Types of Two-way Slabs

Module No. 3

By
Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

One-way and Two-way Slabs Types of Two-way Slabs

➢ Two-way Slab with beams:

 This is the type of slab which is supported by beams on all
four sides.
 The loads from the slab are transferred to all four support-
One-way slab is supported by Two-way slab is supported by ing beams, which in turn, transfer the loads to columns.
beams in only two sides. beams in all four sides.

Figure: Two-way Slab with beams

One-way and Two-way Slabs Types of Two-way Slabs

One-way slab carry load in one Two-way slab carry load in ➢ Two-way Ribbed Slab:
direction therefore, main rein- two directions therefore, main  This type of slab is supported by ribs (or joists) in two
forcement is provided in only reinforcement is provided in directions.
one direction. both directions.
 The ribs are arranged in each direction at spacing of
about 20 to 30 in., in square or rectangular shapes.
 The thickness of the slab is usually 2 to 4 in.

Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Figure: Two-way Ribbed Slab
 Types of Two-way Slabs Choice of Type of Slab

➢ Two-way Waffle Slab:  Various types of slabs are used for general buildings, such
 This is the type of slab which is supported by ribs in both as residential, office, and institutional buildings.
directions without supporting beams and rest directly on  The specific type however depends on the type of
columns through solid panels above the columns. building, aesthetic features, and the span length between
columns.
 Generally, slabs on beams are suitable for spans between
20 and 30 ft and live loads of 60 to 120 psf. The beams
increase the stiffness of the slabs, producing relatively low
deflection. However, additional formwork for the beams is
needed.
Figure: Two-way Waffle Slab Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Types of Two-way Slabs Choice of Type of Slab

➢ Flat Slabs:  Flat plates are most suitable for spans of 20 to 25 ft and
 A flat slab, reinforced in two directions, usually does not live loads between 60 and 100 psf.
have beams or girders, and the loads are transferred  The advantages of adopting flat plates include low-cost
directly to the supporting columns. formwork, exposed flat ceilings, and fast construction.
 The column tends to punch through  Flat plates however have low shear capacity and relatively
the slab, which is achieved by: low stiffness, which may cause noticeable deflection.
 Using a drop panel and a column
capital
 Using a drop panel without a column capital Figure: Flat Slab
 Using a column capital without drop panel, not common in use
Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Types of Two-way Slabs Choice of Type of Slab

➢ Flat Plates:  Flat slabs are most suitable for spans of 20 to 30 ft and for
 A flat-plate is a two-way slab consisting of a uniform slab live loads of 80 to 150 psf.
that rests directly on columns and does not have beams or  They need more formwork than flat plates, especially for
column capitals column capitals.
 In most cases, only drop panels without column capitals
are used.

Figure: Two-way Flat Plate Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Choice of Type of Slab Methods for the design of Two-way Slabs

 Waffle slabs are suitable for spans of 30 to 48 ft and live  In the equivalent frame method, a portion of a structure is
loads of 80 to 150 psf. taken out by itself, and analyzed much as a portion of a
building frame.
 They carry heavier loads than flat plates and have
attractive exposed ceilings.  The same stiffness values used for the direct design method
are used for the equivalent frame method.
 Formwork, including the use of pans, is however quite
expensive.  This method is very satisfactory for symmetrical frames as
well as for those with unusual dimensions or loadings.

Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Methods for the design of Two-way Slabs Minimum Slab Thickness to Control Deflection

➢ The ACI Code specifies two methods for the design of The ACI Code specifies a minimum slab thickness (h) in
two-way slabs: two-way slabs to control deflection, which can be computed
by using the relation:
1. Direct Design Method (DDM)
2. Equivalent Frame Method (EFM) 1. When αfm ≤ 0.2, then,
h = min. slab thickness without interior beams and can be
calculated by referring the Table 17.1.
2. When 0.2 ˂ αfm ≤ 2, then,
ln (0.8 + fy / 200000) but not less than 5 in.
h=
36 + 5β (αfm – 0.2)
Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Methods for the design of Two-way Slabs Minimum Slab Thickness to Control Deflection

 The direct design method is an approximate method for the

analysis and design of two-way slabs.
 It is limited to slab systems subjected to uniformly
distributed loads and supported on equally or nearly equally
spaced columns.
 The method uses a set of coefficients to determine the
design moments at critical sections.
 Two-way slab systems that do not meet the limitations of
ACI code are analyzed by more accurate procedures.
Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Minimum Slab Thickness to Control Deflection Problem on Two-way Slabs

3. When αfm > 2, then, From the Table 17.1, for exterior panels with no edge
ln (0.8 + fy / 200000) beams and fy = 60 ksi, the minimum thickness is ln /30,
h= but not less than 3.5 in.
36 + 9β while for interior panels with no edge beams and fy = 60
where, ksi, the minimum thickness is ln /33 where ln = the clear
ln = Clear distance b/w columns in long direction distance b/w columns in the long direction.
fy = Yield strength of concrete
therefore,
l Clear distance b/w columns in long direction
β = n1 = For corner panel, the minimum thickness will be
ln2 Clear distance b/w columns in short direction
αfm = Mean value of αf for all beams on the sides of a panel 24 ft – 18/2 in. – 20/2 in. 24 x 12 in. – 9 in. – 10 in.
= =
Centre flexural stiffness of beam E I 30 30
αf = = E cb I b 269 in.
Centre flexural stiffness of slab cs s = = 8.97 in. ≈ 9.0 in.
Ecb , Ecs = Elastic modulus of concrete in beam and slab, respectively 30 Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problem on Two-way Slabs Problem on Two-way Slabs

 Ex #7.1: A floor system consists of four panels by four And for interior panel, the minimum thickness will be
panels in plan. The floor system is a reinforced concrete 24 ft – 20/2 in. – 20/2 in.
=
flat-plate construction with no edge beams. The 33
dimensions of the end panels as well as the size of the 24 x 12 in. – 10 in. – 10 in.
=
supporting columns are shown in the figure. Using the ACI 33
268 in.
Code equations, determine the minimum slab thickness = = 8.12 in. ≈ 8.5 in.
33
required for interior and corner panels. Use normal weight Now since it is common practice to use the same slab
concrete with fcʹ = 4 ksi and fy = 60 ksi. thickness for all exterior and interior panels. Thus, a
thickness of 9 in. may be adopted.

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problem on Two-way Slabs Problem on Two-way Slabs

 Ex #7.2: The floor system shown in figure consists of solid

slabs and beams in two directions supported on 20-in.
square columns. Using the ACI Code equations, determine
the minimum slab thickness required for an interior panel.
Use fcʹ = 3 ksi and fy = 60 ksi.

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

 Problem on Two-way Slabs Problem on Two-way Slabs

 Step # 1: Calculate moment of inertia of beam section (Ib):  Step # 2: Calculate moment of inertia of the slab (Is) in both
To determine the slab thickness (h), first we find αfm. For this long and short directions:
we need Ib , Is and αf for each beam and slab in both long and M.I of slab (Is) in the long direction will be
short directions. (24 x 12 in.) x (7)3
=
Now, consider T-section and assume be = 46ʺ 12
h = 7 in. (to be verified later) so that 7ʺ = 8232 in.4
x = y ˂ 4 x thickness of slab x=15ʺ
22ʺ
y=15ʺ and, M.I of slab (Is) in the short direction will be
x = y = 22 – 7 (20 x 12 in.) x (7)3
16ʺ
= 15 in. must be ˂ 4 x thickness of slab =
12
= 15 in. ˂ 4 x 7 in. = 28 in. = 6860 in.4
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problem on Two-way Slabs Problem on Two-way Slabs

Now, referring the figure and taking the be = 46ʺ  Step # 3: Calculate αf in both long and short directions by
bottom of the web as reference axis, we 1 7ʺ
using the relation:
have, 15ʺ
22ʺ E xI
2 15ʺ αf = cb b
a1 = 46 in. x 7 in. = 322 in.2 Ecs x Is
y1 = 15 in. + 7/2 in.= 18.5 in. 16ʺ Now, 22453.41
a2 = 16 in. x15 in.= 240 in.2 αf 1 (in the long direction) =
8232
y2 = 15/2 in. = 7.5 in. = 2.73
a1 y 1 + a 2 y 2 and, 22453.41
ȳ= αf 2 (in the short direction) =
a1 + a2 6860
322 x 18.5 + 240 x 7.5 = 3.27
= = 13.8 in.
322 + 240 Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problem on Two-way Slabs Problem on Two-way Slabs

Therefore, M.I of beam section (Ib) will be  Step # 4: Calculate αfm by using the relation:
b1 d13 b2 d23 αf 1 + αf 2
={ + a1 h12 } + { + a2 h22 } αfm =
12 12 2
46 x (7)3 here, h1 = y1 – ȳ 2.73 + 3.27
={ + 322 x (4.7)2 } = 18.5 – 13.8 = 4.7 in. αfm = = 3.0
12 2
16 x (15)3 and, h2 = ȳ – y2
+{ + 240 x (6.3)2 } = 13.8 – 7.5 = 6.3 in. Now, according to ACI Code, if αfm > 2 then the minimum
12
thickness of slab (h) can be computed by using the relation:
= (1314.83 + 7112.98) + (4500 + 9525.6)
ln (0.8 + fy / 200000)
= 22453.41 in.4 h=
36 + 9β
here, ln = 24 – (10/12) – (10/12)
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
= 22.33 ft = 268 in.
 Problem on Two-way Slabs Design Steps for Two-way Slabs by Direct Design Method

ln (0.8 + fy / 200000) and, β = ln1 / ln2  Note: Exterior panels without edge beams give the highest
h=
36 + 9β 24 – (10/12) – (10/12) minimum slab thickness (h) than interior panels.
=
22.33 (0.8 + 60000 / 2000000) 20 – (10/12) – (10/12)  It is however, a common practice to use the same slab
= 22.33
36 + 9 x 1.22 = 1.22 thickness for all exterior and interior panels.
=
24.56 18.33
= = 0.523 ft 2. Calculate the factored loads per unit area (qu) by using
46. 98
the relation:
= 6.28 in. > 3.5 in.
qu = 1.2 qD.L + 1.6 qL.L
Thus, a slab thickness of 6.5 in. or 7 in. can be adopted
where, qD.L = Dead load per unit area, lb/ft2
qL.L = Live load per unit area, lb/ft2
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Column and Middle Strips Design Steps for Two-way Slabs by Direct Design Method

 After calculating the design moments 3. Check the thickness of slab due to one way shear (beam
either by DDM or EFM, they are shear)
distributed across each panel.  The thickness of slab due to one way or beam shear can be
 The panels are divided into column and checked by using the relation:
middle strips, as shown in the figure, Vu
and positive and negative moments are d1 =
2φλ√ fcʹ b
estimated in each strip.
where, Vu = qu x b (l1 /2 – c/2 – d)
 The column strip is a slab with a width
qu = factored loads
on each side of the column centerline equal to one-fourth the
l1 = centre to centre distance b/w columns in long direction
smaller of the panel dimensions l1 or l2. The middle strip is the
c = side of column
part of slab b/w two column strips. Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Design Steps for Two-way Slabs by Direct Design Method Design Steps for Two-way Slabs by Direct Design Method

1. Calculate the minimum slab thickness (h) to control d = effective depth of slab
deflection using the values in Table 17.1 φ = 0.75
λ = modification factor for type of concrete
= 1.0 for normal weight concrete
= 0.85 for sand-light weight concrete
= 0.75 for all light weight concrete
fcʹ = compressive strength of concrete
b = 12 in.
 If calculated d1 < d, means the thickness of slab is adequate
for one way or beam shear, if not then either increase the
thickness of slab or provide shear reinforcement.
 Design Steps for Two-way Slabs by Direct Design Method Design Steps for Two-way Slabs by Direct Design Method

4. Check the thickness of slab due to two way shear 6. Calculate the positive moment (Mp) and negative moment
(punching shear) (Mn) in both long and short directions by using the
 The thickness of slab due to two way or punching shear relations:
can be checked by using the relation: Mp = 0.35 M0 and Mn = 0.65 M0
Vu where,
d1 =
4φλ√ fcʹ b0 Mp = Positive moment at mid span
and, Mn = Negative moment at each support
Vu
d2 = M0 = Total static moment
φ(αs d/b0 + 2) λ√ fcʹ b0
where,
Vu = qu {l1 l2 – (c + d)2} Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Design Steps for Two-way Slabs by Direct Design Method Design Steps for Two-way Slabs by Direct Design Method

b0 = 4(c + d) 7. Calculate the width of column and middle strips in both

l1 = centre to centre distance b/w columns in long direction long and short directions
l2 = centre to centre distance b/w columns in short direction
8. Determine the distribution factors for the positive and
αs = 40 for interior columns
negative moments in the longitudinal and transverse
= 30 for edge columns
directions for each column and middle strip, referring the
= 20 for corner columns
Tables 17.2 and 17.4.
 If calculated d1 and d2 < d, means that the thickness of
9. Calculate the steel reinforcement in the longitudinal and
slab is also adequate for two way shear (punching shear),
transverse direction for each column and middle strip
if not then either increase the thickness of slab or provide
shear reinforcement.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Design Steps for Two-way Slabs by Direct Design Method Design Steps for Two-way Slabs by Direct Design Method

5. Calculate the total static moment (M0) in both long and

short directions by using the relations:
qu l2 l2n1 qu l1 l2n2
M0l = and, M0s =
8 8
where,
M0l = Total static moment in long direction
M0s = Total static moment in short direction
l n1 = Clear distance b/w columns in long direction
l n2 = Clear distance b/w columns in short direction
l1 = Centre to centre distance b/w columns in long direction
l2 = Centre to centre distance b/w columns in short direction
 Limitations of Direct Design Method Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs

 According to ACI code, to use Direct Design Method,

following limitations must be met.
1) There must be at least three continuous spans in each
direction.
2) The panels must be square or rectangular; the ratio of the
longer to the shorter span within a panel must not exceed
2.0.
3) Adjacent spans in each direction must not differ by more
than one-third of the longer span.

Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Limitations of Direct Design Method Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs

4) All loads shall be due to gravity only and must be  Solution:

uniformly distributed over an entire panel. Data:
5) The unfactored live load must not be more than two Size of the panel = 24 x 20 ft
times the unfactored dead load. Size of the columns = 20 x 20 in., 12 ft long
6) If a panel is supported on all sides by beams, the relative Service live load = qL.L = 100 psf
stiffness of those beams in the two perpendicular Weight of floor finish = 24 psf
directions, as measured by the expression αf1l2 2 / αf2 l1 2, fcʹ = 4 ksi ; fy = 60 ksi
shall not be less than 0.2 or greater than 5.0. Required: Design of the interior flat-plate panel = ?

Prepared By: Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs

 Ex #7.3: Using the direct design method, design the typical  Step # 1: Calculate the minimum slab thickness (h) to
interior flat-plate panel as shown in figure. The floor control deflection
system consists of four panels in each direction with a From Table 17.1, for interior panels with no edge beams
panel size of 24 x 20 ft. All panels are supported by 20 x and fy = 60 ksi, the minimum slab thickness is ln /33 where
20 in. square columns, 12 ft long. The slab carries a ln = the clear distance b/w columns in the long direction.
uniform service live load of 100 psf and a service dead Therefore, the minimum slab thickness (h) will be
load that consists of 24 psf of floor finish in addition to the 24 ft – 20/2 in. – 20/2 in. 24 x 12 in. – 10 in. – 10 in.
= =
slab weight. Use normal weight concrete with fcʹ = 4 ksi 33 33
268 in.
and fy = 60 ksi. = = 8.12 in. ≈ 9.0 in.
33
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs

 Step # 2: Calculate the factored loads per unit area (qu) by  Step # 4: Check the thickness of slab due to two way or
using the relation: punching shear by using the relations:
qu = 1.2 qD.L + 1.6 qL.L Vu
d1 =
here, qD.L = Weight of slab + weight of floor finish 4φλ√ fcʹ b0
= 150 lb/ft3 x 9/12 ft + 24 lb/ft2 = 136.5 lb/ft2 and,
Vu
qL.L = 100 lb/ft2 d2 =
φ(αs d/b0 + 2) λ√ fcʹ b0
qu = 1.2 (136.5) + 1.6 (100)
where, Vu = qu {l1 l2 – (c + d)2}
= 163.8 + 160 and, b0 = 4(c + d)
qu = 323.8 lb/ft2 here, qu = factored loads = 323.8 lb/ft2
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
l1 = c/c distance b/w columns in long direction = 24 ft

Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs

 Step # 3: Check the thickness of slab due to one way or l2 = c/c distance b/w columns in short direction = 20 ft
beam shear by using the relation: c = side of column = 20 in. = 1.67 ft
Vu d = 9 in. – ¾ in. – 5/8 in. = 7.6 in. = 0.63 ft
d1 = φ = 0.75, λ = 1.0
2φλ√ fcʹ b
fcʹ = 4000 psi, αs = 40 for interior column
where, Vu = qu (l1 /2 – c/2 – d)
here, qu = factored loads = 323.8 lb/ft2 Now, Vu = 323.8 {24 x 20 – (1.67 + 0.63)2}
l1 = c/c distance b/w columns in long direction = 24 ft = 323.8 x 474.71
c = side of column = 20 in. = 1.67 ft = 153711.10 lbs
Assuming ¾ in. concrete cover and # 5 bars, then and, b0 = 4(c + d)
d = average effective depth of slab = 9 in. – ¾ in. – 5/8 in. = 4(20 + 7.6) = 4(27.6)
= 7.6 in. = 0.63 ft = 110.4 in.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs

φ = 0.75 Therefore,
λ = 1.0 (for normal weight concrete) 153711.10 153711.10
d1 = =
fcʹ = 4000 psi 4 x 0.75 x 1.0 x √4000 x 110.4 20946.93
b = 12 in. = 1 ft d1 = 7.33 in. < 7.6 in.
Vu = 323.8 x 1 (24/2 – 1.67/2 – 0.63)
153711.10
= 3411.23 lbs and, d2 =
0.75 (40 x 7.6 + 2) x 1.0 x √4000 x 110.4
Therefore, 110.4
3411.23 3411.23
d1 = = d2 = 6.17 in. < 7.6 in.
2 x 0.75 x 1 x √4000 x 12 1138.42
Now since d1 and d2 are less than d (effective depth of slab),
= 2.99 in. < 7.6 in. which means thickness of slab is adequate which means that the thickness of slab is also adequate for
for one way or beam shear
two way shear or punching shear.
 Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs

 Step # 5: Calculate the total static moment (M0) in both long Similarly, positive moment at mid span in the short direction
and short directions by using the relations: will be = 0.35 M0s = 0.35 x 326.38
qu l2 l2n1 qu l1 l2n2 = 114.23 k-ft
M0l = and M0s =
8 8 and, negative moment at each support in the short direction
where, ln1 = clear distance b/w columns in long direction will be = 0.65 M0s = 0.65 x 326.38
ln2 = clear distance b/w columns in short direction
= 212.15 k-ft
l1 = c/c distance b/w columns in long direction
l2 = c/c distance b/w columns in short direction
here, ln1 = 24 ft – 10 in. – 10 in. = 22.33 ft
ln2 = 20 ft – 10 in. – 10 in. = 18.33 ft
l1 = 24 ft, l2 = 20 ft, qu = 323.8 lb/ft2
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs

Therefore, total static moment in the long direction = M0l  Step # 7: Calculate the width of column and middle strips in
323.8 x 20 x (22.33)2 the long and short directions
=
8 As we know that, the column strip is a slab with a width on
= 403640.09 lb-ft = 403.64 k-ft each side of the column centerline equal to one-fourth the
and, total static moment in the short direction = M0s smaller of the panel dimensions l1 or l2.
323.8 x 24 x (18.33)2 Now, since l2 = 20 ft ˂ l1 = 24 ft,
=
8 therefore, the width of half of a column
= 326379.62 lb-ft = 326.38 k-ft strip in the long and short directions
will be
= 0.25 l2 = 0.25 x 20
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon = 5ft Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs

 Step # 6: Calculate positive moment (Mp) and negative thus, the width of middle strip in the long direction will be
moment (Mn) in both long and short directions by using the = 20 – 2 x 5 = 10 ft
relations: and, the width of middle strip in the short direction will be
Mp = 0.35 M0 and Mn = 0.65 M0 = 24 – 2 x 5 = 14 ft
here, M0l = 403.64 k-ft, and M0s = 326.38 k-ft
Therefore, positive moment at mid span in the long direction
will be = 0.35 M0l = 0.35 x 403.64
= 141.27 k-ft
and, negative moment at each support in the long direction
will be = 0.65 M0l = 0.65 x 403.64
= 262.37 k-ft Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs
Description Column Strip Middle Strip
 Step # 8: Calculate the effective depth (d) in each direction
In the Short Span Negative Positive Negative Positive
Assume that steel bars in the short direction are placed on top Moment Distribution (%) 75 60 25 40
of the bars in the long direction. 0.75 Mn = 0.6 Mp = 0.25 Mn = 0.4 Mp =
Moment Mu (k-ft)
159.11 68.54 53.04 45.69
Therefore, the effective depth (d) in the long direction will be
Width of strip b (in.) 120 120 168 168
= slab thickness – concrete cover – ½ dia of bar
Effective depth d (in.) 7.3 7.3 7.3 7.3
= 9 in. – 3/4 in. – ½ (5/8)
Ru = Mu / bd2 (psi) 298.57 128.62 71.09 61.24
= 7.9 in. Steel ratio ρ (%) 0.586 0.245 0.134 0.115
and, the effective depth (d) in the As = ρbd (in.2) 5.13 2.15 1.64 1.41
short direction will be Min. As = 0.0018bh (in.2) 1.94 1.94 2.72 2.72
= 9 in. – 3/4 in. – 5/8 – ½ (5/8) Bars selected 18 - #5 8 - #5 14 - #4 14 - #4
= 7.3 in. Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Spacing (in.) 6.7 15 12 12

Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs

 Step # 9: Determine the steel reinforcement in the

longitudinal and transverse direction for each column and
middle strip
The calculations for steel reinforcement along with design
details in both long and short directions for each column and
middle strip are shown in the following Tables.

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problem on the Design of Two-way Slabs

Description Column Strip Middle Strip
In the Long Span Negative Positive Negative Positive
Moment Distribution (%) 75 60 25 40
0.75 Mn = 0.6 Mp = 0.25 Mn = 0.4 Mp =
Moment Mu (k-ft)
196.78 84.76 65.59 56.51
Width of strip b (in.) 120 120 120 120
Effective depth d (in.) 7.9 7.9 7.9 7.9
Ru = Mu / bd2 (psi) 315.30 135.81 105.09 90.55
Steel ratio ρ (%) 0.621 0.259 0.199 0.171
As = ρbd (in.2) 5.89 2.46 1.89 1.62
Min. As = 0.0018bh (in.2) 1.94 1.94 1.94 1.94
Bars selected 20 - #5 10 - #5 10 - #4 10 - #4
Spacing (in.) 6 12 12 12
 Two-way Waffle Slabs Two-way Waffle Slabs

 A two way waffle slab also called ribbed slab consists of 2. The 19 19 in. square pans with a 3 in. top slab; from
evenly spaced concrete joists or ribs in both directions which 5 in. wide ribs at 24 in. centers are formed. These
without supporting beams and rest directly on columns are available in standard depths of 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 in.
through solid panels above the columns.  Waffle slabs are suitable for spans of 30 to 48 ft and live
loads of 80 to 150 psf.
 They carry heavier loads than flat plates and have
attractive exposed ceilings.
 Formwork, including the use of pans, is however quite
Figure: Two-way Waffle Slab expensive.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Two-way Waffle Slabs Problem on Two-way Waffle Slabs

 The joists are commonly formed by using standard square  Ex #3.5: Determine the total thickness and size of
“dome” or pan forms and the domes/pans are omitted domes/pans of a waffle slab according to ACI Code for a
around the columns to form the columns heads. hall that consists of square panels without beams as shown
 A thin slab of 3 to 5 in. is cast with these joists to form the in the figure. The size of each panel is 36 x 36 ft. All
waffle slab. panels are supported by 18 x 18 in. square columns, with
no edge beams. The slab carries a uniform service dead
load (excluding self-weight) of 50 psf and a live load of
100 psf. Use normal weight concrete with fcʹ = 4 ksi and fy
= 60 ksi.

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Two-way Waffle Slabs Problem on Two-way Waffle Slabs

 The domes/pans for the waffle slabs can be of any size,

however, the standard pans that are commonly used
in waffle slabs are any one of the following two types:
1. The 30 30 in. square pans
with a 3 in. top slab; from
which 6 in. wide ribs at 36 in.
centers are formed.
These are available in standard
depths of 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and
20 in.
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Problem on Two-way Waffle Slabs Problem on Two-way Waffle Slabs

 Solution: And for interior panel, the minimum thickness will be

Data: 36 ft – 18/2 in. – 18/2 in.
=
Size of the panel = 36 x 36 ft 33
36 x 12 in. – 9 in. – 9 in.
Size of the columns = 18 x 18 in., =
33
Service dead load excluding self-weight = 50 psf 414 in.
Service live load = 100 psf = = 12.54 in.
33
fcʹ = 4 ksi ; fy = 60 ksi Since it is common practice to use the same slab thickness
Required: Total thickness and size of domes/pans of two-way for all exterior and interior panels. Thus, a higher value of
waffle slab = ? 13.8 in. may be taken in to consideration.

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Problem on Two-way Waffle Slabs Problem on Two-way Waffle Slabs

From the Table 17.1, for exterior panels with no edge Now let 30 x 30 in. square standard dome/pan is adopted.
beams and fy = 60 ksi, the minimum thickness is ln /30, Thus, referring Table 2, for a equivalent thickness of slab
while for interior panels with no edge beams and fy = 60 close to 13.8 in. we get a total thickness of 17 in.
ksi, the minimum thickness is ln /33 where ln = the clear consisting of 3 in. slab thickness and 14 in. rib depth.
distance b/w columns in the long direction.
therefore,
For exterior panel, the minimum thickness will be
36 ft – 18/2 in. – 18/2 in. 36 x 12 in. – 9 in. – 9 in.
= =
30 30
414 in.
= = 13.8 in.
30 Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Minimum Slab Thickness to Control Deflection Problem on Two-way Waffle Slabs

Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon
 Slab and rib depth from equivalent slab thickness
Table1: Waffle flat slabs (19" 19" domes/pans at 2'-0")-Equivalent thickness
Rib + Slab Depths (in.) Equivalent Thickness (in.)
8+3 8.89
8+4½ 10.11
10 + 3 10.51
10 + 4 ½ 11.75
12 + 3 12.12
12 + 4 ½ 13.38
14 + 3 13.72
14 + 4 ½ 15.02
16 + 3 15.31
16 + 4 ½ 16.64
Prepared By: Prof. Dr. Fareed Ahmed Memon

Slab and rib depth from equivalent slab thickness

Table2: Waffle flat slabs (30" 30" domes/pans at 3'-0")-Equivalent thickness
Rib + Slab Depths (in.) Equivalent Thickness (in.)
8+3 8.61
8+4½ 9.79
10 + 3 10.18
10 + 4 ½ 11.37
12 + 3 11.74
12 + 4 ½ 12.95
14 + 3 13.3
14 + 4 ½ 14.54
16 + 3 14.85
16 + 4 ½ 16.12
20 + 3 17.92
20 + 4 ½ 19.26