Step by Step How to Compute Temperature in Slabs Design SAFE CSI

Following the request of our fellow Ismaiel, who replied to our newsletter email asking to clarify
how to compute the temperature loading in slabs desigm, here below Ill try to explain it step by
step. You may request the next article of StepbyStep by sending an email to
admin@kickmybrain.com
In case you missed the Step by Step series, Check it up below. Its a MUST !

1. [Part 1] Step by Step Analysis Procedure of Seismic Loads Based on IBC2012/ASCE7-10

2. [Part 2] Step by Step Analysis Procedure of Seismic Loads Based on IBC2012/ASCE7-10
3. Step by Step Deflection Analysis Using CSI SAFE
4. Step by Step How to Compute P-Delta effect using ETABS according to ASCE 7-10

Actually, the temperature loading evaluation when designing a slab using CSI SAFE is not that
much complicated, as it could be considered as a normal load pattern like the super imposed
dead load, live load, etc. But We shall not forget to introduce the temperature load case in the
load combination related to the adopted standard.
Here below, we will consider a typical square slab of 10m span supported on a continuous wall
from all sides.
From Define menu, load patterns We design a load case having name of Temperature and We
choose its type Temperature
After that We will assign the Temperature load on the slab. Here I have to mention that In SAFE,
two types of temperature loads can be applied to slab elements: an overall change in temperature
or a temperature gradient across the slab thickness.
Ill press right click on the slab, press on Loads then Assign Loads, Temperature Loads.

Here we have to choose the difference of temperature in accordance to the local instructions for
the location of our project. We will choose here in this example just a random assumption. At the
top of slab 80C and at the bottom of Slab 20C.
After that, I will go to the Define menu, Load Combinations to define the strength load
combination having the Temperature load case into it. I will adopt in this example the load
combination from ACI318 9.2: 1.2D+1.6L+1.2T and I will define the regular strength load
combination 1.2D+1.6L, just to compare the results and check out how the temperature will
affect the stresses in the slab.
After that We make sure from Design menu, Design Combos that the requested load
combinations are taken into consideration in the design of slab.

Now We will run the model and check out the difference of the moment along axis 2 under both
load combination

1.2D+1.6L
1.2D+1.2Temp+1.6L
As We can notice that the moment along axis 2 increased from around 9t/m2 to 25t/m2.
Now I will post a verification made by CSI company itself proofing how SAFE results when
computing the Temperature loading are the same as hand-Calculated results.