd2 almost = d2] for cracked
and nearly equal to the cube of the ratio of total depth [I = (bh3)/12
almost = h3] for uncracked sections.
Improving stiffness by increasing depth is more effective in uncracked
rectangular section compare with uncracked T-sections. This is because
the flanges do not change and influence of the flange is constant on
uncracked stiffness and is not proportional to increase depth.

When the depth of a section is increased to an extent that could lead to

decline tensile stress, so that, cracked section become partially cracked
or uncracked, then the member stiffness will be increased substantially.

Lastly, the stiffness of uncracked element could be higher three times

than the stiffness of partially cracked element.
Choose Wider Member Sections of RCC Beams
If the element is uncracked increase width of the section leads to
increase stiffness proportionally. However, widening cracked member
width will not generate noticeable stiffness improvement in the element
unless the section becomes uncracked after increasing its width.
This technique cannot be implemented in slabs and members with
physical restrictions on their width. Nonetheless, the option is
applicable and significantly effective for increasing stiffness when
architectural considerations prevent any modification in the beam
height.
Introduce Compression Reinforcement to RCC Beams and Slabs
Adding compression bars as per ACI Code procedure will not influence
immediate deflection but will half long term deflection.

For instance, if long term and short term deflection of an element is 25

mm and 12 mm respectively, (total deflection is 37 mm), adding 2%
compression reinforcement decline long term deflection by 50% means
12.5 mm and total deflection of the member will be 24.5 mm.

Compression steel reinforcement effect will be higher if it placed close

to compression face, that is why this technique is more influential in
deep beams than in shallower beams or slabs if both members have the
same concrete cover.

Even though this option is useful for all flexural members but it is
substantially effective and considerably beneficial in T-beam in which
neural axis is close to the compression face.

Add Tension Reinforcement to RCC Beams and Slabs

Adding tension bars are considerably effective and nearly proportionally
decrease deflection (immediate plus long term deflection) with
increasing steels in fully cracked sections.

In contrary, influence of adding tension steels in uncracked section

deflection is close to none. For example, if the deflection of an element
is 3.8 cm, it can be decreased to around 2.8 cm by adding fifty percent
of tension reinforcement to the member.

The maximum reinforcement limitation recommended by ACI Code

should not be exceeded by adding tension steels.

This method has significant effect in under reinforced solid and ribbed
slabs. It is not suitable or restricted for heavily reinforced beams unless
compression steels is added. Finally, congestion reinforcement is
possible if it is decided to apply this technique.
Apply or Increase Prestressing
Most of prestressed members are designed to balance applied loads;
this means upward reaction of prestressed tendons are nearly equal to
the dead and other continuous and permanent loads. Deflection
resulted from live load is the same in both prestressed and normal
reinforced concrete sections.

When prestressing makes the element remain in uncracked condition,

whereas otherwise it would be cracked, deflection due to live load will
be lesser. Moreover, if size of the element is decreased to make use of
prestressing, the deflection as a consequent of live load will be
considerably large.

That is why span to depth ratio of floor slabs and roofs are restricted to
48 and 52 respectively in the case of light live load. In the case where
live load to dead load ratio is large, span to depth ratio must be
decreased proportionally to achieve desirable deflection performance.
Lastly, if the member is prestressed to provide satisfactory deflection
only then it is not necessary to balance entire dead load and the
element might be partially cracked.
Revise Geometry of the Structure
This option could be adding cross elements to make two way systems,
decreasing span length by increasing column number, and enlarge size
of column to give higher restrains to flexural members. The last choice
is specifically influential in end spans.

Review Deflection Limit Criteria

In the situation where the deflection of a member surpasses deflection
limitations, revising the deflection restrictions to find out whether it is
unnecessarily harsh limitation or not is an option.

If analyzing and experience demonstrated that the deflection limitation

criteria can be increased then it is not required to apply other measures.
Most of building Code does not establish absolute limitations on
deflections.

Utilization of recommendations provided by the building codes in

building occupancy or construction conditions is for the engineers to
decide.

Factors Affecting Deflections of

Reinforced Concrete Beams and Slabs
Home Structural Engineering Factors Affecting Deflections of Reinforced Concrete Beams and Slabs
There are various factors which affect deflections of reinforced concrete
beams and slabs which needs to be considered and assessed
adequately during design and construction.

These factors can be divided into two group including parameter known
before construction and factors unknown before construction. It is
 demonstrated that unknown factors are more influential than those
known before construction.

Moreover, the potential deflection variation of reinforced concrete

beams and slabs can be assessed by calculating deflections employing
realistic maximum and minimum values for parameters. In this article
the most important and influential factors are discussed.

Table of Contents [show]

Factors Affecting Deflections of RCC Beams and Slabs

Following are the factors which affect deflections of flexural members
(beams and slabs) in reinforced concrete structures:

o Errors in the deflection computation of flexural members

o Loading of flexural members

o Flexural stiffness

o Factors affecting fixity

o Construction variations of flexural members

o Creep and shrinkage in flexural members

Errors in computation of deflections for beams and slabs
Generally, calculations are carried out by a human that is why
discrepancy between actual and computed deflections can be
originated mainly from computational errors. Numbers of such
computational errors are discussed and explained in the following
sections.

There are many deflection calculation steps which must be considered

to achieve the final deflection result. Any error in any step could have a
considerable detrimental effect on the final result. For example, when
error probability is 1% in each step, the probability of errors in the final
result is around 10%. Moreover, it is considered that the computation
errors between 25 50% are uncommon.

The length and complex detail of deflection calculation could be

decreased by applying a computer program. The program should take
most of the parameters, which affect the flexural member deflection
into account and credibly compute and expect structural deflection in
wide range of conditions with substantial accuracy.

Lastly, it is significant that practical engineer compare calculated and

performance deflection in order to achieve and develop strong
judgment skills.

Utilization of factored loads or moments unintentionally rather than

actual service loads or moments in calculation of deflection is another
source of errors in the deflection calculation of beams and slabs
(flexural members).

Finally, ultimate moments from moment coefficients of pattern load

may be employed instead of actual moments for the loading conditions
under considerations.

Loadings on RCC Beams and Slabs

 There are numbers of factors based on loads which affect deflections of
RCC beams and slabs, such as:
o It is important to take loading history due to the fact that concrete modulus of
elasticity and rupture is different at different ages and consequently affect
immediate deflection.

o Use actual loads instead of loads that considered in strength design. Moreover, it
is common to find that live loads determined by building codes are never reached
in real situations.

o Consider the proportion of long term loading versus temporary loading. Because
creep deflection happens when loads sustain for some time, therefore permanent
live loads lead to more creep deflection compared to transient live loads.
Furthermore, some live loads might stay for considerably long period of time and
responsible for substantial deflection whereas those remain for a while could not
cause measurable long term deflection.

o Correctly evaluate the live load; when actual service live load is less than design
live load, applied moment to cracking moment ratio will be smaller. This might
produce higher effective moment of inertia, consequently dead and live load
deflection will be lower.

o Consider redundancy; for instance when reinforced concrete element transverses

to the main span may some loads, consequently the moment is decreased which
in return the deflection of the member under consideration is reduced.
Flexural Stiffness of RCC Beams and Slabs
It is recommended to employ both actual modulus of elasticity (Ec) and
modulus of rupture (fr) due to their influence on deflection. American
Concrete Institute Code specify the ratio of fr?(fc)0.5 = 7.5 however
depends on number of researches the ratio is changing from 7.5 up to
10.
The moment of inertia will increase by 75 percent if modulus of rupture
is increased by one third. The ACI Code value is conservative, so
computed deflection is greater than actual deflection.
Moreover, in the case where premature cracks due to construction loads are
not permitted, it is advised to use effective moment of inertia at all
loading stages based on cracking amount of that stage.
Furthermore, only one flexural stiffness computation is required to be
carried out and one cracking condition, which is when maximum load is
reached, is considered if the ultimate load is occurred during
construction.

Not only is this assumption is supported by site observation which the

most extreme loading situation take place during construction when
shoring loads from above stories and other construction loads are
imposed on the structure but also provide simpler and easier
calculation.

Furthermore, actual location of reinforcement as built should be used

when the structure is explored entirely especially when considerable
deviation is occurred between as built location and specified position.

Apply actual location and amount of compression reinforcement for

calculating gross and cracked moment of inertia. Similarly, employ
actual location and amount of tension reinforcement for cracked
moment of inertia estimation.

Last but not least, consider flange effect even if they are small. Both
uncracked and cracked moment of inertia is small and calculated
deflection is high when rectangular section is employed rather than
T-section.

Finally, produce reasonable assessment about the contribution of end

region stiffness to the overall stiffness instead of averaging end and mid
span stiffness.

Mid-span stiffness application might provide satisfactory results for

normal and simple computation procedure however accuracy for
extended calculation could be increased by including end region
stiffness.

Fixity of RCC Beams and Slabs

Rotation of the support in cantilever should be considered since support
rotation can create a movement which is larger than the flexural
deflection of the member. Moreover, rotation might lead to raising or
lowering in the end based on loading and dimensions of back span.

Moreover, take nearby restraint into account which is provided by

unloaded parallel members through tensional stiffness of supporting
beams.

Furthermore, establish moment distribution on actual stiffness and

loading conditions of the member instead of suggested prismatic
elements.

Another measure that should be considered is providing allowance for

stiffness of joints unless they are strong or have enough anchored
reinforcement. This effect is similar to the influence of support rotation
in cantilever. There are no analytical tools that satisfactorily deal with
this consideration.

Finally, end spans must be analyzed cautiously since they are sensitive
to assumptions of moment at critical sections. If end support is
suggested to have small stiffness, the positive moment in the end
support is high and consequently calculated deflection is large,
regardless of providing more steel bars to withstand higher moment.

That is why designers may utilize wider beams and more reinforcement
in the end spans for controlling deflection rather than for strength
requirement.

In addition to all aforementioned factors, procedures of shoring and

reshoring should be precisely controlled due to substantial effect of
 moment distribution on deflection variation. Improper procedures could
create moments that might be more severe than those which the
structure is designed for.

Construction Variations of Flexural Members

Generally, designer cannot do much about construction variations apart
from determining tolerances and procedures. ACI 117-10 provides
tolerances on steel installation, concrete outline, and material
properties.

When maximum variations are employed in the same direction to

calculate deflection their effect could be substantially high. However, it
is likely that variations cancel each other and their effect will not be high
unless they are influence each other in the same direction.

Numbers of extremely severe variations in construction which affect

deflections of RCC beams and slabs are explained in the following
sections:

o Concrete outline tolerances could lead to smaller or larger member compare with
specified element.

o As a consequent of gravity, concrete cover might thinner than determined.

Cracked moment of inertia is increased as effective depth is increasing. Gravity
effect leads to increase top bar cover and decrease effective depth and moment of
inertia.

o Concrete modulus of rupture is more changeable than compressive strength. It

might vary along the member length and is likely to reach average in its influence
on deflection.

o Concrete compressive strength could be higher as much as 15% than specified

and increase modulus of elasticity by 7%. If the structure is loaded before it
reaches design strength, detrimental effect on deflection could be more serious
than demonstrated by lower concrete strength because creep coefficient can be
up to 50% larger for stress/ strength ratios fc / fc > 0.50 than for fc / fc < 0.50. That
 is why loading structures, which are sensitive to deflection, should be prevented
before it reaches design strength.
o If bottom bar numbers are less or more than specified, the effect would be
proportional when the element is cracked.

Creep and shrinkage in flexural members

There are various factors that affect creep and shrinkage such as age of
loading, minimum thickness, relative humidity, volume to surface ratio,
cement content, slump, aggregates, air content, ambient temperature,
and admixtures. These factors are discussed in ACI 209.1R-05.

Construction Measures & Materials to

Reduce Deflection of Concrete Beams
and Slabs
Home Constrution Construction Measures & Materials to Reduce Deflection of Concrete Beams and
Slabs
Deflections of concrete beams and slabs are affected by construction
measures and materials used. In most situations, size of the reinforced
concrete sections is controlled by deflections.

To achieve more economical sections, certain measures can be

employed includes construction techniques and material selection
techniques.

In this article construction and material selection measures which can

be used to reduce concrete beam and slab deflection are explored in the
following sections.
Table of Contents [show]

1. Construction Measures to Reduce Deflection of

Beams and Slabs

Cure the concrete to allow it achieve strength
It is claimed that the deflection response of concrete members are
specified by concrete strength at initial loading rather than final
strength of concrete elements.

It is recommended to use concrete that obtain high strength at early

stages when constructed members are to be loaded in no time after
construction. Additionally, the deflection of cracked members is much
higher than the same element in uncracked condition.

Cure the concrete to decrease creep and shrinkage

By and large, proper curing will affect and decrease long term deflection,
not short term deflection. Moreover, curing effects on long term
deflection components (shrinkage and creep) are similar.

The larger influence of curing is observed in reinforced concrete beams

and slabs that are subjected to high shrinkage for example structures in
aired atmosphere, members with thin flanges, and restrained
members.

Control shoring and reshoring procedures

It is indicated that the load of shoring on floors in multi-story building
could be as much as two times the self-weight of concrete slab. Since
dead load of the slab is larger than superimposed design load in many
cases, the slab could be overstressed because of shoring loads and
consequently uncracked state, which assumed based on design loads,
will no longer be a valid assumption.

That is why the slab flexural stiffness is decreased by one third of the
flexural stiffness value that computed based on assumed design loads.
Moreover, it is possible that shore loads are applied to the slab before
the design strength is obtained by concrete and this produce cracks
because of low modulus of rupture.
Furthermore, based on experience, it is claimed that apparent
deflection is changing broadly between slabs even if the same
construction and design is employed.

This variation might be due to number of factors for example timing and
method of striping forms were not applied uniformly and construction
loads were not imposed uniformly. Lastly, the soil beneath shoring
support must be checked to avoid settlement under recently poured
concrete, because settling of soil under shoring support lead to sagging
of forms which is not desired.

Postpone beginning of loading

This technique gives concrete enough time to obtained design strength
and not only does it increase modulus of elasticity but also modulus of
rupture is rose. Moreover, the more modulus of rupture the fewer
amounts of cracks is developed.

An increase in modulus of elasticity leads to increase flexural stiffness.

Lastly, by postponing beginning of loading, creep deflection is
decreased.

Install deflection sensitive equipments at later times

In this case the incremental deflection which is happen when deflection
sensitive equipment is installed until it is removed or deflection reaches
its final value, is reduced. ACI 318-11 section 9.5.2.5 provides method
of calculating additional long term deflection for delaying partition
installation.

Place deflection sensitive equipments or elements to prevent

deflection issues
It is recommended to locate devices such as printing presses, scientific
equipments, and other equipments that must be level in the middle of
the span because modifying slopes resulted from deflection is minimal
in this location.
Moreover, place vibration sensitive equipments close to supports
because vibration amplitude is very small in this location.

Provide architectural details to accommodate the expected

deflection
Partitions which abut the column might exhibit deflection influences
such as separating from the column horizontally near the top. So, it is
advised that architectural detailing provide rooms for such movements.

Similarly, doors, windows, partitions and nonstructural elements which

located under or supported by deflecting concrete element should be
equipped with slip joints for accommodating anticipated deflections of
concrete elements which are located below or above nonstructural
members.

Build camber into the floor slab

Cambering will not affect the deflection value after the deflection takes
place. Therefore, to get the best result out of building camber into the
slab, firstly, the deflection should be computed accurately and
overestimation must be prevented, secondly, specifying the cambering
pattern, thirdly, results should be monitored during construction.

Make sure that top steel reinforcements are not displaced

downward
Generally, downward displacement of reinforcement decrease member
strength. Regarding deflection, uncracked members is slightly
influenced by displacement of top reinforcement, but cracked members
especially cantilever beams are extremely sensitive and affected by
steel downward movement.

In addition, continuous beams deflections are increased when bar

displacement is occurred at negative moment positions and
redistribution of moment is happened.
2. Materials Selection to Reduce Deflection of Beams

and Slabs
Choose materials that increase rupture and modulus of elasticity
or decrease shrinkage and creep
Cement, aggregates, silica fumes, and admixtures are those materials
that affect properties such as modulus of elasticity and rupture. These
properties in return influence the deflection of concrete element.

Use a mix design that lead to reduce creep and shrinkage or

increase the elastic modulus and creep
Shrinkage can be decreased when lower water to cement ratio is
applied and long term deflection can be reducing. Moreover,
proportions of the mixture can be modified to get better mixture.
Use a concrete with higher modulus of elasticity
As per ACI Code procedures, the stiffness of uncracked elements is
increased proportionally to the modulus of elasticity. In contrary, the
influence of elastic modulus on members stiffness is low and fully
cracked members is not affected.

Use concrete with a higher modulus of rupture

Increasing stiffness, which in return decrease deflection, is depend on
Modulus of rupture combine, reinforcement ratio, and applied load
magnitude affect.

Add short discrete fibers to the concrete mixture

Using short discrete fibers in concrete mixture might be costly but it
increases crack strength and shrinkage. Consequently, deflection of the
member is decreased.

Maximum Deflections of Reinforced

Concrete Beams and Slabs As per ACI
318
Home Structural Engineering Beam Design Maximum Deflections of Reinforced Concrete Beams
and Slabs As per ACI 318
Maximum ratios of computed deflection to span L for beams and slabs as per ACI
318: The Building Code:

Deflection
Types of member Deflection to be considered
Limit

Flat roofs not supporting or

attached to non-structural
Immediate deflection due to the live load. L/180*
elements likely to be
damaged by large deflection.

Floors not supporting or Immediate deflection due to the live load. L/360.
attached to non-structural
elements likely to be
damaged by large
deflections.

That part of the total deflection that occurs

Roof or floor construction
after attachment of the non-structural
supporting or attached to
elements (the sum of the long-term
non-structural elements L/480**
deflection due to all sustained loads and
likely to be damaged by large
the immediate deflection due to any
deflections.
additional live load.***

Roof or floor construction

supporting or attached to
non-structural elements not L/240 $
likely to be damaged by large
deflections.

* This limit is not intended to safeguard against ponding. Ponding

should be checked by suitable calculations of deflection, including the
added deflections due to ponded water, and considering long-term
effects of all sustained loads, camber, construction, tolerances and
reliability of provisions for damage.
** this limit may be exceeded if adequate measures are taken to
prevent damage due to supported or attached elements.

*** the long term deflection may be reduced by the amount of

deflection that occurs before attachment of the non-structural
elements.

$ but not greater than the tolerance provided for the non-structural
elements. This limit may be exceeded if camber is provided so that the
total deflection minus the camber does not exceed the limitation.

How to Control Deflection of Reinforced

Concrete Beams and Slabs?
Home Structural Engineering How to Control Deflection of Reinforced Concrete Beams and Slabs?
In most cases design of reinforced concrete beams and slabs is
governed by deflection rather than strength. Various measures to
control deflections of RCC beams and slabs are explained in this article.

If these options are implemented properly, the result could be more

cost effective compared to elements that either show deflections
consequently require expensive rehabilitation or members which
designed for unnecessary deflection response.

To fully evaluate these techniques, designers need to know reinforced

concrete member stress level; whether concrete member is uncracked
or fully cracked. The concrete members are assumed to be fully cracked
when applied moment in positive parts are larger than two times
cracking moment.

Furthermore, influence of options on deflection, nearly the amount of

deflection reduction, and application of these techniques in proper
conditions are discussed for all options.
 These choices are divided into three major categories includes design
techniques, construction techniques, selection of materials. In this
article design options for reducing deflections are discussed.

Table of Contents [show]

How to Reduce Deflection of Reinforced Concrete

Beams and Slabs?

Following are the design techniques to reduce deflections of reinforced
concrete beams and slabs
o Make the element deeper

o Make the member wider

o Introduce compression reinforcement

o Add tension reinforcement

o Apply or increase prestressing

o Revise geometry of the structure

o Review deflection limit criteria

Make the RCC Beams and Slabs Deeper

It might be difficult or impossible to modify dimension of concrete
elements after architectural design is established, but there are
situations where increasing beam depth can be carried out.

It is claimed that reducing deflection is approximately equal to the

square of the effective depth [I = nAs (1-k) jd2 almost = d2] for cracked
and nearly equal to the cube of the ratio of total depth [I = (bh3)/12
almost = h3] for uncracked sections.
Improving stiffness by increasing depth is more effective in uncracked
rectangular section compare with uncracked T-sections. This is because
the flanges do not change and influence of the flange is constant on
uncracked stiffness and is not proportional to increase depth.

When the depth of a section is increased to an extent that could lead to

decline tensile stress, so that, cracked section become partially cracked
or uncracked, then the member stiffness will be increased substantially.

Lastly, the stiffness of uncracked element could be higher three times

than the stiffness of partially cracked element.
Choose Wider Member Sections of RCC Beams
If the element is uncracked increase width of the section leads to
increase stiffness proportionally. However, widening cracked member
width will not generate noticeable stiffness improvement in the element
unless the section becomes uncracked after increasing its width.

This technique cannot be implemented in slabs and members with

physical restrictions on their width. Nonetheless, the option is
applicable and significantly effective for increasing stiffness when
architectural considerations prevent any modification in the beam
height.
Introduce Compression Reinforcement to RCC Beams and Slabs
Adding compression bars as per ACI Code procedure will not influence
immediate deflection but will half long term deflection.

For instance, if long term and short term deflection of an element is 25

mm and 12 mm respectively, (total deflection is 37 mm), adding 2%
compression reinforcement decline long term deflection by 50% means
12.5 mm and total deflection of the member will be 24.5 mm.

Compression steel reinforcement effect will be higher if it placed close

to compression face, that is why this technique is more influential in
deep beams than in shallower beams or slabs if both members have the
same concrete cover.

Even though this option is useful for all flexural members but it is
substantially effective and considerably beneficial in T-beam in which
neural axis is close to the compression face.
Add Tension Reinforcement to RCC Beams and Slabs
Adding tension bars are considerably effective and nearly proportionally
decrease deflection (immediate plus long term deflection) with
increasing steels in fully cracked sections.

In contrary, influence of adding tension steels in uncracked section

deflection is close to none. For example, if the deflection of an element
is 3.8 cm, it can be decreased to around 2.8 cm by adding fifty percent
of tension reinforcement to the member.

The maximum reinforcement limitation recommended by ACI Code

should not be exceeded by adding tension steels.

This method has significant effect in under reinforced solid and ribbed
slabs. It is not suitable or restricted for heavily reinforced beams unless
compression steels is added. Finally, congestion reinforcement is
possible if it is decided to apply this technique.
Apply or Increase Prestressing
Most of prestressed members are designed to balance applied loads;
this means upward reaction of prestressed tendons are nearly equal to
the dead and other continuous and permanent loads. Deflection
resulted from live load is the same in both prestressed and normal
reinforced concrete sections.
When prestressing makes the element remain in uncracked condition,
whereas otherwise it would be cracked, deflection due to live load will
be lesser. Moreover, if size of the element is decreased to make use of
prestressing, the deflection as a consequent of live load will be
considerably large.

That is why span to depth ratio of floor slabs and roofs are restricted to
48 and 52 respectively in the case of light live load. In the case where
live load to dead load ratio is large, span to depth ratio must be
decreased proportionally to achieve desirable deflection performance.

Lastly, if the member is prestressed to provide satisfactory deflection

only then it is not necessary to balance entire dead load and the
element might be partially cracked.
Revise Geometry of the Structure
This option could be adding cross elements to make two way systems,
decreasing span length by increasing column number, and enlarge size
of column to give higher restrains to flexural members. The last choice
is specifically influential in end spans.

Review Deflection Limit Criteria

In the situation where the deflection of a member surpasses deflection
limitations, revising the deflection restrictions to find out whether it is
unnecessarily harsh limitation or not is an option.

If analyzing and experience demonstrated that the deflection limitation

criteria can be increased then it is not required to apply other measures.
Most of building Code does not establish absolute limitations on
deflections.

Utilization of recommendations provided by the building codes in

building occupancy or construction conditions is for the engineers to
decide.
What is Punching Shear? Punching
Shear in Slabs and Foundations
Home Structural Engineering What is Punching Shear? Punching Shear in Slabs and Foundations
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What is Punching Shear?

The punching shear is a failure mechanism in structural members like
slabs and foundation by shear under the action of concentrated loads.

The action of concentrated loads is on a smaller area in the structural

members. In most cases, this reaction is the one from the column
acting against the slab. Eventually the slab will fail. One possible
method of failure is that the load punches through the slab.

Some examples of the occurrence of concentrated loads on a slab are a

column, particularly on a pad foundation, and wheel loads. This same
type of failure could also happen in another way. Turning the structure
upside down we get a flat slab supported by a column, where there is a
high concentration of shear force around the column head.

When the total shear force exceeds the shear resistance of the slab, the
slab will be pushed down around the column, or this can be viewed as
the column being punched through the slab.
Punching shear failure mechanism is observed in normal floor slabs, flat
slabs, and in the foundation slabs below the column. In pad foundations,
where weight and depth are not so critical, its effects are satisfied by
providing sufficient depth.

Punching Shear in Reinforced Concrete Slabs

The Punching shear in reinforced concrete slabs can be considered as a
2D analog of the shear observed in beams. This kind of failure occurs as
a sudden rupture. This rupture cannot be restrained by the help of main
reinforcement.

Hence, there is a reduction of ultimate load capacity of the structure

below the flexural capacity by the action of shear. But when compared
to beam shear, the punching shear is less critical.

In slabs, the punching shear occurs when they are subjected to high
values of concentrated loads. These load categories includes the wheel
loads on the bridge slabs or the loads from above floors on the columns
that support the slab floors.

Calculations in Punching Shear

The calculations of punching shear dealt in the design is based on the
punching shear force that is punching against the thickness of the slab
or foundation. This can happen only if there exists shear alone in the
system. This is not possible if there exist any form of moment in the
pedestal or the column.

The Maximum Punching Shear Stress is determined based on the punching

shear failure cone and the applied values of shear and moments.
 Fig.1. Punching Shear Failure Zone for Slabs above and below the column
The d is the effective depth of the slab. The punching shear perimeter
is formed at a distance of d/2 from the edges of the column or the
pedestal. In the figure-1, Dped is the depth of the pedestal.

Design Considerations for Punching Shear in Slabs

The Punching Failure in the structure can be prevented by taking the
following control measures:

1. Undergo proper checking to make sure that the concrete itself is strong enough.

2. If the concrete lacks adequate strength, check whether the amount of

reinforcement that is provided is reasonable.

3. If it is not reasonable, it is recommended to change the form of the structure.

The methods involved in changing the form of the structure are:

1. Increasing the depth of the slab

2. The column size can be made larger

3. Incorporation of drop panels

4. Introduction of Flared column heads

5. Other foreign codes can be referred to practice other liberal designs

Different failure zones are mentioned below in figure-2 based along

with the area where the reinforcement have to be provided. Usually
vertical and traverse failure lines are possible. We do not actually know
where the failure can occur. So, each possible failure plane must be
reinforced.

Fig.2: Punching Shear Failure Zones

Based on building codes, the slabs are designed for punching shear as follows:
1. A cylindrical control surface is considered around the loaded area or
the column area at a particular distance. This distance is proportional to
the slab depth. This is shown in figure-3.
 Fig.3. Control Surface Under Punching Failure Notation and Definition

2. The average shear stress on the control surface must not exceed the
design strength. This design strength is often proportional to the tensile
strength.

The effects of moment transfer at the column or the slab junction is

facilitated by the design for punching shear. The punching shear
assessment is based on different parameters. These parameters are
sections at particular distance from the face of the column.

Among different sections, the most important ones are at the face of
the column and at a distance of d/2 on either side of the column.

If the shear stress at these sections exceeds the allowable stress value,
the structure will be subjected to punching failure. The design formulas
and parameter distance would vary from one code to other. But the
concept behind the assessment of punching shear failure is the same.

Example 02: Moment Capacity of a

Concrete Beam
Problem
A reinforced concrete beam 300 mm wide has an effective depth of 600 mm. It
is reinforced with 4-32 mm diameter bars for tension. fc = 21 MPa and fy = 275
MPa. Find the moment capacity of the beam.

Solution

HideClick here to show or hide the solution

Modulus of elasticity of concrete
Ec=4700fc=470021Ec=4700fc=470021
Ec=21538.11 MPaEc=21538.11 MPa

Modular ratio
n=EsEc=20000021538.11n=EsEc=20000021538.11
n=9n=9

Allowable stresses
fs=140 MPafs=140 MPa for Grade 275
fc=0.45fc=0.45(21)=9.45 MPafc=0.45fc=0.45(21)=9.45 MPa

Steel area
As=414(322)=1024 mm2As=414(322)=1024 mm2
nAs=9(1024)=9216 mm2nAs=9(1024)=9216 mm2
Moment of area
Qabove NA=Qbelow NAQabove NA=Qbelow NA
300x(12x)=nAs(dx)300x(12x)=nAs(dx)
150x2=9216(600x)150x2=9216(600x)
150x2+9216x5529600=0150x2+9216x5529600=0
x=257.22 and 450.24x=257.22 and 450.24
Use x=257.22 mmx=257.22 mm

Moment of inertia
INA=300x33+nAs(dx)2INA=300x33+nAs(dx)2
INA=300(257.223)3+9216(600257.22)2INA=300(257.223)3+9216(60025
7.22)2
INA=5103735931 mm4INA=5103735931 mm4

Moment capacity
fb=McIfb=McI
Based on concrete
fc=MxINAfc=MxINA
9.45=M(257.22)(10002)51037359319.45=M(257.22)(10002)510373593
1
M=187.51 kNmM=187.51 kNm

Based on steel
fsn=M(dx)INAfsn=M(dx)INA
1409=M(600257.22)(10002)51037359311409=M(600257.22)(10002
)5103735931
M=231.61 kNmM=231.61 kNm

Use the safe value of M

M=187.51 kNmM=187.51 kNm answer