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Flat Slabs Can Offer Economical Solutions To Wider Floor Spans in A Reinforced Concrete Buildin1
Flat Slabs Can Offer Economical Solutions To Wider Floor Spans in A Reinforced Concrete Buildin1
Flat slabs are slabs that are supported directly by columns without floor beams. The
columns may or may not have drops. There are many advantages of flat slab such as increased head room, easier flow of mechanical and electrical services, ease in construction of
form work, faster construction etc.
Flat slabs can be analysed using the frame equivalent method, or by using the simplified analysis method which involves the use of coefficients. On the other hand, finite element
analysis using computer programs can be used. In the Eurocodes, the analysis of flat slab is the same as that recommended in BS 8110. According to clause 3.7.2.7 of BS 8110,
the simplified method can be used for flat slabs that the lateral stability is not dependent on the slab and columns provided that the following conditions are met;
(1) The slab is loaded with a single load case of all the panels loaded with maximum ultimate load. This means that the following requirements must be satisfied (clause 3.5.2.3);
(a) The area of each bay exceeds 30 m2
(b) The ratio of the characteristic imposed load to the dead load does not exceed 1.25
(c) The imposed load does not exceed 5 kN/m2
(2) There are at least three rows of approximately equal panels in the direction being considered
(3) Moments at supports can be reduced by 0.15Fhc
In this post, we are going to analyse panel 6 of the flat slab general arrangement that is given above with the following data;
Load Analysis
Permanent Actions
Self weight = 0.23 × 25 = 5.75 kN/m2
Finishes = 1.2 kN/m2
Partition allowance = 1.5 kN/m2
Total gk = 8.45 kN/m2
Variable Actions
Imposed floor load qk = 4 kN/m2
A little consideration will show that the panel under consideration met the conditions for use of coefficients;
For reference on how the panel was divided into middle and column strips, see Figure 3.12 of BS 8110-1:1997.
Therefore, the middle strip positive moment = 0.45 × 301.217 = 135.547 kNm
The column strip positive moment is given by = 0.55 × 301.217 = 165.669 kNm
Therefore, the middle strip positive moment = 0.45 × 301.217 = 135.547 kNm
The column strip positive moment is given by = 0.55 × 301.217 = 165.669 kNm