14

Two-Way Slabs:
Elastic Frame
Method

14–1 INTRODUCTION
A23.3 presents two parallel methods for calculating moments in two-way slab systems.
These are the Direct Design Method presented in Chap. 13 and the Elastic Frame Method
presented in this chapter. In addition, A23.3 Cl. 13.6.1 allows other methods if they meet
certain requirements. The relationship between the Direct Design Method and the Elastic
Frame Method is explained in Sec. 13–6 of this book. In the Direct Design Method, the
statical moment, M0 , is calculated for each panel. This moment is then divided between
positive and negative moment regions using arbitrary moment coefficients and the positive
moments are adjusted to reflect pattern loadings. In the Elastic Frame Method, all of this
is accomplished by frame analyses.
The use of frame analyses to analyse slabs was first proposed by Peabody 14–1 in 1948
and a method of slab analysis referred to as “design by elastic analysis” was incorporated in
the 1956 and 1963 editions of the ACI code. In the late 1940s Siess and Newmark 14–2,14–3
studied the application of moment distribution analyses to two-way slabs on stiff beams.
Following extensive research on two-way slabs carried out at the University of Illinois,
Corley and Jirsa 14–4 presented a more refined method of frame analysis for slabs. This
has been incorporated in the 1971 and subsequent ACI codes and in A23.3. Corley and
Jirsa considered only gravity loads. Studies of the use of frame analyses for laterally loaded
column-slab structures 14–5 led to treatment of this problem in the 1983 and subsequent ACI
codes. The Equivalent Frame Method in the ACI code corresponds to the Elastic Frame
Method in A23.3.
The Elastic Frame Method is intended for use in analyzing moments in any practical
building frame. Its scope is thus wider than the Direct Design Method, which is subject to
the limitations presented in Sec. 13–6 (A23.3 Cl. 13.10.1). It works best for frames that
can also be designed by the Direct Design Method, however.
This chapter builds on the basic knowledge of the behaviour and design of slabs in
flexure and shear presented in Chap. 13.
 Torsional Members and Equivalent Columns
When the beam-and-column frame shown in Fig. 14–8a is loaded, the ends of the column
and beam undergo equal rotations where they meet at the joint. If the flexural stiffness,
K = M/θ , is known for the two members, it is possible to calculate the joint rotations
and the end moments in the members. Similarly, in the case shown in Fig. 14–8b, the ends

Figure 14–8
Frame action and twisting of
edge member.

14–2 Elastic Frame Analysis of Slab Systems for Vertical Loads 705
Figure 14–11
Division of edge members
for calculation of C .

The constant C in Eq. 14–6 is calculated by subdividing the cross section into rect-
angles and carrying out the following summation:
 x

x 3y
C= 1 − 0.63 (14–7;
y 3
A23.3 Eq. 13–14)
where x is the shorter side of a rectangle and y is the longer side. The subdivision of
the cross section of the torsional members is illustrated in Fig. 14–11. Several possible
combinations of rectangles may have to be tried to get the maximum value of C . To do
this, the wide rectangles should be made as large as possible in their smaller dimension.
Thus the rectangles chosen in Fig. 14–11b will give larger values of C than those shown in
Fig. 14–11a.
When using a moment distribution analysis, the frame analysis is carried out for a
frame with slabs having stiffnesses, Ks , equivalent columns having stiffnesses, Kec , and
possibly beams parallel to the slabs with stiffnesses, Kb .

EXAMPLE 14–3 Calculation of Kt , Kc , and Kec for an Edge Column and an Interior Column
The 200 mm thick flat plate shown in Fig. 14–4 is attached to 300 mm × 600 mm columns
oriented with the 300 mm dimension perpendicular to the edge, as shown in Fig. 14–4. The storey-
to-storey height is 2700 mm. The slab and columns are 30 MPa concrete. Compute Kt , Kc , and
Kec for the connections between the slab strip along line 2 and columns A2 and B 2.
1. Compute the values for the exterior column, A2 .
(a) Define the cross section of the torsional members. According to A23.3 Cl. 13.9.2.7, the
attached torsional member at the exterior column corresponds to condition (a) in Fig. 14–10 as
shown in Fig. 14–12a. Here x = 200 mm and y = 300 mm.
(b) Compute C .
 x

x3y
C= 1 − 0.63 (14–7;
y 3
A23.3 Eq. 13–14)
 200 mm

(200 mm)3 × 300 mm
= 1 − 0.63
300 mm 3

= 464 × 10 mm
6 4

(c) Compute Kt .
 9Ecs C
Kt = (14–6;
t (1 − c2 /t )3
A23.3 Eq. 13–13)

14–2 Elastic Frame Analysis of Slab Systems for Vertical Loads 709
 y = 300 mm y = 600 mm

x = 200 mm

Figure 14–12
Attached torsional members—
Example 14–3.

where the summation refers to the beams on either side of line 2 and t refers to the length of the
beams on each side of line 2. Since both beams are similar:
 9Ecs N/mm2 × 464 × 106 mm4
Kt = = 2.15 × 106 Ecs N•mm
5500 mm(1 − 600 mm/5500 mm)3
Note that Kt is in N•mm for Ecs in MPa because the value 2.15 × 106 has the units of C/− mm3 .
(d) Compute Kc for the edge columns. The height centre-to-centre of the floor slabs is 2700
mm. The distribution of stiffnesses along the column is similar to Fig. 14–7a. The edge columns
are bent about an axis parallel to the edge of the slab.
600 × 3003
Ic = = 1.35 × 109 mm4
12
For this column the overall height  = 2700 mm, the unsupported clear height, u = 2500 mm
and /u = 1.080. The distance from the centre-line of the slab to the top of the column at the
top surface of the slab, ta , is 100 mm as is the corresponding distance, tb , at the bottom of the
column. Interpolating in Table A–22 for /u = 1.080 and ta /tb = 1.0 gives
4.86Ecc Ic
Kc =
c
and the carryover factor is −0.56. Because there are two columns, one above and one below the
floor, with the same stiffness
  
4.86Ecc N/mm2 × 1.35 × 109 mm4
Kc = 2 = 4.86 × 106 Ecc N•mm
2700 mm
(e) Compute the equivalent column stiffness Kec for the edge column connection.
1 1 1 1 1
= + = +
Kec Kc Kt 4.86 × 106 E cc 2.15 × 106 Ecs
The slab and the columns have the same concrete strength, so Ecs = Ecc = Ec . Therefore,
Kec = 1.49 × 106 Ec N•mm.
Note that Kec is only 31% of Kc . This illustrates the large reduction in effective stiffness due
to the lack of a torsionally stiff member at the edge of the slab along line 1.
2. Compute the values at the interior column B2 . The torsional member at column B 2 also has
a section corresponding to condition (a) in Fig. 14–10 with x = 200 mm and y = 600 mm as
shown in Fig. 14–12b. Thus C = 1.26 × 109 mm4 and Kt = 4.89 × 106 Ecs N•mm. In the slab
strip along line 2, the columns are bent about their strong axes and have Ic = 5.40 × 109 mm4 .
Again  
 4.86Ecc Ic
Kc = 2 = 19.4 × 106 Ecc N•mm
c
Kec = 3.91 × 106 Ec N•mm
It is important to note that unless Kt is very large, Kec will be much smaller than Kc . 䊏

710 Chapter 14 Two-Way Slabs: Elastic Frame Method

Figure 14–14
Torsional members at B 1
and B 2—Example 14–4.
@@
450 mm
450 mm

270 mm 450 mm
270 mm

180 mm

270 mm

180 mm

270 mm

(b) Compute C . To compute C , divide the torsional member into rectangles to maximize C
as shown in Fig. 14–14a:
   
450 4503 × 450 180 1803 × 270
C = 1 − 0.63 + 1 − 0.63
450 3 270 3

= 5.36 × 10 mm9 4

(c) Compute Kt .
 9Ecs C
Kt = (14–6;
t (1 − c2 /t )3
A23.3 Eq. 13–13)

For span A1– B 1, t = 5775 mm, while for span B 1– C 1, t = 7000 mm. Thus

9Ecs × 5.36 × 109 9Ecs × 5.36 × 109

Kt = +
5775(1 − 450/5775)3 7000(1 − 450/7000)3

= 19.1 × 106 Ecs N•mm

Because the span for which moments are being determined contains a beam between the columns
parallel to the span, Kt is multiplied by the ratio of the moment of inertia of a cross section
including the beam stem, Isb (Fig. 14–6b), to the moment of inertia, Is , of the slab alone. From
Example 14–2, Isb = 9.41 × 109 mm4 .

6388 × 1803
Is = = 3.10 × 109 mm4
12

Therefore, Isb /Is = 3.03 and Kt = 3.03 × 19.1 × 106 Ecs = 57.9 × 106 Ecs N•mm.

712 Chapter 14 Two-Way Slabs: Elastic Frame Method

 the centroid of the shear perimeter in Fig. 14–15c gives the moment to be transferred as
Msj − Vcant (ec + esc ) − Vslab esc − Mf = 0
Replacing Vcant ec by Mc gives
Mf = Msj − Mc − (Vslab + Vcant )esc (14–8)
The connection is then designed for (Vslab + Vcant ) and Mf .

EXAMPLE 14–5 Design of a Flat-Plate Floor Using the Elastic Frame Method
Figure 14–4 shows a plan of a flat-plate floor without spandrel beams. Design this floor using the
Elastic Frame Method. Use 30 MPa concrete for the columns and slab and Grade 400 reinforcement.
The storey-to-storey height is 2.7 m. The floor supports its own dead load plus 1.0 kPa for partitions
and finishes and a live load of 2.1 kPa.
This is the same slab that was designed in Example 13–7. Only those parts of the design that
differ from Example 13–7 are discussed here. The step numbers in the design process are the same
as in Example 13–7.
1. Select the design method. Although the slab satisfies the requirements for the use of the Direct
Design Method, it has been decided to base the design on moments calculated using the Elastic
Frame Method.
2. Select the thickness. The selection of thickness is based on Table 13–1 in Sec. 13–6 and also
on providing adequate shear strength. Based on the calculations in Example 13–7, a 200 mm slab
will be used.
3. Compute the moments in the equivalent frame along column line 2. (Examples 13–7 and
14–5 differ in this step.) The strip of slab along column line 2 acts as a rigid frame spanning
between columns A2, B 2, C 2, and D 2. For the purposes of analysis, the columns above and
below the slabs will be assumed fixed at their far ends.
(a) Determine moment distribution coefficients for slab beams. From Example 14–1:
Span A2 – B 2 :
4.11EI1
KA2–B 2 =
1
where 1 = 5500 mm and
5500 × 2003
I1 = = 3.67 × 109 mm4
12
4.11Ec × 3.67 × 109
KA2–B 2 = = 2.74 × 106 Ec N•mm
5500
COFA2–B 2 = −0.509
Similarly, KB 2–A2 = 2.74 × 106 Ec N•mm and COFB 2–A2 = −0.509.
Fixed end moments = 0.085wf 2a 21
Span B 2 – C 2 :
4.10Ec I1
KB 2–C 2 =
1
4.10Ec × 3.67 × 109
= = 2.51 × 106 Ec N•mm
6000
COFB 2–C 2 = −0.507

fixed end moments = 0.084wf 2a 21

Span C 2 – D 2 : Same as A2 – B 2 .

14–2 Elastic Frame Analysis of Slab Systems for Vertical Loads 717
 (b) Determine the moment distribution coefficients for the equivalent columns. From Ex-
ample 14–3:

Column A2: Kec = 1.49 × 106 Ec N•mm, COF = −0.56

Column B 2: Kec = 3.91 × 106 Ec N•mm, COF = −0.56

(c) Compute the distribution factors. The distribution factors are computed in the usual man-
ner, thus:
KA2–B 2
DFA2–B 2 =
KA2–B 2 + KecA2
2.74 × 106 Ec
= = 0.648
2.74 × 106 Ec + 1.49 × 106 Ec

DFcolumnA2 = 1 − 0.648 = 0.352

The distribution factors and carryover factors are shown in Fig. 14–18. The cantilever members
projecting outward at joints A2 and D 2 refer to the slab that extends outside the column to support
the wall.
(d) Select the loading cases and compute the fixed-end moments. Since wL = 2.1 kPa is
less than three-fourths of wD = 5.8 MPa, only the case of uniform live load on each panel need
be considered (A23.3 Cl. 13.9.4.2). We will assume the live load of 2.1 kPa already includes any
reduction for tributary areas.

wf = 1.25 × (0.2 × 24 + 1.0) + 1.5 × 2.1 = 10.4 kPa

For the slab beam in question, 2a = 5500 mm.

Span A2 – B 2 :
M = 0.085wf 2a 21

= 0.085 × 10.4 × 5.5 × 5.52 = 147.1 kN•m

Note that the fixed-end moment M is based on the centre-to-centre span, 1 , rather than on the
clear span, n , used in the Direct Design Method.

Span B 2 – C 2 :
M = 0.084 × 10.4 × 5.5 × 6.02 = 173.0 kN•m

Stiffness × 10-6 Distribution factor to B2–A2

A2 B2 C2 D2

0 0 2.74 0.299 2.51 0.274 2.74 0.648 0

0.352

0.427

0.427

0.352

0 0.648 0.509 0.274 0.507 0.299 0.509 0 0

Carryover
factor
1.49
0.56

3.91
0.56

3.91
0.56

1.49
0.56

Figure 14–18
Stiffness, carryover, and distribution factors—Example 14–5.

718 Chapter 14 Two-Way Slabs: Elastic Frame Method

720
TABLE 14–1 Moment Distribution—Example 14–5
A2 B2 C2 D2
COF = 0.509 COF = 0.507 COF = 0.509

Cant. Col. Slab Slab Col. Slab Slab Col. Slab Slab Col. Cant.
DF 0.0 0.352 0.648 0.299 0.427 0.274 0.274 0.427 0.299 0.648 0.352 0.0

FEM −7.1 0 +147.1 −147.1 0 +173.0 −173.0 0 +147.1 −147.1 0 +7.1

Dist 1 −49.3 −90.7 −7.7 −11.1 −7.1 +7.1 +11.1 +7.7 +90.7 +49.3
CO 1 −3.9 −46.1 +3.6 −3.6 +46.1 +3.9
Dist 2 +1.4 +2.5 +12.7 +18.1 +11.6 −11.6 −18.1 −12.7 −2.5 −1.4
CO 2 +6.5 +1.3 −5.9 +5.9 −1.3 −6.5
Dist 3 −2.3 − 4 .2 +1.4 +2.0 +1.3 −1.3 −2.0 −1.4 +4.2 +2.3
CO 3 +0.7 −2.0 −0.6 +0.6 +2.0 −0.7
Dist 4 −0.2 −0.5 +0.8 +1.1 +0.7 −0.7 −1.1 −0.8 0.5 0.2
Sum −7.1 −50.4 57.5 −186.7 +10.1 +176.6 −176.6 −10.1 +186.7 −57.5 +50.4 +7.1
Sum at
joint 0 0 0 0
 14.1
12.6 kN m ·

23.7 ·
25.2 kN m
25.2

14.1
Figure 14–20
Moments in column A2—
Example 14–5.

(b) Compute the shear on the section and the moment about the centroid of the section. A
free-body diagram of the joint is shown in Fig. 14–21b. The shear forces and bending moments
computed using the Elastic Frame Analysis act at the centre-line of the column, as shown in
Fig. 14–21b. It is necessary to compute statically equivalent forces acting at the centroid of the
critical shear perimeter, axis X – X in Fig. 14–21b. From vertical force equilibrium, the shear
force acting through axis X – X is 38.5 + 133.8 = 172.3 kN. When the shear forces act through
the centroid of the shear perimeter the corresponding moment is (Eq. 14–8)

Mf = 57.5 − 7.1 − (38.5 + 133.8) × 0.097 = 33.7 kN•m

The rest of the combined moment and shear transfer check proceeds as in Example 13–7.
11, 12, and 13. Check the shear at the interior and corner columns and design the torsional
reinforcement. These steps are similar to the corresponding steps in Example 13–7. 䊏

14–3 USE OF COMPUTERS IN THE ELASTIC FRAME METHOD

The Elastic Frame Method was derived assuming that the structural analysis would be
carried out using the moment distribution method. Following the procedures illustrated in
Example 14–5, the fixed-end moments, stiffnesses, and equivalent column stiffnesses are
computed for use in such an analysis. If a standard frame analysis program based on the
stiffness method is to be used, the frame must be specially modelled to get answers that
agree with those obtained using the Elastic Frame Method.
The slab-column frame shown in Fig. 14–22a can be modelled for a computer analysis
as shown in Fig. 14–22b. For this very simple frame, a total of 27 joints and 26 members
are needed, compared to 9 joints and 8 members if the variation in stiffness is ignored. In
addition, it is necessary for the analyst to reduce the stiffness of each column to account for
the flexibility caused by the attached torsional member. Instead of carrying out a detailed

722 Chapter 14 Two-Way Slabs: Elastic Frame Method

 3. For combined gravity and lateral loads: Superimpose the results from steps 1 and 2.
This is a complex series of steps. It is hoped that by the next code revision, the Elastic
Frame Method will be restated in a clearer and a more computer-compatible form.

14–5 CHAPTER SUMMARY

A23.3 presents two parallel methods for calculating moments in a two-way slab: the Direct
Design Method, presented in Chap. 13, and the Elastic Frame Method, presented in Chap. 14,
which corresponds to the Equivalent Frame Method in the ACI code. In the Elastic Frame
Method, the two-way slab system is idealized as two plane frame structures consisting of
columns and slabs, one in each orthogonal direction.
Section 14–2 reviews the modelling of the beams and columns in the idealized elastic
frame and the derivation of the stiffnesses of the frame members. Calculation of distribution
factors, carryover factors and fixed-end moments that allow nonprismatic members to be
analysed using the moment distribution method are presented. The column stiffnesses
require modification because, at a joint, the average rotation of the beam and slab is greater
than the rotation of the end of the column. The column stiffness is therefore computed for
an equivalent column consisting of the actual column and an attached torsional member on
one or both sides of the joint.
Other aspects concerning the use of the Elastic Frame Method to analyze slab systems
for vertical loads are presented in Sec. 14–2, including the live load patterns to be considered
in the structural analysis, the computation of moments at the faces of supports, and the
calculation of the moment at the centroid of the shear perimeter of a column. To illustrate
the difference between the Direct Design Method, presented in Chap. 13, and the Elastic
Frame Method, the long example from Sec. 13–10 is recomputed at the end of Sec. 14–2.
The Elastic Frame Method was derived assuming that the moment distribution method
would be used to compute the moments in frames. Section 14–3 presents some of the
considerations necessary for modelling a frame for analysis by a standard computer program
to obtain results that are consistent with those obtained using the Elastic Frame Method.
In practice, computer analysis programs that are specifically written for the analysis of
reinforced concrete slab systems are often used.
Section 14–4 presents the use of the Elastic Frame Method to analyse slabs in sway
frames subjected to lateral loads. A procedure is described where the stiffnesses used in
the analysis for gravity loads are modified to obtain values appropriate for the analysis for
lateral loads.

PROBLEMS

14–1 Design the north-south strips in the slab shown
in Fig. P13–6 using the Elastic Frame Method.
Loadings, dimensions, and material strengths are
as given in Problem 13–6.
14–2 Repeat Problem 14–1 for the east-west strips in
Fig. P13–6.
14–3 Compute the moments in the east-west strips along
lines A and B in the slab shown in Fig. 14–5. The
floor supports its own weight, superimposed dead
loads of 0.2 kPa for ceiling and mechanical fixtures
and 1.2 kPa for future partitions, plus a live load of
4.8 kPa. The exterior wall weighs 5 kN/m and is
supported by the edge beam. The storeys above
and below the floor in question are 3.6 m and 4.2
m high, respectively. Lateral loads are resisted by
an elevator shaft. Use 25 MPa concrete and Grade
400 reinforcement.

726 Chapter 14 Two-Way Slabs: Elastic Frame Method