3two- | Principles of Reinforced Concrete/Prestressed computation) 1

way slab

3.0 Learning Outcome

At the end of the lesson, you should be to create a design of two-way
slab.

3.1 Introduction
This section will discuss the two-way slabs. The students will understand
and know the principles and concepts in designing this structure. The two-way
slabs are components of the floor system that carry and transmit floor loads in
two orthogonal directions.

3.2 Design two-way slab

3.2.1 Classification of two-way slab

When the ratio of the longer span to the shorter span (L/S) is less than
2, the slab is called two-way slab. The bending moment will take place in the
two directions in a dish-like form. Main reinforcement is required in the two
directions.

Source: civilread.com

Figure 1. The floor system

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Types of two-way slab

Questions:

1. Can you define now what is two-way slab?

2. Can you give the ratio of two-way slab based on the floor
framing plan?

3.2.2 Pattern of Loading and Slab Thickness

The pattern of loading for two-way slabs is important to understand for
a designer since slabs carry directly the live loads that need to address due to
sensitivity issues of the structures.

(Source: Shih-Ho-Chao,2006)
Figure 2A Figure 2B

The shaded panels are loaded with live loads. Figure 2a is alternate
pattern loading. Figure B is checker board pattern loading. From the figures,
patterns of loading will be very difficult to analyze and compute.
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Slabs are highly indeterminate and almost impossible to collapse, since

all positive and negative moment will have to be fully developed and
completed. This observation indicates that the excess moments at any part of
the slab can be redistributed, and in two directions. Therefore, maximum
moments need not be used but instead, average moments within a (column or
middle) strip are used in the design.

Let us understand first some limits stated in NSCP 2015 and ACI Codes
before we design a two-way slab.

The section 408.3 of NSCP 2015 provided the following design limits as
shown:

Interior beams are not existing, thickness can be found according to

Table 408.3.1.1
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Notes:

1. The minimum thickness for two-way slabs without beams are covered in
Section 408.3.1 of the NSCP 2015.

2. The minimum thickness for slabs without drop panels (flat plates) is given
in Table 408.3.1.1, NSCP 2015. However, the minimum thickness is 125 mm.

3. The minimum thickness with drop panels (flat slabs) is given in Table
408.3.1.1, NSCP 2015. The minimum thickness is 100 mm.

4. The minimum thickness for slabs with beams, spanning between supports
on all sides shall meet the requirements in Table 408.3.1.2 NSCP 2015. It is
observed that in conventional slab construction where the beams are
essentially stiff, 𝛼𝑓𝑚, the average mean value of the stiffness of the beam-
slab will be greater than 2.0.
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The formula for slab thickness as shown in Table 408.3.1.2 NSCP 2015 is:

𝑓𝑦
𝑙𝑛 ( 0.8 + 1,400)
ℎ=
36 + 9 𝛽

where β is the ratio of clear spans in long to short direction of slab.

5. 𝛼𝑓 is the ratio of the stiffness of the beam versus the slab. For slabs on all 4
sides, the value of 𝛼𝑓 of all the 4 sides are computed as

EIbeam
αf =
EIslab

6. 𝛼𝑓𝑚 the mean value of 𝛼𝑓

7. For the slab, the moment of inertia is simply taken the solid rectangle with a
width equal to the distance from the centers of the slab panels and the height
minus the slab thickness.

The stiffness of the beam is based on the cross-sectional dimension of the

beam itself plus portions of the slabs as defined in Section 408.4.1.8 of the
NSCP 2015, as shown:

Figure 3. The section of slab system

Hence, x = h - ts or x = 4ts whichever is lesser

Therefore, based on the figure above, the exterior beam has an inverted
L-shape while the interior beam has T-shape.
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The moment of inertia of the exterior beam can be taken as that of the
rectangle with a dimensions bw x h multiplied with a factor of 1.5 to account of
the additional slab portion at one side of the beam.

The interior beam with portions of the slab on two sides to be included
in the beam section, a factor 2.0 is to be used.

Solving for 𝛼𝑓 of the exterior beam will have the formula below:

EIbeam
αf =
EIslab

b h3
E ( w ) x 1.5 3bw h3
12
𝛼𝑓 = s
( x t3
=
s) st3s
E 2
12

For interior beam, the formula for 𝛼𝑓 :

b h3
E( w )x2 2 bw h3
12
𝛼𝑓 = s =
( x t3s) st3s
E 2 12

Now, h, slab thickness is determined, the total dead load can now be computed
which can be computed by slab weight multiplied by the superimposed dead loads.
The superimposed floor dead loads are the floor finishes and the ceiling loads.

Example Problem:

Determine the required slab thickness based on the minimum thickness

requirements in the NSCP 2015 Table 408.3.1.2 on slab Panels 1 to 4 shown. Use slab
thickness of 140 mm.

Beam Sizes: b mm h mm
Transverse: 250 500
Longitudinal: 300 600

fy = 276 MPa (Grade 40)

Figure 4.
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Solution:

Let us take Panel 1:

αf2

αf1 αf3

αf4

Source: Canete, 2019

Figure 5. Panel 1

Long slab span

Dimensions:

7000 250
+ = 3625 mm
2 2

7000 7200
+ = 7100 mm
2 2

Short slab span

5000 300
+ = 2650 mm
2 2

5000 4600
+ = 4800 mm
2 2
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Calculate αf and αfm (average)

EIbeam
αf =
EIslab

(1.5)(250)(500)3
αf1 = = 4.73 mm
(3625)(140)3

(1.5)(300)(600)3
αf 2 = = 13.37 mm
(2650)(140)3

(2)(250)(500)3
αf 3 = = 3.21 mm
(7100)(140)3

(2)(300)(600)3
αf 4 = = 9.84 mm
(4800)(140)3

Average αfm :

αfm = 7.78 mm

Determine the required minimum thickness for Panel 1 using the formula:

𝑓𝑦
𝑙𝑛 ( 0.8+ )
1,400
h= since αfm = 7.78 mm is greater than 2
36+9 𝛽

where: ln = L = Long direction clear span = 7000 – 250 = 6750 mm

S = short direction clear span = 5000 – 300 = 4700 mm
β = L/S = 6750/4700 = 1.44

Substitute:

276
(0.80+ )
h = (6750) [ 1,400
] = 137.45 𝑚𝑚
36+9 (1.44)

h = 138 mm which is safe from the adopted h of 140 mm

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3.2.3 Design of Two-way slab

The figure below shows the design methods for two-way reinforced
concrete slab.

According to NSCP 2015 Section 408, there are two methods for the
analysis and design, namely: 1) Direct Design Method (NSCP 2015 Section
408.10); and 2) Equivalent Frame Method (NSCP 2015 Section 408.11).

NSCP 2015 Article 408.2.1 states that a slab system shall be permitted to
be designed with any procedure provided that designed strength at every
section are at least equal to the required strength, and all serviceability
requirements are all satisfied.

Let us now analyze the slab by taking one direction at a time. Let us
determine the design moments in the direction of the analysis which will serve
as basis in determining the top and bottom bar requirements in this direction.
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Let us understand how the direction of analysis is considered as shown

in the figures below.

Figure 6. Horizontal Direction of Analysis

The length L1 is in the direction of analysis, and L2 is perpendicular to L1

as shown in figure above and below.

NSCP 2015 Section 402 defines L1 and L2 are length of slab measured
center-to-center of supporting columns, beams, and walls.

Figure 7. Vertical Direction of Analysis

NSCP 2015 Section 408.4.1.5 defines column strip is a design strip with a width
of each side of column center lines equal to the lesser of 0.25 L1 and 0.25 L2. A column
strip shall include beams with a strip, if present. Then, L1 and L2 are the center to center
distances of the supports.

NSCP 2015 Section 408.4.1.6 defines a middle strip is a design strip bounded by
two column strips.

NSCP 2015 Section 408.4.1.7, defines a panel is that part of the slab bounded by
columns, beams, or walls center lines on all four sides.
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Let me show the horizontal and vertical direction of analysis including the column and
middle strips.

Figure 8. The horizontal direction of the analysis

and location of column and middle strips

Figure 9. The vertical direction of the analysis

and location of column and middle strips

Where S is the least of L1 and L2.

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3.2.3.1 Direct Design Method

As stated in McCormack and Brown (2014), DDM involves a single-cycle

moment distribution analysis of the structure based on (a) the estimated flexural
stiffness of the slabs, beams (if any), and columns and (b) the torsional stiffness
of the slabs and beams (if any) transverse to the direction in which flexural
moments are being determined.
NSCP 2015 Section 408.10 stated some limitations for use of Direct
Design Method.
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3.2.3.2 Total Factored Static Moment for a Span

In our previous discussion, the slab analysis in taken in one direction at

a time with L1 as always in the direction of the analysis and L2 is perpendicular
to L1. The clear span in the direction of L1 is designated as ln.

𝑤𝑙 2
Mo = the formula for moment in a beam with uniformly
8
distributed load.

However, NSCP 2015 Section 408.10.3.2 states that “the absolute sum of
positive and average negative Mu in each direction shall be at least:

2
𝑞𝑢 𝑙2 𝑙𝑛
𝑀0 = qu l2 = is the uniform load in the slab with a tributary width
8

Source: Canete, 2019

Figure 10. The definition of l2 NSCP2015 Section 408.10.3

Tributary width
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Let L1 = l1 and L2 = l2

Previously, we define l2 length of slab measured center-to-center of

supporting columns, beams, and walls (NSCP 2015 Section 402).

In this section, we will use the definition of NSCP 2015 Section

408.10.3.2.3 l2 is measured from centerlines of the panel on each side of the line
connecting the column supports as shown in Figure 10.

3.2.3.3 Distribution of Total Factored Static Moment

The NSCP 2015 Section 408.10.4 guides us as to the total factored static
moment Mo shall be distributed into negative and positive moment as shown
in the following provisions:

Source: Canete, 2019

Figure 11. The moment distribution at the interior spans
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Source: Canete, 2019

Figure 12. The negative and positive moments of end spans

3.2.3.4 Factored Static Moments in column strip

The factored moments in the column strip for the interior negative
moment is given in Table 408.10.5.1 of NSCP 2015 as shown below:

The value of l2/l1 for two-way slab will be given between 0.5 and 1.0
when the analysis is in the long direction or between 1.0 and 2.0 when the
analysis is in short direction.
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The portion of the column strip for the positive moment is given in Table
408.10.5.5 (NSCP 2015).

The portion of the column strip for the exterior negative moment is given in
Table 408.10.5.2 (NSCP 2015) as shown:
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3.2.3.4 Factored Moments in the Beam and Slab of the column strip

The column strip consists of the supporting beam (if any) and the slab
within the strip. The portion of the beam in the moments of the column strip is
given in Table 408.10.5.7.1.

3.2.3.4 Factored moments in middle strips

The provision for factored moments in the middle strips is shown

below from NSCP 2015 Section 408.10.6.
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3.2.3.5 Factored shear in slab system with beams

3.2.4 Design steps for conventional slab using Direct Design Method

The design steps are as follows:

Step `1. Slab thickness

Step 2. Load Calculations

Step 3. Design moments

Step 4. Maximum bar spacing

Step 5. Effective depth

Step 6. Design of reinforcement spacing

Negative moment (top bars at supports)

Positive moment (bottom bars near midspan)

Step 7. Design in the transverse direction

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Student Task 3-07

Rework Problem 17.2 Chapter 17, page 540 from the Design of Reinforced
Concrete, McCormac and Brown, 2014. Convert the units to SI and Use NSCP
2015 provisions.

Deadline: February 15, 2022

3.3 References

Besavilla, V. I. (2013). Fundamentals of Reinforced Concrete. Volume 3. Cebu City,

Philippines: VIB Publisher.

McCormac, J.C. and Brown, R. H. (2014). Design Reinforced Concrete, 7 th Edition.

New York: John Wiley & Sons.

National Structural Code of the Philippines, 2015.

2.4 Acknowledgement

The images, tables, figures and information contained in this module were
taken from the references cited above.