Analysis and design of solid slab using the Equivalent Frame Method

(EFM)
The ACI code presents two general methods for calculating the longitudinal distribution
of moments in two-way slab systems. These are the:

• Direct design method (DDM)

• Equivalent frame method (EFM).

The DDM prescribes values for moments in various parts of the slab panel without the
need for a structural analysis. The DDM is easier to use than the EFM, but have seven
limitations as given in ACI Code:

1- There must be a minimum of three continues spans in each direction.

2- The panel must be rectangular with the ratio of the longer to the shorter spans
within a panel not greater than 2.
3- Column offset shall not exceed 10 percent of the span in direction of offset from
either axis between center-lines of successive columns.
4- Successive span lengths measured center-to-center of supports in each direction
shall not differ by more than one-third the longer span.
5- All loads shall be due to gravity only (no lateral loads) and uniformly distributed
over an entire panel.
6- Unfactored live load shall not exceed two times the unfactored dead load L.L ≤
2D.L.
7- If beams are used between supports on all sides, the relative stiffness ratio of the
beams in the two perpendicular directions must be between 0.2 and 5.

where 𝜶𝒇𝟏 represents the ratio of flexural stiffness of a beam (𝑬𝒄𝒃 𝑰𝒃) to the flexural
stiffness of the slab (𝑬𝒄𝒔 𝑰𝒔 ), and 𝓵𝟏 and 𝓵𝟐 are the spans in the two directions.

However, what if one of the above limitations was violated?

The EFM is intended for use in analyzing moments in any practical slab-column
frame. Its scope is thus wider than the direct design method, which is subject to
the seven limitations presented above. In the DDM, the statical moment 𝑀𝑜 is
calculated for each slab span. This moment is then divided between positive and
negative moment regions using moment coefficients, which are adjusted to
reflect pattern loadings. For the EFM, a stiffness analysis (the moment distribution
method) is used to determine the longitudinal distribution of bending moments,
including possible pattern loadings. The transverse distribution of moments to
column and middle strips is the same for both methods.

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Problem statement and main objective of this project:
The building shown in Figure a is a three-story reinforced concrete office building. The
main objective in this project is to analyse and design the solid slab on the second floor
(Figure b) using the Equivalent Frame Method. Given that: 𝛾𝑐 = 24 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3 , 𝑓𝑐′ = 28 𝑀𝑃𝑎,
𝑓𝑦 = 420 𝑀𝑃𝑎, the slab thickness = 200 𝑚𝑚, beams dimensions = 600 × 300 𝑚𝑚,
columns dimensions = 500 × 500 𝑚𝑚, Tiles load = 1.5 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 , Live load = 2.5 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2,
floor height = 4 𝑚.

Second floor slab

North
(a)

(b)

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To solve this problem, we will go through the ACI Code 318M-14 provisions because the
detailed provisions were removed from the later versions of the code.

3-D building Interior equivalent frame

2- D Interior equivalent frame from the side

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 3-D building Exterior equivalent frame

Interior second floor frame with the far ends

Interior equivalent frame being fixed

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 Exterior second floor frame with the far ends
Exterior equivalent frame being fixed

The ACI code allows for further simplification of the frame according to statement
8.11.2.6 when finding the moment at a given support.

A B C D

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To find the moment at supports A and D, the frame can be simplified as below because the slab
continues beyond the assumed fixed support:

At support A At support D

However, to find the moment at supports B and C, the whole frame must be taken because the
slab doesn’t continue two or more panels away.

Important notations:

ℓ1 = Length of span from center to center of columns

in the direction of the frame

ℓ2 = Width of span from center to center of spans in

the transverse direction of the frame

𝑐1 and 𝑐2 are the cross sectional dimensions of

columns in the longitudinal and transverse directions
of the frame, respectively.

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Torsional members
The frame below is a slab-beam strip supported by columns and this strip contains 4
joints, where the slab-beam strip meets with the column. These joints were considered
here because they play an important role in the equivalent frame method.

Joints

The joint shown below consists of several parts, which are the Equivalent Frame
members:

1- The slab-beam strip from right and slab beam strip from left
2- The equivalent column:
a) The column and it is divided into
actual column above and actual
column below
b) The torsional member, which is
perpendicular to the strip direction

The member that is parallel to the strip is

called a beam because it is carrying bending
moment, while the member that is
perpendicular to the strip is called a torsional
member because the moment in the
longitudinal direction will cause torsion on it.
The torsional member will not take portion of
the applied moment, but its presence is effective in distributing the moment between the
frame members.

Note: This is one of the differences between the EFM and the DDM, where the torsional
member was considered at edges only in the DDM, but in the EFM, the torsional member
will be considered at all joints.
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 Actual column
Torsional member
above

Torsional member

Actual column
below

Calculation of Stiffness, Carryover factor, and Fixed-end moments

As previously stated, the DDM prescribes values for moments in various parts of the slab
panel without the need for a structural analysis when distributing the moment in the
longitudinal direction of the frame. However, the EFM uses one of the structural analysis
methods to find the longitudinal distribution of moments, which is the moment-
distribution method. In the moment distribution method, it is necessary to compute the
following:

1- Flexural stiffness of equivalent frame members (𝐾)

a) 𝐾𝑠𝑏 : Stiffness of slab-beam
b) 𝐾𝑐𝑡 : Stiffness of top column
c) 𝐾𝑐𝑏 : Stiffness of bottom column
d) 𝐾𝑡 : Stiffness of torsional members

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 D
C
B
A

2- Distribution factors (DF), Carry-over moment factors (CO), and Fixed-end

moments (FEM) factors for each of the members in the structure
3- Make a table analysis by the moment distribution method to determine the
longitudinal distribution of the moments.

For a prismatic member (with constant EI along the member) fixed at the far end and with
negligible axial loads, the flexural stiffness is:
𝑘𝐸𝐼
𝐾=
𝐿
𝑤𝑙2
where 𝑘 = 4, the carry-over factor is 0.5, and the fixed-end moments are .
12

In reality, the frame has different dimensions at different locations, therefore, the value
of moment of inertia from the face of one column to the face of the adjacent column will
be different than the moment of inertia at a section inside the joints, where the slab
meets with the column. For this purpose, we will refer to the ACI Code statements in
section 8.11.3.

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10 | P a g e
 This is our case

Calculating the moment of inertia for the longitudinal interior frame in the east-west
direction (A3-B3-C3-D3):

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 5m 8m 5m

B A B A B A B

B A B A B A B

For section A-A 2500 mm 4000 mm

200 mm

600 mm
300 mm

∑ 𝐴𝑖 𝑦𝑖 (6500 × 200)(100) + (300 × 400)(400)

𝑦= = = 125.35 𝑚𝑚
∑ 𝐴𝑖 (6500 × 200) + (400 × 300)

𝑏ℎ3
𝐼𝐴−𝐴 = ∑ + 𝐴𝑑 2
12
6500 × 2003
= (( ) + (6500 × 200)(125.35 − 100)2 )
12
300 × 4003
+ (( ) + (300 × 400)(400 − 125.35)2 ) = 15.821 × 109 𝑚𝑚4
12

For section B-B

𝐼𝐴−𝐴 15.821 × 109 9 4
𝐼𝐵−𝐵 = = 2 = 18.568 × 10 𝑚𝑚
𝑐2 2 500
(1 − ) (1 − )
𝑙2 6500

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Calculating the moment of inertia for the longitudinal exterior frame in the east-west
direction (A4-B4-C4-D4):

5m 8m 5m

B A B A B A B

B A B A B A B

For section A-A 2750 mm

200 mm
600 mm

300 mm

∑ 𝐴𝑖 𝑦𝑖 (2750 × 200)(100) + (300 × 400)(400)

𝑦= = = 153.73 𝑚𝑚
∑ 𝐴𝑖 (2750 × 200) + (400 × 300)

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 𝑏ℎ3
𝐼𝐴−𝐴 = ∑ + 𝐴𝑑 2
12
2750 × 2003
= (( ) + (2750 × 200)(153.73 − 100)2 )
12
300 × 4003
+ (( ) + (300 × 400)(400 − 153.73)2 ) = 12.3 × 109 𝑚𝑚4
12

For section B-B

𝐼𝐴−𝐴 12.3 × 109 9 4
𝐼𝐵−𝐵 = = 2 = 12.7 × 10 𝑚𝑚
𝑐2 2 500
(1 − ) (1 − )
𝑙2 2750

Calculate the flexural stiffness of slab-beam members (𝑲𝒔𝒃 )

The stiffness factors (𝑘), carry-over factors (COF), and fixed-end moments (FEM) can be
determined from Table A.
𝑘𝐸𝐼𝑠𝑏
𝐾𝑠𝑏 =
𝑙1

Table (A): Coefficients for slabs

(without drop panel) or with column
capital and slab with beams

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For span A3-B3 and A4-B4:
𝐶1𝐴 500 𝐶1𝐵 500
= 5000 = 0.1, = 5000 = 0.1
𝑙1 𝑙1

𝑘𝐴𝐵 = 4.18, 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 0.513, 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐴𝐵 = 0.085

𝑘𝐵𝐴 = 4.18 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐴 = 0.513, 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐵𝐴 = 0.085

Due to similarity, span C3-D3 and C4-D4 have similar

values as spans A3-B3 and A4-B4,respectively:

𝑘𝐷𝐶 = 4.18, 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 0.513, 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐷𝐶 = 0.085

𝑘𝐶𝐷 = 4.18 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 0.513, 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝐶𝐷 = 0.085

For spans B3-C3 and B4-C4:

𝐶1𝐵 500 𝐶1𝐶 500
= 8000 = 0.0625, = 8000 = 0.0625
𝑙1 𝑙1

By interpolation
𝐶1𝐵 𝐶1𝐶 𝑘𝐵𝐶 𝑘𝐶𝐵 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐶 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐵 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐶 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶𝐵
𝑙1 𝑙1
0.05 0.05 4.05 4.05 0.503 0.503 0.084 0.084
0.0625 0.0625 4.0812 4.0812 0.5054 0.5054 0.08424 0.08424
0.1 0.1 4.18 4.18 0.513 0.513 0.085 0.085

4.18−4.05 𝑥
For 𝑘 value: = 0.062−0.05 → 𝑥 = 0.0312 ∴ 𝑘𝐵𝐶 = 𝑘𝐶𝐵 = 4.05 + 0.0312 = 4.0812
0.1−0.05

0.513−0.503 𝑥
For 𝐶𝑂𝐹 value: = 0.062−0.05 → 𝑥 = 0.0024 ∴ 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 𝐶𝑂𝐹𝐶𝐵 = 0.503 + 0.0024 =
0.1−0.05
0.5054

0.085−0.084 𝑥
For 𝐹𝐸𝑀 coefficient: = 0.062−0.05 → 𝑥 = 0.00024 ∴ 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵𝐶 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶𝐵 = 0.084 +
0.1−0.05
0.00024 = 0.08424

𝐸𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏−𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 = 4700√𝑓𝑐′ = 4700√28 = 24870 𝑀𝑃𝑎

For spans A3-B3-C3-D3:

𝑘𝐸𝐼𝑠𝑏 4.18 × 24870 × 15.821 × 109
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐴3−𝐵3) = 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵3−𝐴3) = 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐶3−𝐷3) = 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐷3−𝐶3) = =
𝑙1 5000
= 3.29 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚

𝑘𝐸𝐼𝑠𝑏 4.0812 × 24870 × 15.821 × 109

𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵3−𝐶3) = 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐶3−𝐵3) = = = 2.01 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
𝑙1 8000

For spans A4-B4-C4-D4:

𝑘𝐸𝐼𝑠𝑏 4.18 × 24870 × 12.3 × 109
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐴4−𝐵4) = 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵4−𝐴4) = 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐶4−𝐷4) = 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐷4−𝐶4) = =
𝑙1 5000
= 2.56 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚

𝑘𝐸𝐼𝑠𝑏 4.0812 × 24870 × 12.3 × 109

𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵4−𝐶4) = 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐶4−𝐵4) = = = 1.56 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
𝑙1 8000
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Calculate the flexural stiffness of equivalent column members
(a) Column stiffness (𝐾𝑐 )

Column stiffness is based on the length of column from mid-depth of slab above to
mid-depth of slab below

The column stiffness can be calculated using the equation below and by referring to Table
B to find the value 𝑘:
𝑘𝐸𝐼𝑐𝑜𝑙
𝐾𝑐 = ℓ𝑐

𝑐2 𝑐13 500×5003
where 𝐼𝑐𝑜𝑙 = = = 5.21 × 109 𝑚𝑚4
12 12

ℓ𝑐 = length of column from mid-depth of slab above to mid-depth of slab below

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 Table (B): Stiffness and Carryover Factors for Columns

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For the column above:

ℓ𝑐 = 4000 𝑚𝑚

ℓ𝑢 = 3400 𝑚𝑚 𝑡𝑏 = 500 𝑚𝑚

ℓ𝑐 4000
= 3400 = 1.176 ℓ𝑐 = 4000 𝑚𝑚
ℓ𝑢
Kct
𝑡𝑎 100 ℓ𝑢 = 3400 𝑚𝑚 2nd floor
= = 0.2
𝑡𝑏 500
𝑡𝑎 = 100 𝑚𝑚 Kcb
For 𝑘 value:

5.30 − 4.95 𝑥
= → 𝑥 = 0.182
1.2 − 1.15 1.176 − 1.15

∴ 𝑘 = 4.95 + 0.182 = 5.132

𝑘𝐸𝐼𝑐𝑜𝑙 5.132 × 24870 × 5.21 × 109

𝐾𝑐𝑡 = = = 1.66 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
ℓ𝑐 4000

For the column below:

ℓ𝑐 4000
= 3400 = 1.176
ℓ𝑢

𝑡𝑎 500
= =5 𝑡𝑎 = 500 𝑚𝑚
𝑡𝑏 100

For 𝑘 value:
ℓ𝑐 = 4000 𝑚𝑚
7.60 − 6.54 𝑥 ℓ𝑢 = 3400 𝑚𝑚
= → 𝑥 = 0.5512
1.2 − 1.15 1.176 − 1.15
𝑡𝑏 = 100 𝑚𝑚
∴ 𝑘 = 6.54 + 0.5512 = 7.09

𝑘𝐸𝐼𝑐𝑜𝑙 7.09 × 24870 × 5.21 × 109

𝐾𝑐𝑏 = = = 2.3 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
ℓ𝑐 4000

(b) Calculate the flexural stiffness of torsional members (𝐾𝑡 )

ACI Commentary Section R8.11.5 expresses the torsional stiffness of the two arms as:

where ℓ2 refers to the transverse spans on each side of the column. For a corner column,
there is only one term in the summation. The cross section of the torsional members is
defined in ACI Code Section 8.11.5.1 (a) to (c) and is illustrated in the Figure below

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The constant C in the above equation is calculated by subdividing the cross section into
rectangles and carrying out the summation

where 𝑥 is the shorter side of a rectangle and 𝑦 is the longer side.

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Statement 8.11.5.2 of the ACI Code states that the torsional stiffness 𝐾𝑡 shall be
increased to 𝐾𝑡𝑎 :
𝐼𝑠𝑏
𝐾𝑡𝑎 = 𝐾𝑡 ( )
𝐼𝑠

where 𝐼𝑠𝑏 = moment of inertia of the slab with beam, and 𝐼𝑠 = moment of inertia of the
slab without a beam.

For joints B3 and C3:

8 5
ℓ2 = + = 6.5 𝑚 = 6500 𝑚𝑚
2 2
𝑐2 = 500 𝑚𝑚

X is measured as the smaller of either:

- h - hf = 600 – 200 = 400 mm (smaller)

- 4x hf = 4 x 200 = 800 mm

A A A A

Case 1 Case 2

200 mm 200 mm

400 mm 400 mm 400 mm 400 mm

600 mm
400 mm

300 mm
300 mm

For Case 1:

300 (300)3 (600) 200 (200)3 (400)

𝐶 = (1 − 0.63 ) + 2 (1 − 0.63 ) = 5.16 × 109 𝑚𝑚4
600 3 400 3
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 For Case 2:

300 (300)3 (400) 200 (200)3 (900)

𝐶 = (1 − 0.63 ) + (1 − 0.63 ) = 3.963 × 109 𝑚𝑚4
400 3 900 3
∴ select 𝐶 = 5.16 × 109 𝑚𝑚4
9×24870×5.16×109 9×24870×5.16×109
𝐾𝑡 = 500 3
+ 500 3
= 3.05 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
8000(1− ) 6500(1− )
8000 5000

ℓ𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 ℎ𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 3 (6500)(200)3

𝐼𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 = = = 4.33 × 109 𝑚𝑚4
12 12 ℓ𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 = 6500 mm

hslab = 200 mm

𝐼𝑠𝑏 11
15.821 × 109
𝐾𝑡𝑎 = 𝐾𝑡 ( ) = 3.05 × 10 ( 9
) = 1.114 × 1012 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
𝐼𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 4.33 × 10

For joints A3 and D3:

X is measured as the smaller of either:

- h - hf = 600 – 200 = 400 mm (smaller)

- 4x hf = 4 x 200 = 800 mm
900 mm

200 mm
600 mm
B B B B

300 mm

Case 1 Case 2

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For Case 1:

200 (200)3 (900) 300 (300)3 (400)

𝐶 = (1 − 0.63 ) + (1 − 0.63 ) = 3.963 × 109 𝑚𝑚4
900 3 400 3
For Case 2:

300 (300)3 (600) 200 (200)3 (600)

𝐶 = (1 − 0.63 ) + (1 − 0.63 ) = 4.963 × 109 𝑚𝑚4
600 3 600 3
∴ select 𝐶 = 4.963 × 109 𝑚𝑚4

9 × 24870 × 4.963 × 109 9 × 24870 × 4.963 × 109

𝐾𝑡 = + = 3.305 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
500 3 500 3
8000 (1 − 8000) 5000 (1 − )
5000
𝐼𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 = 4.33 × 109 𝑚𝑚4

𝐼𝑠𝑏 11
12.3 × 109
𝐾𝑡𝑎 = 𝐾𝑡 ( ) = 3.305 × 10 ( 9
) = 9.39 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
𝐼𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 4.33 × 10

For joints B4 and C4:

9 × 24870 × 5.16 × 109

𝐾𝑡 = 3 = 3.17 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
500
5000 (1 − )
5000
ℓ𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 ℎ𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 3 (2750)(200)3
𝐼𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 = = = 1.833 × 109 𝑚𝑚4
12 12

ℓ𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 = 2750 mm

hslab = 200 mm

𝐼𝑠𝑏 11
12.3 × 109
𝐾𝑡𝑎 = 𝐾𝑡 ( ) = 3.17 × 10 ( ) = 2.13 × 1012 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
𝐼𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 1.833 × 109

For joints A4 and D4:

9 × 24870 × 4.963 × 109

𝐾𝑡 = = 3.05 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
500 3
5000 (1 − )
5000
𝐼𝑠𝑏 12.3 × 109
𝐾𝑡𝑎 = 𝐾𝑡 ( ) = 3.05 × 1011 ( ) = 2.047 × 1012 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
𝐼𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑏 1.833 × 109

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Compute the equivalent column stiffness (𝑲𝒆𝒄 ):
For joints A3 and D3:
1 1 1 1 1
= + = 11
+ = 3.59 × 10−12
𝐾𝑒𝑐 ∑ 𝐾𝑐 𝐾𝑡 (1.66 + 2.3) × 10 9.39 × 1011

∴ 𝐾𝑒𝑐 = 2.79 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚

𝐾𝑐𝑡 11
1.66 × 1011
𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑡 = 𝐾𝑒𝑐 × = (2.79 × 10 ) × = 1.17 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
∑ 𝐾𝑐 (1.66 + 2.3) × 1011

𝐾𝑐𝑏 2.3 × 1011

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑏 = 𝐾𝑒𝑐 × = (2.79 × 1011 ) × = 1.62 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
∑ 𝐾𝑐 (1.66 + 2.3) × 1011

For joints A4 and D4:

1 1 1 1 1
= + = 11
+ = 3.014 × 10−12
𝐾𝑒𝑐 ∑ 𝐾𝑐 𝐾𝑡 (1.66 + 2.3) × 10 2.047 × 1012

∴ 𝐾𝑒𝑐 = 3.32 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚

𝐾𝑐𝑡 11
1.66 × 1011
𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑡 = 𝐾𝑒𝑐 × = (3.32 × 10 ) × = 1.39 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
∑ 𝐾𝑐 (1.66 + 2.3) × 1011

𝐾𝑐𝑏 2.3 × 1011

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑏 = 𝐾𝑒𝑐 × = (3.32 × 1011 ) × = 1.93 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
∑ 𝐾𝑐 (1.66 + 2.3) × 1011

For joints B3 and C3:

1 1 1 1 1
= + = 11
+ = 3.423 × 10−12
𝐾𝑒𝑐 ∑ 𝐾𝑐 𝐾𝑡 (1.66 + 2.3) × 10 1.114 × 1012

∴ 𝐾𝑒𝑐 = 2.92 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚

𝐾𝑐𝑡 11
1.66 × 1011
𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑡 = 𝐾𝑒𝑐 × = (2.92 × 10 ) × = 1.2241 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
∑ 𝐾𝑐 (1.66 + 2.3) × 1011

𝐾𝑐𝑏 2.3 × 1011

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑏 = 𝐾𝑒𝑐 × = (2.92 × 1011 ) × = 1.6965 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
∑ 𝐾𝑐 (1.66 + 2.3) × 1011

For joints B4 and C4:

1 1 1 1 1
= + = 11
+ 12
= 2.995 × 10−12
𝐾𝑒𝑐 ∑ 𝐾𝑐 𝐾𝑡 (1.66 + 2.3) × 10 2.13 × 10

∴ 𝐾𝑒𝑐 = 3.34 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚

𝐾𝑐𝑡 1.66 × 1011

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑡 = 𝐾𝑒𝑐 × = (3.34 × 1011 ) × = 1.4 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
∑ 𝐾𝑐 (1.66 + 2.3) × 1011

𝐾𝑐𝑏 2.3 × 1011

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑏 = 𝐾𝑒𝑐 × = (3.34 × 1011 ) × = 1.941 × 1011 𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
∑ 𝐾𝑐 (1.66 + 2.3) × 1011

23 | P a g e
Calculate the distribution factor (DF) for each member:
For joints A3 and D3

𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐴𝐵) 3.29 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑠𝑏 (𝐴3−𝐵3) = = = 0.54 = 𝐷𝐹𝑠𝑏 (𝐷3−𝐶3)
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐴𝐵) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 3.29 × 1011 + 2.79 × 1011

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑡 1.17 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑡𝑜𝑝(𝐴3) = = = 0.192 = 𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑡𝑜𝑝(𝐷3)
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐴𝐵) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 3.29 × 1011 + 2.79 × 1011

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑏 1.62 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚(𝐴3) = = = 0.27 = 𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚(𝐷3)
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐴𝐵) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 3.29 × 1011 + 2.79 × 1011

For joints B3 and C3

𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐶) 2.01 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑠𝑏 (𝐵3−𝐶3) = = = 0.245 = 𝐷𝐹𝑠𝑏 (𝐶3−𝐵3)
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐶) + 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐴) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 2.01 × 10 + 3.29 × 1011 + 2.92 × 1011
11

𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐴) 3.29 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑠𝑏 (𝐵3−𝐴3) = = = 0.40 = 𝐷𝐹𝑠𝑏 (𝐶3−𝐷3)
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐶) + 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐴) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 2.01 × 1011 + 3.29 × 1011 + 2.92 × 1011

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑡 1.2241 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑡𝑜𝑝(𝐵3) = = = 0.149
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐶) + 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐴) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 2.01 × 10 + 3.29 × 1011 + 2.92 × 1011
11

= 𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑡𝑜𝑝(𝐶3)

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑏 1.6965 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚(𝐵3) = = = 0.21
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐶) + 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐴) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 2.01 × 1011 + 3.29 × 1011 + 2.92 × 1011
= 𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚(𝐶3)

For joints A4 and D4

𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐴𝐵) 2.56 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑠𝑏 (𝐴4−𝐵4) = = = 0.44 = 𝐷𝐹𝑠𝑏 (𝐷4−𝐶4)
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐴𝐵) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 2.56 × 1011 + 3.32 × 1011

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑡 1.39 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑡𝑜𝑝(𝐴4) = = = 0.24 = 𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑡𝑜𝑝(𝐷4)
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐴𝐵) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 2.56 × 1011 + 3.32 × 1011

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑏 1.93 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚(𝐴4) = = = 0.33 = 𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚(𝐷4)
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐴𝐵) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 2.56 × 1011 + 3.32 × 1011

For joints B4 and C4

𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐶) 1.56 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑠𝑏 (𝐵4−𝐶4) = = = 0.21 = 𝐷𝐹𝑠𝑏 (𝐶4−𝐵4)
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐶) + 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐴) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 1.56 × 1011 + 2.56 × 1011 + 3.34 × 1011

𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐴) 2.56 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑠𝑏 (𝐵4−𝐴4) = = = 0.34 = 𝐷𝐹𝑠𝑏 (𝐶4−𝐷4)
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐶) + 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐴) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 1.56 × 1011 + 2.56 × 1011 + 3.34 × 1011

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑡 1.4 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑡𝑜𝑝(𝐵4) = = = 0.19
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐶) + 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐴) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 1.56 × 1011 + 2.56 × 1011 + 3.34 × 1011
= 𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑡𝑜𝑝(𝐶4)

𝐾𝑒𝑐𝑏 1.941 × 1011

𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚(𝐵4) = = = 0.26
𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐶) + 𝐾𝑠𝑏(𝐵𝐴) + 𝐾𝑒𝑐 1.56 × 1011 + 2.56 × 1011 + 3.34 × 1011
= 𝐷𝐹𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑛−𝑏𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑚(𝐶4)

24 | P a g e
Live loads patterns
As the live loads not distributed equally on all spans by its nature, there are certain
patterns of loading may give the largest positive and negative moments. Therefore, there
are specific provisions for the distribution of the live load in section 6.4 of the ACI code,
which are as follows:

25 | P a g e
For our case, we will check if (𝐿𝐿) is uniformly distributed load for all spans or not:

𝐷𝐿 = (0.2 × 24) + 1.5 = 6.3 𝑘𝑁/𝑚3

𝐿𝐿 = 2.5 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2

𝐿𝐿 = 2.5 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 < 0.75(6.3) = 4.725 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2

∴ 𝐿𝐿 is uniformly distributed load for all spans.

Therefore, the factored load (𝑤𝑢 ) that will act on all spans is:

𝑤𝑢 = 1.2𝐷𝐿 + 1.6𝐿𝐿 = 1.2(6.3) + 1.6(2.5) = 11.56 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2

Therefore, the fixed-end moments for spans A3-B3-C3-D3

𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐴3−𝐵3 = 0.085𝑤𝑢 𝑙12 𝑙2 = 0.085(11.56)(5)2 (6.5) = 159.7 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵3−𝐴3

= 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶3−𝐷3 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐷3−𝐶3

𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵3−𝐶3 = 0.08424𝑤𝑢 𝑙12 𝑙2 = 0.08424(11.56)(8)2 (6.5) = 405.11 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶3−𝐵3

26 | P a g e
 11.56 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 11.56 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 11.56 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2

A3 B3 C3 D3

Joint A3 B3 C3 D3
Member A3-B3 B3-A3 B3-C3 C3-B3 C3-D3 D3-C3
DF 0.54 0.40 0.245 0.245 0.4 0.54
CO 0.513 0.513 0.5054 0.5054 0.513 0.513
FEM (kN.m) -159.7 +159.7 -405.11 +405.11 -159.7 +159.7
Balance +86.24 +98.16 60.13 -60.13 -98.16 -86.24
CO +50.36 +44.24 -30.39 30.39 -44.24 -50.36

Balance -27.19 -5.54 -3.39 3.39 5.54 27.19

CO -2.84 -13.95 1.71 -1.71 13.95 2.84

Balance 1.53 4.90 3 -3 -4.90 -1.53

CO 2.51 0.78 -1.52 1.52 -0.78 -2.51

Balance -1.36 0.3 0.18 -0.18 -0.3 1.36

CO 0.15 -0.7 -0.09 0.09 0.7 -0.15

Balance 0.081 0.32 0.19 -0.19 -0.32 -0.081

-ve
Moment @ -50.22 288.21 -375.29 375.29 -288.21 50.22
support

To find the positive moment at each mid-span:

For spans A3-B3 and C3-D3:

𝑤𝑢 𝑙12 𝑙2 𝑀𝐴−𝑣𝑒 + 𝑀𝐴−𝑣𝑒

𝑀𝑜 = = 𝑀+𝑣𝑒 +
8 2

+𝑣𝑒
(11.56)(5)2 (6.5) 50.22 + 288.21
𝑀 = − = 65.6 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
8 2
For span B3-C3

+𝑣𝑒
(11.56)(8)2 (6.5) 375.29 + 375.29
𝑀 = − = 225.83 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
8 2

27 | P a g e
 225.83
kN.m
65.6 65.6
kN.m kN.m

A3 B3 C3 D3
50.22
50.22
kN.m
288.21 kN.m
288.21
kN.m 375.29 kN.m
375.29
kN.m kN.m

The fixed-end moments for spans A4-B4-C4-D4

𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐴4−𝐵4 = 0.085𝑤𝑢 𝑙12 𝑙2 = 0.085(11.56)(5)2 (2.75) = 66.95 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵4−𝐴4

= 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶4−𝐷4 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐷4−𝐶4

𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐵4−𝐶4 = 0.08424𝑤𝑢 𝑙12 𝑙2 = 0.08424(11.56)(8)2 (2.75) = 171.40 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚 = 𝐹𝐸𝑀𝐶4−𝐵4

11.56 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 11.56 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2 11.56 𝑘𝑁/𝑚2

A4 B4 C4 D4

Joint A4 B4 C4 D4
Member A4-B4 B4-A4 B4-C4 C4-B4 C4-D4 D4-C4
DF 0.44 0.34 0.21 0.21 0.34 0.44
CO 0.513 0.513 0.5054 0.5054 0.513 0.513
FEM (kN.m) -66.95 66.95 -171.40 171.40 -66.95 66.95
Balance 29.46 35.51 21.93 -21.93 -35.51 -29.46
CO 18.21 15.11 -11.08 11.08 -15.11 -18.21

Balance -8.01 -1.37 -0.85 0.85 1.37 8.01

CO -0.70 -4.11 0.43 -0.43 4.11 0.70

Balance 0.31 1.25 0.77 -0.77 -1.25 -0.31

CO 0.64 0.16 -0.39 0.39 -0.16 -0.64

Balance -0.28 0.08 0.05 -0.05 -0.08 0.28

-ve
Moment @ -27.32 113.58 -160.54 160.54 -113.58 27.32
support

28 | P a g e
 To find the positive moment at each mid-span:

For spans A4-B4 and C4-D4:

𝑤𝑢 𝑙12 𝑙2 𝑀𝐴−𝑣𝑒 + 𝑀𝐴−𝑣𝑒

𝑀𝑜 = = 𝑀+𝑣𝑒 +
8 2

+𝑣𝑒
(11.56)(5)2 (2.75) 27.32 + 113.58
𝑀 = − = 28.89 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
8 2
For span B4-C4

+𝑣𝑒
(11.56)(8)2 (2.75) 160.54 + 160.54
𝑀 = − = 93.78 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚
8 2

93.78
kN.m
28.89 28.89
kN.m kN.m

A4 B4 C4 D4
27.32
27.32
kN.m
113.58 kN.m
113.58
kN.m 160.54 kN.m
160.54
kN.m kN.m

Up to this stage, the longitudinal distribution is done. Next, we will distribute the negative
and positive moments in each span into column and middle strips in each frame and find
the proportion of column strip moments resisted by beam. This will be done similar to the
Direct Design method.

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