Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Recommendations For Design o Slab-Column Connections
Recommendations For Design o Slab-Column Connections
1R-89
(Reapproved 1997)
Recommendations are given for determining proportions and details Chapter 4-Methods of analysis for
of monolithic, reinforced concrete slab-column connections. determination of connection strength, p. 6
Included are recommendations regarding appropriate uses of slab- 4.1-General principles and recommendations
column connections in structures resisting gravity and lateral forces, 4.2-Connections without beams
procedures for determination of connection design forces, proce- 4.3-Connections with transverse beams
dures for determination of connection strength, and reinforcement 4.4-Effect of openings
details to insure adequate strength, ductility, and structural integrity. 4.5-Strength of the joint
The recommendations are based on a review of currently available
information. A commentary is provided to amplify the recommen- Chapter 5-Reinforcement recommendations, p. 10
dations and identify available reference material. Design examples il- 5.l-Slab reinforcement for moment transfer
lustrate application of the recommendations. (Design recommenda- 5.2-Recommendations for the joint
tions are set in standard type. Commentary is set in italics.) 5.3-Structural integrity reinforcement
5.4-Anchorage of reinforcement
Keywords: anchorage (structural); beams (supports); collapse; columns (sup
ports); concrete slabs; connections; earthquake-resistant structures; joints
(junctions); lateral pressure: loads (forces); reinforced concrete; reinforcing Chapter 6-References, p. 16
steels; shear strength; stresses; structural design; structures. 6.l-Recommended references
6.2-Cited references
CONTENTS Examples, p. 17
Chapter 1 -Scope, p. 1
Notation, p. 22
Chapter 2-Definitions and classifications, p. 2
2.l-Definitions
2.2-Classifications CHAPTER 1-SCOPE
These recommendations are for the determination of
Chapter 3-Design considerations, p. 5 connection proportions and details that are intended to
3.l-Connection performance provide for adequate performance of the connection of
3.2-Types of actions on the connection cast-in-place reinforced concrete slab-column connec-
3.3-Determination of connection forces tions. The recommendations are written to satisfy ser-
viceability, strength, and ductility requirements related
to the intended functions of the connection.
ACI Committee Reports, Guides, Standard Practices, and
Commentaries are intended for guidance in designing, plan-
ning, executing, or inspecting construction and in preparing
specifications. Reference to these documents shall not be made *Members of the slab-column subcommittee.
in the Project Documents. If items found in these documents Copyright 0 1988, American Concrete Institute.
All rights reserved including rights of reproduction and use in any form of
are desired to be part of the Project Documents they should by any means, including the making of copies by any photo process, or by any
be phrased in mandatory language and incorporated into the electronic or mechanical device, printed, written, or oral, or recording for sound
or visual reproduction or for use in any knowledge or retrieval system or de-
Project Documents. vice, unless permission in writing is obtained from the copyright proprietors.
352.1 R-1
352.1 R-2 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
Design of the connection between a slab and its sup- stressed connections.) Although structures having con-
porting member requires consideration of both the joint crete compressive strength exceeding 6000 psi are within
(the volume common to the slab and the supporting the realm of this document, the recommendations limit
element) and the portion of the slab or slab and beams the assumed maximum value of compressive strength to
immediately adjacent to the joint. No reported cases of 6000 psi.
joint distress have been identified by the Committee. Slab-column framing is generally inadequate as the
However, several connection failures associated with primary lateral load resisting system of multistory
inadequate performance of the slab adjacent to the buildings located in regions of high seismic risk (such as
joint have been reported. ‘J Many of these have oc- Zones 3 and 4 as defined in ANSI A.58.1 and UBC)
curred during construction when young concrete re- because of problems associated with excessive lateral
ceived loads from more than one floor as a conse- drift and inadequate shear and moment transfer capac-
quence of shoring and reshoring.8-‘0 The disastrous ity at the connection. In regions of high seismic risk, if
consequences of some failures, including total collapse designed according to provisions of these recommen-
of the structure, emphasize the importance of the de- dations, slab-column framing may be acceptable in low-
sign of the connection. It is the objective of these rec- rise construction and multistory construction in which
ommendations to alert the designer to those aspects of lateral loads are carried by a stiffer lateral load resist-
behavior that should be considered in design of the ing system. In regions of low and moderate seismic risk
connection and to suggest design procedures that will (such as Zones I and 2 as defined in ANSI A.58.1 and
lead to adequate connection performance. UBC), slab-column frames may be adequate as the pri-
Previous reports5,11 and codes (ACI 318) have sum- mary lateral load resisting system, provided the con-
marized available information and presented some de- nection design recommendations in this document are
sign recommendations. The present recommendations followed.
are based on data presented in those earlier reports and
more recent data. CHAPTER 2-DEFINITIONS AND
The recommendations are intended to serve as a CLASSIFICATIONS
guide to practice. 2.1 -Definitions
These recommendations apply only to slab-column Joint-The part of the column within the depth of
connections in monolithic concrete structures, with or the slab including drop panel and having plan dimen-
without drop panels or column capitals, without slab sions equal to those of the column at the intersection
shear reinforcement, without prestressed reinforce- between the column and the bottom surface of the slab
ment, and using normal weight or lightweight concrete or drop panel.
having design compression strength assumed not to ex- Connection-The joint plus the region of the slab
ceed 6000 psi. Construction that combines slab-column and beams adjacent to the joint.
and beam-column framing in orthogonal directions at Column-A cast-in-place vertical supporting ele-
individual connections is included, but these recom- ment, including column capital if provided, with or
mendations are limited to problems related to the without construction joints, designed to resist forces
transfer of loads in the direction perpendicular to the from the slab at the connection, and having a ratio of
beam axis. The provisions are limited to connections long to short cross-sectional dimensions not exceeding
for which severe inelastic load reversals are not antici- four.
pated. The recommendations do not apply to multi- Column capital-A flared portion of the column be-
story slab-column construction in regions of high seis- low the slab, cast at the same time as the slab, and hav-
mic risk in which the slab connection is a part of the ing effective plan dimensions assumed equal to the
primary lateral load resisting system. Slab-column smaller of the actual dimensions and the part of the
framing is inappropriate for such applications. capital lying within the largest right circular cone or
These recommendations are limited to slab-column pyramid with a 90-deg vertex that can be included
connections of cast-in-place reinforced concrete floor within the outlines of the supporting column.
construction, including ribbed floor slab construction12 Drop panel-A thickened portion of the slab around
and slab-column connections with transverse beams. the column having thickness not less than one-quarter
Recommendations are made elsewhere (ACI 352R) for of the surrounding slab thickness and extending from
connections in which framing is predominantly by ac- the column centerline in each principal direction a dis-
tion between beams and columns. tance not less than one-sixth of the center-to-center
The recommendations do not consider connections span between columns.
with slab shear reinforcement, slab-wall connections, Shear capital-A thickened portion of the slab
precast or prestressed connections, or slabs on grade. around the column not satisfying plan dimension re-
The Committee is continuing study of these aspects of quirements for drop panels.
connection design. Relevant information on these sub- Slab critical section-A cross section of the slab near
jects can be found in the literature. (See References 5, the column, having depth d perpendicular to the slab
11, and 13 through 18 for slab shear reinforcement, and extending around the column (including capital). A
References 19 and 20 for slab-wall connections, and critical section should be considered around the col-
ACI 423.3R, and References 21 through 26 for pre- umn so that its perimeter b, is a minimum, but it need
DESIGN OF SLAB-COLUMN CONNECTIONS 352.1 R-3
not approach closer than the lines located d/2 from the [Fig. 2.2(c)]. Two critical sections are defined for con-
column face and parallel to the column boundaries. nections with drop panels or shear capitals because
Alternate critical sections should be investigated at failure may occur either through the thickened portion
other sections that might result in reduced shear of the slab near the column or through the slab outside
strength. For the purpose of defining the slab critical the drop panel or shear capital [Fig. 2.2(d)].
section, a support of circular cross section may be re- Fig. 2.3 illustrates the limitation on the aspect ratio
placed by a square support having an equal cross-sec- of the column cross-sectional dimensions. As the as-
tional area. pect ratio becomes elongated, behavior deviates from
Direction of moment-Defined to be parallel to the that which is assumed in this report.20 In such in-
flexural reinforcement placed to resist that moment. In stances, the connection between the supporting mem-
connection design and analysis, moments may be ideal- ber and the slab should be designed as a slab-wall con-
ized as acting about two orthogonal axes, in which case nection. No recommendations for such connections are
orthogonal directions are defined for the moments. made in this report. Information is available in the lit-
Transfer moment-The portion of the slab total mo- erature.‘g~20
ment transferred to the supporting element at a con- The direction of moment is parallel to slab reinforce-
nection. The transfer moment is identical in meaning to ment placed to resist that moment. For example, in a
the unbalanced moment as defined in ACI 318. one-way slab (Fig. 2.4), the direction of moment is
Performance of a connection can be affected by be- parallel to the span of the slab. Using vector notation,
havior of the joint (including slip of reinforcement the moment vector [Fig. 2.5(c)] is perpendicular to the
embedded in the joint) and by the region of the slab or moment direction.
slab and beams surrounding the joint. In general, the
region of slab that directly affects behavior of the con- 2.2-Classifications
nection extends from the joint face not more than ap- Connections are classified according to geometry in
proximately twice the development length of the largest Section 2.2.1 and according to anticipated performance
slab bars or four slab thicknesses, whichever is in Section 2.2.2.
greater.” The joint definition is illustrated in Fig. 2. 1. 2.2.1 A slab-column connection is an exterior con-
The slab critical section, used for slab strength deter- nection if the distance from any discontinuous edge to
mination, is the same as that specified in ACI 318, al- the nearest support face is less than four slab thick-
though the definition has been modified to clarify that nesses. An edge connection is an exterior connection
slab critical sections for rectangular supports may be for which a discontinuous edge is located adjacent to
assumed to have a rectangular shape. The slab critical one support face only. A corner connection is an exte-
sections for several support geometries are shown in rior connection for which discontinuous edges are lo-
Fig. 2.2. Punching shear strengths for circular columns cated adjacent to two support faces. A vertical slab
have been observed’” to exceed the punching shear opening located closer than four slab thicknesses to the
strengths for square columns having the same cross- support face should be classified as a discontinuous
sectional area. Thus, it is conservative and may be an- edge if radial lines projecting from the centroid of the
alytically simpler to represent circular columns by support area to the boundaries of the opening enclose a
square columns having the same cross-sectional area length of the slab critical section that exceeds the adja-
drop panel or
shear capitol slab
h 1 A
y ia%
b A
V
Elevation Elevation
--- --------I
column
(c) (d)
Discontinuous
I slab edge
r - - - - - - - -1
+greater than + + d
Note: The recommendations apply four times the slab thickness is based on considerations
only if c, / c2< 4 related to strength of the slab near the support.11 Sev-
C eral examples of exterior connections are in Fig. 2.5.
Where openings are located closer than four slab
thicknesses, the connection may behave as an exterior
connection, depending on the size and proximity of the
c Direction of Moment - opening. To gage approximately the effect of the open-
ing, radial lines are drawn from the centroid of the
support area to the boundaries of the opening [Fig.
Fig. 2.3-Limitation on column aspect ratio 2.5(e)]. If the length of the slab critical section enclosed
within the radial lines exceeds the adjacent support di-
cent support dimension. A connection not defined as an mension, the connection is classified as an exterior
exterior connection is considered to be an interior con- connection. In the preceding, if there are no shear cap-
nection. itals, a support should be interpreted as being the col-
Openings or slab edges located close to the support umn plus column capital if present. If there are shear
interrupt the shear flow in the slab, induce moment capitals, the effect of the opening should first be
transfer to supports, reduce anchorage lengths, and re- checked considering the column to act as the support,
duce the effective joint confinement. The distance of and secondly, considering the shear capital to act as the
352.1 R-5
unbalanced
moment
vector
Fig. 2.4-Moment direction for one-way slab radial line to boundary of opening
external loads, creep, shrinkage, temperature, and supports is likely to be higher (by as much as 20 per-
foundation movements. Loads occurring during con- cent) than the tributary area Shea&**” because of con-
struction and during the service life should be consid- tinuity effects.
ered. 3.3.3 For lateral loads, effects of cracking, compati-
The connection should be designed for the forces due bility, and vertical loads acting through lateral dis-
to applied external loads and due to time-dependent placements (P-delta effects) should be considered.
and temperature effects where they are significant. Ef- Cracking in the connection has been showrP4 to re-
fects of construction loads and early concrete strengths duce connection lateral-load stiffness to a value well
are of particular importance for slabs without beams, below the stiffness calculated by the elastic theory.32~35
as demonstrated by several catastrophic failures during The reduction in stiffnes can result in lateral drift ex-
construction.‘-4 Effects of heavy construction equip- ceeding that anticipated by a conventional elastic anal-
ment and of shoring and reshorin~27*28 should be con- ysis. Effects of gravity loads acting through lateral dis-
sidered. Effects of simultaneous bidirectional moment placements (P-delta effects) are consequently amplified
transfer should be considered in design of the connec- and may play an important role in behavior and stabil-
tion, except wind or seismic lateral loads generally are ity of slab-column frames. Methods of estimating re-
not considered to act simultaneously along both axes of duced lateral-load stiffness are discussed in References
the structure in design. 32, 33, and ACI 318R.
3.2.2 Moment transfer about any principal axis
should be included in evaluating connection resistance CHAPTER 4-METHODS OF ANALYSIS FOR
if the ratio between the factored transfer moment and DETERMINATION OF CONNECTION STRENGTH
factored slab shear at the slab critical section exceeds 4.1 -General principles and recommendations
0.2d, where d is the slab effective depth. The moment Connection strength may be determined by any
should be taken at the geometric centroid of the slab method that satisfies the requirements of equilibrium
critical section defined in Section 2.1. Where biaxial and geometric compatibility and that considers the lim-
moments are transferred to the support, the 0.2d limi- iting strengths of the slab, the column, and the joint. In
tation can be applied independently about both princi- lieu of a general analysis, strength of the slab included
pal axes of the connection. in the connection may be determined according to the
Moment transfer at a connection can reduce the procedures given in Sections 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4, and
shear strength of a slab-column connection. However, strength of the joint may be determined according to
the strength reduction for eccentricity less than 0.2d is Section 4.5.
within the experimental scatter for nominally identical Methods of computing strength of the slab in shear
connections transferring shear only.” and moment transfer have received considerable atten-
tion in literature in recent years. Available methods in-
clude applications of yield line theory, elastic plate the-
3.3-Determination of connection forces ory, beam analogies, truss models, and others.‘n3@’ The
3.3.1 Forces on the connection may be determined by explicit procedures given in Sections 4.2, 4.3, and 4.4
any method satisfying requirements of equilibrium and provide acceptable estimates of connection strength
geometric compatibility for the structure. Time-depen- with a reasonable computational effort. It is noted that
dent effects should be evaluated. moment transfer strength of a connection may be lim-
3.3.2 For normal gravity loads, the recommenda- ited by the sum of the strengths of columns above and
tions of Section 3.3.1 may be satisfied using the Direct below the joint; hence, connection strength should not
Design Method or the Equivalent Frame Method of be assumed to exceed this limiting value.
ACI 318. For uniformly loaded slabs, slab shears at the
connection may be determined for loads within a trib- 4.2-Connections without beams
utary area bounded by panel centerlines; slab shears at The connection should be proportioned to satisfy
first interior supports should not be taken less than 1.2 Sections 4.2.1 and 4.2.2.
times the tributary area values unless a compatibility 4.2.1 Shear
analysis shows lower values are appropriate. 4.2.1.1 Connections transferring shear-Shear
The design should account for the worst combina- strength I’, in the absence of moment transfer is given
tions of actions at the connection. Analysis for connec- by
tion forces should consider at least (a) loads producing
the maximum slab shear on the slab critical section, and V, = $I I’,, where V, = C,V, (4-l)
(b) loads producing the maximum moment transfer at
the slab critical section. in which $I = 0.85, V, = the nominal shear strength,
Factored slab shear at the connection can be deter- I’, = basic shear strength carried by concrete, and C, is
mined by several procedures, including yield line and the product of all appropriate modification factors
strip design methods’3n29 and the equivalent frame given in Table 4.1 and is taken equal to 1.0 if none of
method. However, in typical designs, simpler proce- the modification factors of Table 4.1 are applicable
dures such as the use of tributary areas are acceptable.
The designer is cautioned that the shear at first interior
DESIGN O F SLAB-COLUMN CONNECTIONS 352.1 R-7
in which P, = ratio of long to short cross-sectional di- Table 4.1 - Modification factors for basic shear
mensions of the supporting column, Acs = cross-sec- strength
tional area of the slab critical section = b,d, andyi = Condition Modification factor
concrete compressive strength in units of psi and not to All-lightweight concrete 0.75
exceed 6000 psi. Sand-lightweight concrete 0.85
Eq. (4-l) defines shear strength in the absence of
Flexural yielding anticipated 0.75
moment transfer. The presence of moment may result in slab, including all Type 2
in decreased shear strength. Therefore, the designer is connections
cautioned when computing the required connection 20 < b,/d < 40 0.75
moment strength to consider effects of pattern loads, b./d > 40 0.5
lateral loads, construction loads, and possible acciden-
tal loads.
Eq. (4-l) is based on a similar equation for two-way as a function of the square root of the concrete com-
shear strength as presented in the ACI 318. However, pressive strength. Some research’~” suggests that the re-
modification factors not included in ACI 318 are in- lation should be in terms of the cube root of concrete
cluded in these recommendations. The basic shear strength rather than the square root. Thus, it is possi-
strength should be multiplied by each of the applicable ble that shear strength given by Eq. (4-2) is unconser-
modification factors in Table 4.1 to arrive at the nom- vative for concrete strengths exceeding 6000 psi, the
inal shear strength V n. The modification factors reflect upper bound of strengths reported in tests of slab-col-
how each variable individually affects shear strength. umn connections.
There is little experimental information to show that During construction, young and relatively weak con-
the effects are cumulative. The Committee recommen- crete may need to carry heavy loads. Low concrete
dation is intended to be conservative. strength has a greater effect on shear strength than
The maximum value of 4fl&, for the basic shear flexural strength. Thus, there is a tendency toward
strength given in Eq. (4-2) exceeds the nominal strength connection shear failures. In checking resistance to
of 2Kbd,, used for beams largely because of the construction loads that occur before the full design
geometric confinement afforded to the slab shear fail- concrete strength develops, it is important to use the
ure surface. As the supporting column cross section be- concrete strength corresponding to the age at which the
comes elongated, the confinement due to lateral load occurs rather than the design strength.
compression along the long face is diminished. The 4.2.1.2 Connections transferring shear and mo-
term & in Eq. (4-2) reflects the reduction in strength ment-Any connection may be designed in accordance
due to reduction in lateral confinement. A similar phe- with the recommendations of Section 4.2.1.2(a). Con-
nomenon arises if the critical section perimeter b, nections satisfying the limitations of Sections 4.2.1.2(b)
greatly exceeds the depth d of the slab,” as occurs for or 4.2.1.2(c) may be designed by the procedures listed
the critical section around drop panels and shear capi- in those sections in lieu of the procedure in Section
tals. The values of the modification factors as a func- 4.2.1.2(i). All Type 2 connections should satisfy the
tion of b,/d are based subjectively on trends observed recommendation of Section 4.2.1.2(d) in addition to the
in References 42 and 43. Research on interior connec- other recommendations of this section. All connections
tions with shearhead reinforcemenP shows that the should meet the recommendations of Section 4.2.2.
nominal strength decreases as the distance between the (a) The fraction of the transfer moment given by
critical section and the column face increases. An eval-
uation of the data by the Committee indicates that the 1
yy = l-
reduction may also have been attributable to the in- 1+2/3&
crease in the ratio of the critical section dimension to
slab depth. should be considered resisted by shear stresses acting on
Lightweight aggregate concretes have been observep the slab critical section. In Eq. (4-3), & is the ratio of
to exhibit lower shear strengths reiative to normal the lengths of the sides of the slab critical section mea-
weight concretes having the same compressive strength. sured parallel and transverse to the direction of mo-
Connections subjected to widespread flexural yield- ment transfer, respectively. The shear stresses due to
ing have been observed42to exhibit shear strengths moment transfer should be assumed to vary linearly
lower than those observed for connections failing in about the centroid of the slab critical section. The al-
shear prior to flexural yielding. Nominal shear strength gebraic sum of shear stresses due to direct shear and
for this case is reduced by a factor of 0.75. This provi- moment transfer should not exceed the value of VJA,.
sion should be applied for all Type 2 connections and (b) Corner connections, and edge connections trans-
for some Type 1 connections. Included in the latter ferring moments only perpendicular to the slab edge,
category are slabs designed by yield-line methods. The may be assumed to have adequate shear strength if the
possibility of yield should be considered in flat-slab and factored direct shear transferred to the column does not
flat-plate floor systems for which column layouts are exceed 0.75 V,, with V, defined by Eq. (4-l).
irregular. (c) Connections supported on columns having a ratio
The basic shear strength given by Eq. (4-2) is written of long to short cross-sectional dimensions less than or
352.1 R-8 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
equal to two may be assumed to have adequate shear straint when the flexural reinforcement yields. For that
strength to transfer the factored connection shear and reason, an upper limit equal to three-quarters of the
moment if value given by Eq. (4-1) is recommended. Recommen-
dations for moment transfer reinforcement are given in
v0 2 VU + a(K,, + M&,)/b, (4-4) Section 4.2.2.
For interior or edge connections having a ratio be-
in which b, = perimeter of the slab critical section, VU tween long and short column dimensions less than or
= factored direct shear on the slab critical section, and equal to two, effects of moment transfer on shear
A4,,bi and Muba are the factored moments transferred si- strength can be accounted for by proportioning the
multaneously to the support in the two principal direc- connection to satisfy the recommendations of Section
tions at the geometric centroid of the slab critical sec- 4.2.1.2(c). Eq. (4-4) of that section essentially emu-
tion. For exterior connections, moments perpendicular lates, in algebraic form, the eccentric shear stress model
to the slab edge may be taken equal to zero in Eq. (4-4) described in Section 4.2.1.2(a). The form of Eq. (4-4)
if V, does not exceed 0.75 V,, with I’, defined by Eq. (4- was originally presented by ACI-ASCE Committee
1). The value of LY should be taken equal to 5 for inte- 426,11 which recommended the equation for interior
rior connections and 3.5 for edge connections. connections with a value of (Y equal to 5.2. The value
(d) For all Type 2 connections, the maximum shear of cy has been modified to 5.0 for interior connections.
acting on the connection in conjunction with inelastic For edge connections transferring moment only paral-
moment transfer should not exceed 0.4~‘~. lel to the slab edge, a value of cy equal to 3.5 is appro-
Shear strength may be reduced when moments are priate. For edge connections also transferring moment
transferred simultaneously to the connection. In Sec- perpendicular to the slab edge, the shear V, is usually
tion 4.2.1.2, several alternate procedures for consider- less than O.l5V, in which case moments perpendicular
ing the effects of moment transfer are recommended. to the slab edge can be ignored in Eq. (4-4). This equa-
The most general of the recommended procedures, tion may be unconservative for connections not satis-
which can be applied to connections of any geometry fying the requirement for column cross section aspect
and loading, is described in Section 4.2.1.2(a). How- ratio.
ever, connections can be designed with less computa- The recommendation in Section 4.2.1.2(d) should be
tional effort if they satisfy the loading and geometric applied to all connections without beams for which in-
requirements of Section 4.2.1.2(b) or 4.2.1.2(c). elastic moment transfer is anticipated. The recommen-
The design method described in Section 4.2.1.2(a) is dation is based on a revieti’ of data reported in Refer-
identical to the eccentric shear stress model embodied in ences 33, 34, and 48 through 52, and some previously
ACI 318. It is assumed that shear stresses due to direct unpublished tests, which reveal that lateral displace-
shear on the connection are uniformly distributed on ment ductility of interior connections without shear re-
the slab critical section. In addition, a portion of the inforcement is inversely related to the level of shear on
unbalanced moment given by Eq. (4-3) is resisted by a the connection. Connections having shear exceeding the
linear variation of shear stresses on the slab critical sec- recommended value exhibited virtually no lateral dis-
tion. The algebraic sum of shear stresses due to direct placement ductility under lateral loading. The recom-
shear and moment transfer should not exceed the value mendation of Section 4.2.1.2(d) may be waived if cal-
of V,/&. The portion of moment not carried by ec- culations demonstrate that lateral interstory drifts will
centric shear stresses is to be carried by slab flexural re- not induce yield in the slab system. For multistory con-
inforcement according to Section 4.2.2. The method is struction, stiff lateral load resisting structural systems
described in detail in several references (e.g., ACI comprising several structural walls may be adequate.
318R, and Reference 13). 4.2.2 Flexure-Slab flexural reinforcement should be
For corner connections, and for edge connections provided to carry the moment transferred to the con-
transferring moment only perpendicular to the slab nection in accordance with Section 5.1.1.
edge, a simple computational design procedure is given
in Section 4.2.1.2(b). The procedure is based on 4.3-Connections with transverse beams
research16 on slab-column edge connections for which If a connection has beams transverse to the span of
the outside face of the column is flush with the slab the slab, shear and moment transfer strength of the
edge. For such connections, moment transfer strength connection may be determined as follows:
perpendicular to the slab edge is governed by slab flex- 4.3.1 Shear strength is the smaller of the following:
ural reinforcement within an effective transfer width, (a) Design shear strength limited by beam action with
and apparently is not influenced significantly by shear a critical section extending across the entire slab width
on the connection. Failure apparently occurs when the in a plane parallel to the beam and located a distance d
connection moment reaches the flexural strength of slab from the face of the beam, where d is the slab effective
reinforcement, or the connection shear reaches the depth. Design shear strength for this condition is cal-
shear strength of the slab critical section. In cases where culated according to ACI 318 for beams.
moments induce yield in slab flexural reinforcement, (b) Design shear strength limited by the sum of de-
shear failure can apparently occur for shear less than sign strengths in shear of only the transverse beams.
that given by Eq. (4-1) because of loss of in-plane re- Design shear strength of the transverse beams at a dis-
DESIGN OF SLABCOLUMN CONNECTIONS 352.1 R-9
tance dbwm from the support face should be computed tion. For connections having substantial transverse
considering interaction between shear and torsion, beams, it is unlikely that the beams and slab will de-
where dOCorn is the beam effective depth. velop design shear strengths simultaneously, so shear
4.3.2 Moment transfer strength is the smaller of the strength should be limited to the contribution of the
following: beams only.
(a) Design flexural strength of the slab at the face of Flexural strength is limited by development of a flex-
the support over a width equal to that of the column ural yield line across the slab column-strip width, in
strip. which case the transverse beams do not reach their de-
(b) Sum of the design flexural strength of the slab sign strengths [Fig. 4.1(a)], or by development of a
and the design torsional strengths of the transverse yield surface around the connection that involves flex-
beams. Slab design flexural strength is computed over ural yield of the slab and torsional yield of the trans-
a width equal to that of the support face. verse beams [Fig. 4.1(b)]. Beam torsional strength is
The procedure described is based on concepts of the calculated considering interaction between shear and
beam analogy as presented in Reference 38. The pro- torsion. The beam shear may be determined by the
cedure assumes the shear strength is limited by either procedure given in Reference 16, or more simply, all
beam action in the slab or by development of shear shear may be assumed distributed to beams in propor-
strengths of the beams at the side faces of the connec- tion to their tributary areas if the beams have equal
column strip
Moment transfer
transverse beam
strength = M,
MS = Moment transfer
strength = Ms + 2T”
L
352.1 R-10 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
normally involves moment reversals, both the top and F Direction of Moment -
the bottom reinforcement should be effectively contin-
uous over the column.
(b) Exterior connections-For resistance to moment
transfer parallel to the edge of edge connections, the
recommendations of Section 5.1.1(a) for interior con-
nections should be followed.
For resistance to moment transfer perpendicular to
the edge, including corner connections, sufficient rein-
forcement should be placed within a width 2c, + c,,
centered on the column, to resist the total moment to
be transferred to the column at the centroid of the slab
L-J L-J
critical section, unless the edge is designed to transfer (a) Edge Connection (b) Comer Connection
5.1.3(b), the sum of the top and bottom reinforcement slab edge without spandrel beams be designed for tor-
within the width c, + 3h should not exceed three-quar- sion. Additionally, it is noted that the recommended
ters of the balanced reinforcement computed for the edge reinforcement may be inadequate to act as a dia-
area having total width c, + 3h and depth d, unless phragm chord or strut tie. Typical examples of rein-
both the bottom and top flexural reinforcement can be forcement at edge connections are shown in Fig. 5.3.
developed within the column. For edge connections without beams, the bars run-
The upper limit on the sum of continuous top and ning parallel to the slab edge should be placed (where
bottom reinforcement applies for cases where the col- practicable) within the bars perpendicular to the edge or
umn dimension is not sufficient to develop the rein- within the stirrups, if present.
forcement, according to Section 5.4.5. In the presence
of significant moment transfer at such connections, a 5.2--Recommendations for the joint
bar in tension due to flexural stres ses on one face of the 5.2.1 Column longitudinal reinforcement-Column
column may, because of inadequate anchorage, be in longitudinal reinforcement passing through the joint
tension also at the opposite face of the column. Thus, should satisfy Sections 10.9.1 and 10.9.2 of ACI 318.
both the top and bottom reinforcement may be stressed Offsets that satisfy requirements of ACI 318 are per-
in tension on a single face. To insure that the extra ten- mitted within the joint.
sile forces will not result in local crushing of slab con- In addition, the column reinforcement for Type 2
crete, the sum of top and bottom reinforcement ratios joints should be distributed around the perimeter of the
should not exceed three-quarters of the balanced ratio. column core. The center-to-center spacing between ad-
5.1.5 At discontinuous edges of exterior connections, jacent longitudinal bars should not exceed the larger of
all top slab reinforcement perpendicular to the edge 8 in. or one-third of the column cross-sectional dimen-
should be anchored to develop the yield stress at the sion in the direction for which the spacing is being de-
face of the column, and the edge should be reinforced termined.
to satisfy the recommendations of Sections 5.1.5(a) or Researchers have pointed out the need for well-dis-
5.1.5(b). tributed longitudinal reinforcement to confine con-
(a) A beam should be provided having depth equal to crete. j7 The recommendations for distribution of longi-
or greater than the slab depth and having longitudinal tudinal reinforcement for Type 2 connections are in-
reinforcement and closed stirrups designed to resist the tended to insure adequate column ductility by
torsion transmitted from the discontinuous slab edge. improving column confinement.
The transverse reinforcement should extend a distance 5.2.2 Transverse reinforcement
not less than four times the slab thickness from both 5.2.2.1 Type 1 connections-Transverse reinforce-
sides of the support and should be spaced at not more ment is not required for interior connections. For exte-
than 0.5d&,, where dh,,, is the beam effective depth, rior connections, horizontal transverse joint reinforce-
except it need not be spaced less than 0.75 times the ment should be provided. Within the depth of the slab
slab effective depth. plus drop panel, the reinforcement should satisfy Sec-
(b) An effective beam formed within the slab depth tion 7.10 of ACI 318, with the following modifica-
and reinforced by slab reinforcement should be pro- tions.
vided. For this effective beam, within a distance not (a) At least one layer of transverse reinforcement
less than two slab thicknesses on both sides of the sup- should be provided between the top and bottom levels
port, the top reinforcement perpendicular to the edge of slab longitudinal reinforcement.
should be spaced not more than 0.75 times the slab ef- (b) If the connection is part of the primary system for
fective depth and should have a 180-deg hook with ex- resisting nonseismic lateral loads, the center-to-center
tension returning along the bottom face of the slab a spacing of the transverse reinforcement should not ex-
distance not less than I,, as defined in Section 5.4.5. In ceed 8 in.
lieu of hooked bars hairpin bars of diameter not less, 5.2.2.2 Type 2 connections-Column transverse
than that of the top slab bars may be inserted along reinforcement above and below the joint should con-
the edge to overlap the top bars. At least four bars, of form to requirements of Appendix A of ACI 318.
diameter not less than the diameter of the main slab For interior connections, transverse reinforcement is
bars, should be placed parallel to the discontinuous not required within the depth of the joint. For exterior
edge as follows: Two of the bars should be top bars, connections, as defined in Section 2.2.1, the column
one along the slab edge and one not less than 0.75 cl transverse reinforcement should be continued through
nor more than c, from the slab edge. The other two the joint, with at least one layer of transverse rein-
bars should be bottom bars, placed so one bar is di- forcement between the top and bottom slab reinforce-
rectly below each of the two top bars. ment. Maximum spacing of transverse reinforcement
At discontinuous edges, the use of spandrel beams is within the slab depth should not exceed the smallest of
encouraged to insure adequate serviceability and tor- (a) one-half the least column dimension, (b) eight times
sional strength. Where spandrel beams are absent, the the smallest longitudinal bar diameter, or (c) 8 in. All
slab edge should be reinforced to act as a spandrel hoops should be closed with hooks at their ends of not
beam. The recommended slab edge reinforcement is in- less than 135 deg. Where required, crossties should be
tended to control cracking. It is not intended that the provided at each layer of transverse reinforcement, and
DESIGN OF SLAB-COLUMN CONNECTIONS 352.1R-13
A
A
n
I I v I
I -
I
A
. . . .
I . . .
I . , . .
i
I
-?-
1Hlll1111 -- d
f
!
I h
0. I
not be less
K I
Section A - A than 0.75h
E
i
stress at face
!
Bt
e Plan
I Section B - B
each end of a crosstie should engage a perimeter longi- ACI 318 for columns in frames that are not part of the
tudinal bar. Single-leg crossties should have a 135 deg lateral force resisting system in regions of high seismic
or greater bend on one end, and the other end may risk, and for frames in regions of moderate seismic
have a standard 90-deg tie hook as defined in Section risk, as appropriate.
7.1 in ACI 3 18. If 90-deg hooks are used, the hooks For interior connections, adequate confinement is
should be placed at the interior face of the joint within afforded by the slab. Reinforcement above and below
the slab depth. All 135-deg hooks should have mini- the slab should conform to the recommendations.
mum extensions not less than the greater of 6 tie bar Within the depth of the joint of exterior connec-
diameters and 3 in. tions, column longitudinal bars should be restrained
For Type 1 connections, joint confinement by trans- laterally by spirals or by ties as required in Section
verse reinforcement is advised for exterior connections 7.10.5.3 of ACI 318 and as modified here.
where at least one face of the joint is not confined by
the slab. Because the joint may be thin in elevation, the
requirements of ACI 318 are modified to recommend at 5.3-Structural integrity reinforcement
least one layer of transverse steel within the joint. An Reinforcement as specified in 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 should
additional requirement is made for the more severe be provided to increase the resistance of the structural
loading case where the slab resists lateral loads. system to progressive collapse.
For Type 2 connections, the recommendations for 5.3.1 Connections without beams-At interior con-
transverse reinforcement are the same as those given by nections, continuous bottom reinforcement passing
352.1 R-14 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
ical section may be taken along a line intersecting the that yield is generally anticipated in Type 2 connec-
joint face and perpendicular to the direction of the mo -tions, the modification of Section 5.4.4(d) is not to be
ment. applied for the Type 2 connection.
5.4.2 Recommendations for Type I connections- Where significant strain hardening of reinforcement
Reinforcement at connections may be developed by us- is anticipated due to inelastic deformations, 1.25 f,
ing hooked bars according to Section 5.4.4, by using should be substituted for f, in Eq. (S-2).
straight bars passing through the connection according 5.4.5 Straight bars terminating at the connection-
to Section 5.4.5, or by using straight bars terminating The development length ld for a straight bar terminat-
at the connection according to Section 5.4.5. ing at a Type 1 connection should be computed as
5.4.3 Recommendations for Type 2 connections-
Reinforcement at connections may be developed by us-
ing hooked bars according to Section 5.4.4, except all fYAb 2 O.O004d, f,
(5-3)
bars terminating in the joint should be hooked within ld = 25fl
the transverse reinforcement of the join usint g a 90-deg
hook. Alternately, anchorage may be provided by provided the bar is contained within the core of the
straight bars passing through the connection according column, with the following modifications:
to Section 5.4.6. Straight bars should not be termi- (a) The length ld should be increased by 30 percent
nated within the region of slab comprising the connec- for bars not terminating within the core of the column.
tion. For bars anchored partially within the column core, any
5.4.4 Hooked bars terminating at the connection- portion of the embedment length not within the con-
The development length lclh of a bar terminating in a fined core should be increased by 30 percent.
standard hook is (b) The length ld should be increased by 30 percent if
the depth of concrete cast in one lift beneath the bar
f, db exceeds 12 in.
(5-2) (c) The length I, should be multiplied by 1.33 for all-
ldh = 50 fl
lightweight concrete, or by 1.18 for sand-lightweight
concrete.
with the following modifications: (d) The length I, may be reduced for Type 1 connec-
(a) The development length should be increased by 30 tions by multiplying by the factor As (required)/ A s
percent for all-lightweight and sand-lightweight con- (provided) where reinforcement is provided in excess of
crete. that required for strength.
(b) If transverse reinforcement in the joint is pro- The recommended development length is similar to
vided at a spacing less than or equal to three times the that required by ACI 318.
diameter of the bar being developed, ldh may be re- Where the bar is not contained within the core of the
duced by 20 percent within the joint. column, l d should be increased as recommended in Ref-
(c) For Type 1 connections, if side cover normal to erence 59 to account for the greater tendency toward
the plane of the hook is not less than 2% in., and cover splitting when concrete cover is small.
on the bar extension is not less than 2 in., ldh may be For Type 2 connections, straight bars should not ter-
reduced by 30 percent. minate in the region of slab comprising the connection.
(d) For Type 1 connections, if reinforcement in ex- 5.4.6 Bars passing through the joint-For Type 2
cess of that required for strength is provided, idh may be connections, all straight slab bars passing through the
reduced by the ratio A,(required)/A,(provided). joint should be selected such that
In no case should the length I,,,, be less than the
greater of 6 in. or 8db.
For most Type 1 and all Type 2 exterior connections, h/d, 3 15 (5-4)
bars terminating at a connection will be anchored using
a standard hook as defined by ACI 318. The tail exten-
sion of the hook should project toward the midheight where h, is the joint dimension parallel to the bar. No
of the joint. The development length given by Eq. (5-2) special restrictions are made for column bars or for
is similar to that required by ACI 318 and is evaluated Type 1 connections.
more fully in work done by ACI Committee 408.jp The Straight slab bars are likely to slip within a joint dur-
modifications are to be applied concurrently. ing repeated inelastic lateral load reversals (ACI 352R,
The same length is specified for Type I and Type 2 Reference 60). In slabs of usual thickness, slip of rein-
connections, based on the assumption that the effects forcement can result in significant reduction of lateral
of load reversals for Type 2 connections will be offset load stiffness.6’ The purpose of the recommended ratio
by more stringent recommendations for joint confine- between bar size and joint dimension is to limit, but not
ment. These confinement recommendations are equiv- eliminate, slippage of the bars through the connection.
alent to the benefits from increased concrete cover over The recommended ratio is intended to avoid unusually
the hook; hence, the modification of Section 5.4.4(c) is large diameter slab bars and will not influence propor-
not applicable to Type 2 connections. In addition, given tions in typical designs.
352.1R-16 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
40. Simmonds, Sidney H., and Alexander, Scott D. B., “Truss EXAMPLES*
Model for Edge Column-Slab Connections,” ACI Structural Jour-
nal, V. 84, No. 4, July-Aug. 1987, pp. 296-303. Example 1 - Design of an edge connection subjected
41. Park, Robert, and Islam, Shafiqul, “Strength of Slab-Column to gravity loading
Connections with Shear and Unbalanced Flexure,” Proceedings,
ASCE, V. 102, ST9, Sept. 1976, pp. 1879-1901. Column 16''x16''
42. Hawkins, N. M., and Mitchell, D., “Progressive Collapse of /
Flat Plate Structures,” ACI JOURNAL, Proceedings V. 76, No. 7, July
1979, pp. 775-808.
43. Dilger, Walter H., and Ghali, Amin, “Shear Reinforcement for
Concrete Slabs,” Proceedings, ASCE, V. 107, ST12, Dec. 1981, pp.
2403-2420.
44. Ivy, Charles B.; Ivey, Don L.; and Buth, Eugene, “Shear Ca-
pacity of Lightweight Concrete Flat Slabs,” ACI JOURNAL., Proceed-
ings V. 66, No. 6, June 1969, pp. 490-493.
45. Zsutty, Theodore C., “Beam Shear Strength Predictions by
Analysis of Existing Data,” ACI JOURNAL , Proceedings V. 65, No.
11, Nov. 1968, pp, 943-951.
I +8” Slab
I_
98.
47. Pan, Austin, and Moehle, Jack P., “Lateral Displacement
Ductility of Reinforced Concrete Slab-Column Connections,” to be e2=1s /
published in ACI Structural Journal.
48. Morrison, Denby G.; Hirasawa, Ikuo; and Sozen, Mete A.,
“Lateral-Load Tests of R/C Slab-Column Connections,” Journal of f;’ = 4000 psi
Structural Engineering, ASCE, V. 109, No. 11, Nov. 1983, pp. 2698- f, = 60,000 psi
2714.
49. Hawkins, Neil M., “Seismic Response Constraints for Slab L = 40 psf
Systems,” Earthquake-Resistant Reinforced Concrete Building Con- D= 115psf
struction, University of California, Berkeley, 1977, V. 3, pp. 1253-
1275. Type 1 connection (2.2.2)
50. Hanson, Norman W., and Hanson, John M., “Shear and Mo-
ment Transfer Between Concrete Slabs and Columns,” Journal, PCA Design forces
Research and Development Laboratories, V. IO, No. 1, Jan. 1968, U = 1.4D + 1.7L
pp, 2-16. v. = 38.6 kips
51. Islam, Shafiqul, and Park, Robert, “Tests on Slab-Column Mub = 580 kip-in. at centroid of slab critical section
Connections with Shear and Unbalanced Flexure,” Proceedings,
ASCE, V. 102, ST3, Mar. 1976, pp. 549-568. Check shear
52. Zee, H. L., and Moehle, J. P., “Behavior of Interior and Ex- Assume #4 bars each way, %-in. cover
terior Flat Plate Connections Subjected to Inelastic Load Reversals,” d = (7 + 6.5)/2 = 6.75 in.
Report No. UCB/EERC-84/07, Earthquake Engineering Research b, = 16 + 6.75 + 2(12 + 6.75/2) = 53.5 in. (2.1)
Center, University of California, Berkeley, Aug. 1984, 130 pp. Acs = b.d = 53.5 x 6.75 = 361 in. (4.2.1.1)
53. Collins, Michael P,, and Mitchell, Denis, “Shear and Torsion V.= V,=4Ac,fi=4x361 x m
Design of Prestressed and Non-Prestressed Concrete Beams,” Jour-
= 91,300 lb = 91.3 kips
nal, Prestressed Concrete Institute, V. 25, No. 5, Sept.-Oct. 1980, pp.
32-100. V, = 4 V. = 0.85 x 91.3 = 77.6 kips
54. Hanson, John M., “Influence of Embedded Service Ducts on V./V, = 38.6/77.7 = 0.50 < 0.75, therefore, OK (4.2.1.2b)
Strength of Flat-Plate Structures,” Research and Development Bul-
letin No. RD005.01D, Portland Cement Association, Skokie, 1970, 16 Check moment transfer
PP- c, + 2c, = 16 + 2 x 12 = 40 in.
55. Zaghlool, E. Ramzy F., and de Paiva, H. A. Rawdon, “Tests +A& = +pbd’& (1 - 0.59~ &If: ) (5.1.lb)
of Flat-Plate Corner Column-Slab Connections,” Proceedings, 2 A4. = 580 kips-in..
ASCE, V. 99, ST3, Mar. 1973, pp. 551-572. which requires p = 0.0058; A, = 1.62 in.’
56. Rangan, B. Vijaya, and Hall, A. S., “Moment Redistribution Use nine #4 bars
in Flat Plate Floors,” ACI Journal, Proceedings V. 81, NO. 6, NOV.-
Dec. 1984, pp. 601-608. Reinforcement details
57. Sheikh, Shamin A., and Uzumeri, S. M., “Strength and Duc- Top reinforcement perpendicular to the slab edge (5.1.5b)
tility of Tied Concrete Columns,” Proceedings, ASCE, V. 106, ST5, spacing Q 0.75d = 5.1 in.
May 1980, pp. 1079-1102. Development length of hooks
58, Mitchell, Denis, and Cook, William D., “Preventing Progres- L = Kd,)/(5Oa)
sive Collapse of Slab Structures, ” Journal of Structural Engineering, = (60,000 x 0.5)/(50-) = 9.5 in. (5.4.4)
ASCE, V. 110, No. 7, July 1984, pp. 1513-1532. Structural integrity reinforcement (5.3.1)
59. ACI Committee 408, “Suggested Development, Splice, and w. = greater of (1.40 + 1.7L) and (2D) = 0.230 ksf
Standard Hook Provisions for Deformed Bars in Tension,” (AC1 A, = (%)(0.5w.I,~,)/(+_&)
408.1R-79), American Concrete Institute, Detroit, 1979, 3 pp. I= (L/1)(0.5 x 0.230 x 22.5 x 15)/(0.9 x 60)
60, Bertero, V. V.; Popov, E. P.; and Forzani, B., “Seismic Be- = 0.48 in’.
havior of Lightweight Concrete Beam-Column Subassemblages,” Use two #5 bottom bars each way passing through column
ACI JOURNAL ., Proceedings V. 77, No. 1, Jan.-Feb., 1980, pp. 44-52. cage.
61. Hawkins, N. M., “Lateral Load Design Considerations for Flat
Plate Structures,” Nonlinear Design of Concrete Structures, Study
No. 14, University of Waterloo Press, 1980, pp. 581-613. *Numbers in parentheses refer to sections of this report.
352.1R.18 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
Final deslg
nn - Example 1
Column 16”x16”
2-#4mln -
2-#5
h
L-4
1
Plan
12”> I
d
.
I c,+ 4 h = 48" (5.1.5b) , ection B-B
c2= 16”
Temp. and
Shrlnkage
I I ( I (typ.)
I
7‘ 7 I I
8’ I #4 added I
Plan
ecti on B - B
II
l-
Example 3 - Ed e connection subjected to Load Wind V”, KY: M“brl Muby
biaxial moment LBue to gravity and wind loading combination direction kips ki%n. kios-In. kios-in. kips-in.
(1) ;:y; + 40.5 -572 -394 -413
r Cdumn 12" x24" (2) ;‘;‘X;“” 30.4 - 743 - 296 -310
+ 1.73
(3) ;7;(;;40 34.8 - 429 -610 - 623
+ 1:7w)
(4) 0.9D + 18.3 + 59 - 177 703 - 185
1.3w
(5) :;JDw+ 22.1 - 257 +144 + 137
L
Notes: M, and M are fle xural moments in the slab column strip.
Mubr and h& are moments transferred to the connection at the cen-
troid of the slab critical section. For moment in the x-direction, no sign
225’ is indicated. For moment in the y-direction, values are positive if the
I transfer moment tends to place bottom slab steel in tension.
Vu varies depending on whether the wind is considered along the pos-
itive or negative direction of the x- or y-axes. Only the larger value for
t Panel each load combination is tabulated.
Final design-Example 3
Column 12"x24"
G
l.v=
<- BL -)B --
A A
Section A-A
Section B-B
Note: Mvbr is taken equal to zero in the preceding because Structural integrity reinforcement (5.3.1)
V./V, < 0.75. A, = (~)(0.5W,W(o&)
= (%)(0.5 x 0.229 x 22.5 x 15)/(0.9 x 60)
= 0.48 in.z
Moment transfer in y-direction:
The maximum moment transfer in the y-direction occurs un- Use three #4 bottom bars each direction through column cage.
der uniaxial moment transfer. According to Section 4.2.1.2(b),
effects of moment transfer on shear are ignored because VJV,
< 0.75.
Example 4 - Design of an interior connection
with shear capital
Check flexure
Reinforcement in x-direction:
The column strip (51 in.) is designed to carry the total column
strip flexural moment I&, requiring eleven #4 top and #4 at 12
in. bottom (temperature and shrinkage).
‘-7
Structural integrity reinforcement (5.3.1)
A,m = K’.5~JU(~~~
+. = (0.5 x 0.246 x 20 x 20)/(0.9 x 60) = 0.91 in.’
) q i ~ Use three #5 bottom bars each way passing through column
cage.
Check maximum reinforcement
Within c, + 3h = 46 in., p + p’ $ 0.75 p*,. OK (5.1.4)
Check maximum bar spacing (5.1.2)
P 8’ Slab S,, = 2h = 16 in., OK
---w
I I
I Final design - Example 5
f: = 4000 psi
f, = 60,000 psi
L = 50 psf
D = 115 psf
Design forces
U = 1.4D + 1.7L
2 0.75(1.4D + 1.7L + 1.87E)
2 0.9D + 1.43W
V K Mm
Load combination k$ kip-in. kip-in.
(1) 1.4D + 1.7L 97 1450 ---
(2) 0.75(1.4D + 1.7L + 1.87E) 1440 780
(3) 0.9D + 1.43E :: 960 780
Notes: M. = column strip total moment.
M.. = transfer moment. Section A-A
352.1 R-22 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
*_..
; -
1 352.1 R-D1
/
I
352.1R-D2 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
v. M, AND My R E P R E S E N T
EFFECTS OF COLUMN ON
SLAB CRITICAL SECTION
to I’, M,, and MY. Eq. (4-5) differs from the equation
in Section 11.12.2.4 of the ACI 318-83 Commentarp2 Fig. B - Top views of a corner-column connection ex-
in that the critical section property J,, which the Com- ample
mentary describes as “analogous to polar moment of
inertia,” is here replaced by the second moment of corner columns. It is also expected that, for edge and
Area I. The reasons for the change are given in Refer- corner columns, the coefficient yy becomes zero when
ence 63, where it is shown that the Commentary equa- the critical section is sufficiently far from the column
tion gives erroneous results when x and y are not cen- faces. However, research is needed before an adjust-
troidal principal axes, and when they are, the equation ment of yv can be made.
gives slightly smaller stresses than the stresses by Eq. Method (b) allows substantially higher force and
(4-5). For the remainder of the present discussion, Eq. moment transfer compared to Method (a), as will be
(4-5) will be considered applicable in Method (a) of shown below by a numerical example of a corner col-
Section 4.2.1.2. of the Committee 352 report. umn connection. Method (b) can lead to unsafe design
Eq. (4.4) of the report implies that the maximum because it extends the results of a test series of edge
shear stress at the critical section can be determined by connections to corner connections without sufficient
experimental evidence.
V” m0.x = 2 + -& wf”bl + Mu*21 (4-6) EXAMPLE
0
A corner column of cross section 16 x 16 in.* is con-
where b, is the perimiter of the critical section, and &, nected to an 8-in. slab with d = 6.88 in. The factored
and Mub2 are the factored moments transferred to the force and moments transferred from the column to the
column about the centroidal principal directions at the slab are indicated in Fig. B.* It is required to deter-
centroid of the critical section. The values of CY recom- mine, using Method (a), a multiplier g, which, when
mended are 5 for interior and 3.5 for edge connections. applied to the transferred force and moment, will make
No value is given for corner connections, which prob- the connection just safe. Repeat the design using
ably means that Eq. (4-6) does not apply in this case. Method (b) to determine a corresponding multiplier qb.
In fact, when Eq. (4-6) is used for a corner column, Assume that normal weight concrete having fi = 4000
with CY = 3.5, it gives a substantially different result psi is used, that flexural yielding in the slab is not an-
from Eq. (4-5). ticipated, and that the connection is of Type 1.
The Committee report states that Eq. (4-6) does not Method (a) - The principal axes of the slab critical
apply when the long-to-short cross-sectional dimen- section are inclined 45 deg to the slab edges. The prop-
sions of the column are greater than two. There are erties of the critical section are
several other cases not mentioned in the report for
which Eq. (4-6) cannot possibly give the correct maxi- A = 2(6.875)(19.44)
mum shear stress because the equation does not include = 267 in.2 1, = $ (13.74)2 = 4208 in.4
the necessary parameters. Examples of such cases are:
columns with nonrectangular cross-sections, nonsym- 1, = $(27.49)2 = 16,800 in.4
metrical critical sections due to the presence of open-
ings, and edge connections with slab overhang.
Eq. (4-5) is basic and general and does not need to be The transferred moments are multiplied by yv = 0.4
simplified by Eq. (4-6), which has so many limitations. and replaced by equivalent components in the principal
Method (b) is based on tests on edge connections that x- and y-directions. The shear in the critical section are
have indicated that the slab strength in transfer of mo- to be determined for V = 19.3 kips; h4, = 136 kips-in.,
ment perpendicular to slab edge is not influenced sig- MY = 28 kips-in.
nificantly by the shearing force. This phenomenon can
mean that the fraction of moment transferred by shear *The da ta for this example are the same as for Example 2 of the Committee
report. with the exception of the directions of the transferred moments. Here
is smaller for exterior columns than for interior col- the directions of the transferred moments are chosen such that they produce
umns. Thus, in Method (a), different values of the tensile stress in the top slab fiber in directions perpendicular to the inner faces
of the columns. This represents the common case in practice where the mo-
coefficient yv should be used for interior, edge, and ments are caused by gravity forces on the slab.
-- j--
SLAB-COLUMN CONNECTIONS 352.1 R-D3
The maximum shear stress occurs at Point A, whose torsion. The combined maximum shear stress due di-
x and y coordinates are (0 and 6.87). Maximum shear rect shear and moment transfer is found to be 211 psi,
stress by Eq. (4-5) which is less than 44x = 4 x O.SS&@Ki = 215 psi.
The shear strength of the slab is therefore adequate. To
19300 transfer a moment of 375 kips-in. by direct flexure, ad-
vmQX =267+ +z (6.87) + g(O) equate area steel must be provided in the vicinity of the
column over a width of c, + 3h = 16 + (3 x 8) = 40
= 72 + 222 + 0 = 294 psi in. This requires p = 0.0039; A, = 1.05 in. which
should be compared with p = 0.0058; A, = 1.62 in.
None of the modification factors of Table 4.1 apply; given in Example 1. In other words, the proposed
thus C, = 1.0. The connection will be just safe when g, method requires over 50 percent more steel than that
multiplied by v,_ is equal to V,/A, = 4(4fl) needed by the ACI Code method within the same slab
width of 40 in. The ACI method has been in use for
more than 20 years, and I am not aware of any evi-
294 g, = 0.85 (4,/4000); thus g. = 0.73 dence showing that it is not adequate. With the advent
of microcomputers and programmable calculators, very
Method (b) - According to this method, the con- little effort is required to check a slab for adequate
nection will be just safe when qb multiplied by 72 psi, shear strength using the ACI method. For these rea-
which is the shear stress due to the a vertical force, is sons, I fail to see the necessity for the proposed method
equal to 0.75 4(4fl). This gives that would lead to overconservative designs. Also, the
supporting data for limiting the spacing of bars to a
maximum of 0.75d is no t given in the report.
72 Q, = 0.75(0.85) (4,/3000); thus gc = 2.24 2. The overconservative nature of the proposed
method is further supported by the results obtained
From the example just given it can be seen that from a slab specimen tested recently at the University
Method (b) considers the connection to be safe under of New South Wales. The test specimen is similar to the
load more than three times the load allowed by Method one I have tested earlier,16 except that there are no
(a). Method (b) can hardly be considered an alternate to closed ties in the slab at the edge.
Method (a). The test specimen is a half-scale model of an edge
connection with the following details: slab thickness =
100 mm (3.94 in.), d = 82 mm (3.23 in.), c, = 250 mm
CONCLUSION
(9.84 in.), c, = 200 mm (7.87 in.), f,’ = 48.3 MPa
In view of the preceding example, it is suggested that (7004 psi), and slab steel perpendicular to the free edge
only Method (a) be retained, with the maximum stress consisted of 6.3 mm (0.25 in.) diameter bars at spac-
calculated by Eq. (4-5). A mention may be made that ings of 100 mm (3.94 in.) at the top and 115 mm (4.53
the value of yV can be smaller than the value given by in.) at the bottom. In addition, two 8 mm (0.31 in.) di-
Eq. (4-3) when the connection is of an exterior column. ameter bars and two 6.3 mm (0.25 in.) diameter bars
were also placed at the top within the column width.
REFERENCE The yield strength of 6.3 mm bar is 460 MPa (66.7 ksi)
62. ACI Committee 318, “Commentary on Building Code Re- and that of 8 mm bar is 535 MPa (77.6 ksi). The spec-
quirements for Reinforced Concrete (ACI 318R-83).” American imen failed in punching shear and the measured forces
Concrete Institute, Detroit, 1983, 155 pp., and 1986 Supplement.
63. Ghali, Amin, Discussion of Section 11.12.6.2 of “Proposed at failure are V, = 108.2 kN (24.4 kips) and &, = 27.9
Revision to: Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete kNm (247 kips-in.). For this specimen, b, = 864 mm
(ACI 318-83) (Revised 1986),” reported by ACI Committee 318, ACI (34.0 in.), V, = 864 x 82 x 0.34m = 167.4 kN
Structural Journal, V. 86, No. 3, May-June 1989. p. 329. (37.7 kips) and V./V, = 108.2i167.4 = 0.65 < 0.75.
According to the proposed method, therefore, the
strength of this edge connection is given by the mo-
By B. VIJAYA RANGAN ment transfer strength of the slab flexural steel within
FACI, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Structural Engineering, the width of c, + 2c, = 200 + (2 X 250) = 700 mm
University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
(27.6 in.), which is found to be 14.0 kNm (124 kips-
The members of Committee 352 should be congratu- in.). The ratio of test strength/predicted strength =
lated for their report. This discussion deals mainly with 27.9/14.0 = 2.0.
Sections 4.2.1.2(b), and Example 1. The design method I have calculated the strength of this test specimen
described in these sections of the report is based on the using the ACI Building Code method. The predicted
work of Professor Moehle.* I am concerned that this moment transfer strength is 20 kNm (177 kips-in.) and
method would lead to overconservative designs in prac- therefore test value/calculated value = 27.9/20.0 =
tice. The following points support my concern: 1.40.
1. I have reworked Example 1 using ACI 318-83. I have also calculated the strength of this connection
According to the ACI Building Code method, the mo- using the simple formula given in the Australian Stan-
ment transferred by direct flexure is 375 kips-in., and dard.64 The predicted shear strength is 77.3 kN (17.4
therefore 580 - 375 = 205 kips-in. is transferred as kips) and the test/calculated ratio is 108.2/77.3 = 1.40.
352.1 R-D4 MANUAL OF CONCRETE PRACTICE
REFERENCE rior connections transferring moment parallel to the
64. “Australian Standard for Concrete Structures,” (AS 3600-1988). edge. For columns having other cross sections, Method
Standards Association of Australia, North Sydney, Mar. 1988, 108 (a) of Section 4.2.1.2 should be used.
PP.
The committee agrees with Dr. Rangan that the rec-
ommendations may result in more reinforcement near
COMMITTEE CLOSURE
exterior columns than is required by the ACI Building
The committee thanks Professors Ghali and Rangan
Code. The concentration of reinforcement is recom-
for their discussions of the recommendations. The
mended to improve performance of the connection. As
Committee will consider seriously the points made in
reinforcement is spread over wider distances, the con-
the discussions in its future deliberations. Response to
nection becomes more flexible, and, especially under
their comments follows.
lateral loading, may not be able to develop its strength
The committee agrees with Dr. Ghali that the three
within reasonable deformation limits. Further, it should
methods of Section 4.2.1.2 for determining connection
be noted that the recommendations, although requiring
shear and moment transfer strength do not produce
concentration of reinforcement near the exterior col-
identical results. Method (a) of that section is the fa-
umn, do not require use of more reinforcement in to-
miliar shear and moment transfer method of the ACI
tal. According to either the ACI Building Code or the
Building Code. Because this method has been success-
Committee 352 recommendations, the total quantity of
ful for design for many years, the committee did not
reinforcement at the edge is determined by the total
attempt to modify this method. The committee cannot
slab moment at the edge.
comment on the modifications to this method that were
The additional experimental data provided by Dr.
proposed by Dr. Ghali. Those modifications and their
Rangan are welcome and will be studied further. As
bases were submitted as discussion to the Committee
noted in the background to the recommendations66 the
318 proposed revisions and are not available to the
eccentric shear stress model of Section 4.2.1.2(a) of the
committee.
recommendations usually is more conservative than is
Method (b) of Section 4.2.1.2 is not intended to pro- the model of Section 4.2.1.2(b).
duce designs that are exactly the same as those pro-
The committee agrees that computers and calculators
duced by Method (a); it is an alternative that has been facilitate design but disagrees that such equipment ob-
found to match experimental data better than does viates simplified techniques. When simplified tech-
Method (a). Recent comparisons with experimental niques provide insight into the proportioning and de-
data65 indicate that Method (b) is applicable to corner tailing process, or simply aid conceptual design, they
connections. Dr. Ghali suggests in his example that the become tools as valuable as the computer or calculator
shear stress for a corner connection should be calcu- that are purported to replace them.
lated about an axis 45 deg relative to the column prin-
cipal axes. The committee will consider this recommen-
dation further. However, the committee notes that REFERENCES
connections tested in the laboratory typically display 65. Hwang, S-J., “An Experimental Study of Flat-Plate Struc-
yield lines across the slab prior to punching of the con- tures Under Vertical and Lateral Loads,” graduate thesis, University
of California, Berkeley, Jan. 1989, 271 pp.
nection. 66. Moehle, Jack P.; Kreger, Michael E.; and Leon, Roberto,
The committee thanks Dr. Ghali for pointing out “Background to Recommendations for Design of Reinforced Con-
that Method (c) of Section 4.2.1.2 is applicable only to crete Slab-Column Connections,” ACI Structural Journal, V. 85, No.
rectangular interior connections and rectangular exte- 6, Nov.-Dec. 1988, pp. 636-644.