436 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN

As shown in Fig. 11.13, the maximum factored shear force per unit length, Vu, is
obtained as:
Vu = wu (0.5l xn − d ) (11.14)

where lxn is the clear span in the short span direction.

The corresponding nominal shear stress τ v = Vu bd (with b = 1000 mm) should
be less than the design shear strength of concrete for slabs, kτ c [refer Section 6.6.2].
An average effective depth d = (dx + dy)/2 may be considered in the calculations.
For a more accurate estimation of load distribution in slabs with different
boundary conditions, reference may be made to Ref. 11.16.

lyn

45o d critical section for

0.5lxn one-way shear
d
lxn
max. shear force per
unti width
strips of Vu = wu × shaded area
o unit width = wu (0.5lxn – d)
45

0.5lxn

Fig. 11.13 Assumed distribution of loads on the edges of a rectangular slab, uniformly
loaded

EXAMPLE 11.1
Design a simply supported slab to cover a room with internal dimensions 4.0 m ×
5.0 m and 230 mm thick brick walls all around. Assume a live load of 3 kN/m2 and a
finish load of 1 kN/m2. Use M 20 concrete and Fe 415 steel. Assume that the slab
corners are free to lift up. Assume mild exposure conditions.
SOLUTION

• Effective short span ≈ 4150 mm

4150
Assume an effective depth d ≈ = 138 mm
20 × 1.5
With a clear cover of 20 mm and say, 10 φ bars, overall thickness of slab
D ≈ 138 + 20 + 5 = 163 mm.
⇒ Provide D = 165 mm
⇒ dx = 165 – 20 – 5 = 140 mm
dy = 140– 10 = 130 mm
 DESIGN OF TWO-WAY SLAB SYSTEMS 437

⎧l x = 4000 + 140 = 4140 mm l y 5130

⇒ Effective spans ⎨ ⇒ r≡ = = 1.239
l
⎩y = 5000 + 130 = 5130 mm l x 4140
[Note that effective span is taken as (clear span + d), as this is less than centre-to-
centre span (between supports)].
Loads on slab:
(i) self weight @ 25 kN/m3 × 0.165m = 4.13 kN/m2
(ii) finishes (given) = 1.0 ”
(iii) live loads (given) = 3.0 ”
w = 8.13 kN/m2
⇒ Factored load wu = 8.13 × 1.5 = 12.20 kN/m2
Design Moments (for strips at midspan, 1 m wide in each direction)
• As the slab corners are torsionally unrestrained, the Rankine-Grashoff method
[Cl. D–2 of Code] may be applied:
short span: Mux = αx wulx2
long span: Muy = αy wulx2
where
1 ⎡ r4 ⎤ 1 ⎡ 1.239 4 ⎤
αx = ⎢ 4⎥
= ⎢ ⎥ = 0.0878
8 ⎣1 + r ⎦ 8 ⎣1 + 1.239 4 ⎦
1 ⎡ r 2 ⎤ 1 ⎡ 1.239 2 ⎤
and α y = ⎢ ⎥ = ⎢ ⎥ = 0.0571
8 ⎣1 + r 4 ⎦ 8 ⎣ 1 + 1.239 4 ⎦
⇒ Mux = 0.0878 × 12.20 × 4.1402 = 18.36 kNm/m
Muy = 0.0571 × 12.20 × 4.1402 = 11.94 kNm/m
Design of Reinforcement
M 18.36 × 10 6
• Rx ≡ ux2 = = 0.9367 MPa
bd x 10 3 × 140 2
Muy 11.94 × 10 6
• Ry ≡ = = 0.7065 MPa
bd y2 10 3 × 130 2

[ ]
( pt ) reqd ( Ast ) reqd f
≡ = ck 1 − 1 − 4.589 R fck
100 bd 2 fy

⇒
( pt ) x ,reqd
100
=
20
2 × 415
[ ]
1 − 1 − (4.598 × 0.9367) 20 = 0.275 × 10–2

⇒ (Ast)x, reqd = (0.275 × 10–2) × 1000 × 140 = 385 mm2/m

1000× 78.5
⇒ required spacing of 10 φ bars = = 204 mm
385

• Similarly,
( pt ) y,reqd
100
=
20
2 × 415
[ ]
1 − 1 − (4.598 × 0.7065) 20 = 0.204 × 10–2

⇒ (Ast)y, reqd = (0.204 × 10–2) × 1000 × 130 = 265.7 mm2/m

438 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN

1000× 78.5
⇒ required spacing of 10 φ bars = = 295 mm
265.7
Maximum spacing for primary reinforcement = 3d or 300 mm
⎧3 × 140 = 420 mm (short span)
= ⎨
⎩ 3 × 130 = 390 mm (long span)
⎧⎪ 10 φ @ 200 c c (short span) ⇒ Ast , x = 392.5 mm 2 m
• Provide ⎨
⎪⎩10 φ @ 290 c c (long span) ⇒ Ast , y = 270.7 mm m
2

The detailing is shown in Fig. 11.14.

Check for deflection control
392.5
• pt, x = 3 × 100 = 0.280
10 × 140
• fs = 0.58 × 415 × 385/392.5 = 236 MPa
⇒ modification factor kt = 1.5 (from Table 5.2 or Fig. 3 of Code)
⇒ (l/d)max = 20 × 1.5 = 30

230 5000 230

230
425

10 φ @ 200 c/c
525
10 φ @ 290 c/c

4000

A A

165 mm
thick
230

PLAN OF FLOOR SLAB

525 10 φ @ 290 c/c

165

8 φ bars
10 φ @ 200 c/c
SECTION ‘AA’

Fig. 11.14 Example 11.1

 DESIGN OF TWO-WAY SLAB SYSTEMS 439

4140
(l/d)provided = = 29.6 < 30 — OK.
140
Check for shear †
• average effective depth d = (140 + 130)/2 = 135 mm
Vu = wu(0.5lxn – d) = 12.20 (0.5 × 4.0 – 0.135) = 22.75 kN/m
⇒ τ v = 22.75 × 103/(1000 × 135) = 0.169 MPa
• pt = 0.28 ⇒ τ c = 0.376 MPa ⇒ kτ c > τ v — Hence, OK.

EXAMPLE 11.2

Repeat Example 11.1, assuming that the slab corners are prevented from lifting up.
SOLUTION

• [Refer Example 11.1]: Assume D = 160 mm (which is 5 mm less than the

previous case)
Assuming 8 φ bars ⇒ dx = 160 – 20 – 4 = 136 mm, dy = 136 – 8 = 128 mm
⎧l x = 4000 + 136 = 4136 mm ly
⇒ ⎨ ⇒ = 1.240
⎩l y = 5000 + 128 = 5128 mm lx
Loads on slab: (same as in Example 11.1)
• Factored load wu = 12.20 kN/m2
Design Moments (for middle strips, 1 m width in each direction).
As the slab corners are to be designed as torsionally restrained, the moment
coefficients given in Table 26 of the Code (Cl. D–1) may be applied ‡ for
ly/lx = 1.240:
1.240 − 1.2
• Short span: αx = 0.072 + (0.079 – 0.072) × = 0.0748
1.3 − 1.2
⇒ Mux = αx wu lx2
= 0.0748 × 12.20 × 4.1362 = 15.61 kNm/m
(which, incidentally, is about 15 percent less than the value of 18.36 kNm/m
obtained in Example 11.1)
• Long span: αy = 0.056
⇒ Muy = αy wu lx2
= 0.056 × 12.20 × 4.1362 = 11.69 kNm/m
(which is comparable to the earlier value of 11.94 kNm/m)
Design of reinforcement
M 15.61× 10 6
• Rx ≡ ux2 = = 0.844 MPa
bd x 10 3 × 136 2

†
As explained earlier, a check on shear is not really called for in uniformly loaded, wall-
supported two-way slabs. This is evident from the results of this example.
‡
Alternatively, Eq. 11.10, 11.11 may be applied.
440 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN

230 5000 230

230
B B
425

525 8 φ @ 150 c/c

8 φ @ 190 c/c

830 4000
A A

5 nos 8 φ bars
(U–shaped) 830
both ways (typ)
at each corner 230

PLAN

525 8 φ @ 190 c/c

160

8 φ @ 150 c/c
SECTION ‘AA’

830

160

5 nos 8 φ
U–shaped
bars SECTION ‘BB’

Fig. 11.15 Example 11.2

Muy 11.69 × 10 6
Ry ≡ = = 0.714 MPa
bd y2 10 3 × 128 2

⇒
( pt ) x ,reqd
100
=
20
2 × 415
[ ]
1 − 1 − 4.589 × 0.844 20 = 0.2465 × 10–2
 DESIGN OF TWO-WAY SLAB SYSTEMS 441

⇒ (Ast)x, reqd = (0.246 × 10–2) × 1000 × 136 = 334 mm2/m

1000× 50.3
⇒ Required spacing of 8 φ bars = = 150.7 mm
334
Maximum spacing permitted = 3 × 136 = 408 mm, but < 300 mm.
⇒
( pt ) y,reqd
100
=
20
[
2 × 415
]
1 − 1 − 4.589 × 0.714 20 = 0.206 × 10–2

⇒ (Ast)y, reqd = (0.206 × 10–2) × 1000 × 128 = 264 mm2/m

1000× 50.3
⇒ Required spacing of 8 φ bars = = 191 mm
264
Maximum spacing permitted = 3 × 128 = 384 mm, but < 300 mm
⎧ 8 φ @ 150 c c (short span)
• Provide ⎨
⎩8 φ @ 190 c c (long span)
The detailing is shown in Fig. 11.15.
Check for deflection control
• pt , x = 0.2465
• fs = 0.58 × 415 × 334/335 = 240 MPa
⇒ modification factor kt = 1.55 (from Table 5.2 or Fig. 3 of Code)
• ⇒ (l/d)max = 20 × 1.55 = 31
4136
(l/d)provided = = 30.4 < 31 — Hence, OK.
136
Corner Reinforcement
As the slab is designed as ‘torsionally restrained’ at the corners, corner
reinforcement has to be provided [vide Cl. D–1.8 of the Code] over a distance lx/5
= 830 mm in both directions in meshes at top and bottom (four layers), each layer
comprising 0.75 Ast, x.
150
⇒ spacing of 8 φ bars = = 200 c/c
0.75
Provide 8 φ @ 200 c/c both ways at top and bottom at each corner over an area
830 mm × 830 mm, i.e., 5 bars U-shaped in two directions, as shown in
Fig. 11.15.

EXAMPLE 11.3

The floor slab system of a two-storeyed building is shown in Fig. 11.16. The slab
system is supported on load-bearing masonry walls, 230 mm thick, as shown.
Assuming a floor finish load of 1.0 kN/m2 and a live load of 4.0 kN/m2, design and
detail the multipanel slab system. Use M 20 concrete and Fe 415 steel. Assume mild
exposure conditions.
556 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN

[This may also be obtained from design aids: Table A.3(a)].

⇒ ( Ast ) reqd = (0.379 × 10 −2 ) × 10 3 × 204 = 774 mm 2 m
113 × 103
Required spacing of 12 φ bars = = 146 mm
774
Provide 12 φ @ 140c/c
• Distributors
( Ast )reqd = 0.0012 bt (for Fe 415 bars)
= 0.0012 × 103 × 230 = 276 mm2/m
50.3 × 1000
Assuming 8 φ bars, spacing reqd = = 182 mm
276
Provide 8 φ @ 180 c/c distributors
The detailing of bars is shown in Fig. 12.12(d).
• Check for shear ‡ (check at d = 204 mm from support)
Vu = 47.16 – (21.17 × 0.204) = 42.8 kN/m
42.8 × 103
τv = 3 = 0.21 MPa << τ c = 0.42 × 1.19 = 0.499 MPa
10 × 204
[refer Cl. 40.2.1.1 of the Code]. Hence, safe.
EXAMPLE 12.5

Design a (‘waist slab’ type) dog-legged staircase for an office building, given the
following data:
• height between floor = 3.2 m;
• riser = 160 mm, tread = 270 mm;
• width of flight = landing width = 1.25 m
• live load = 5.0 kN/m2
• finishes load = 0.6 kN/m2
Assume the stairs to be supported on 230 mm thick masonry walls at the outer edges
of the landing, parallel to the risers [Fig. 12.13(a)]. Use M 20 concrete and Fe 415
steel. Assume mild exposure conditions.
SOLUTION
• Given: R = 160 mm, T = 270 mm ⇒ R 2 + T 2 = 314 mm
Effective span = c/c distance between supports = 5.16 m [Fig. 12.13(a)].
• Assume a waist slab thickness ≈ l 20 = 5160/20 = 258 → 260 mm.
Assuming 20 mm clear cover (mild exposure) and 12 φ main bars,
effective depth d = 260 – 20 – 12/2 = 234 mm.
The slab thickness in the landing regions may be taken as 200 mm, as the bending
moments are relatively low here.

‡
As observed earlier in Example 12.1, the slab (if well-proportioned) is invariably safe in
shear, and does not require shear reinforcement. Also, as explained earlier, a check for
deflection control is not called for here.
 DESIGN OF STAIRCASES 557

• Loads on going [Ref. 12.13(b)] on projected plan area:

(1) self-weight of waist slab @ 25 × 0.26 × 314/270 = 7.56 kN/m2
⎛1 ⎞
(2) self-weight of steps @ 25 × ⎜ × 016 . ⎟ = 2.00 ”
⎝2 ⎠
(3) finishes (given) = 0.60 ”
(4) live load (given) = 5.00 ”
15.16 kN/m2
⇒ Factored load = 15.16 × 1.5 = 22.74 kN/m2
• Loads on landing
(1) self-weight of slab @ 25 × 0.20 = 5.00 kN/m2
(2) finishes @ 0.6 ”
(3) live loads @ 5.0 ”
10.60 kN/m2
⇒ Factored load = 10.60 × 1.5 = 15.90 kN/m2
• Design Moment [refer Fig. 12.13(b)]
Reaction R = (15.90 × 1.365) + ( 22.74 × 2.43) 2 = 49.33 kN/m
Maximum moment at midspan:
Mu = (49.33 × 2.58) – (15.90 × 1.365) × (2.58 – 1.365/2)
– (22.74) × (2.58 – 1.365)2/2
= 69.30 kNm/m
• Main reinforcement
M 69.30 × 10 6
R ≡ u2 = 3 = 1.265 MPa
bd 10 × 234 2
Assuming fck = 20 MPa, fy = 415 MPa,
pt A
≡ st =
100 bd 2 × 415
20
[ ]
1 − 1 − 4.598 × 1.265 20 = 0.381 × 10–2
[This may also be obtained from design aids Table 3(a)].
⇒ ( Ast ) reqd = (0.381 × 10 −2 ) × 10 3 × 234 = 892 mm 2 m
113 × 10 3
Required spacing of 12 φ bars = = 127 mm
892
201× 10 3
Required spacing of 16 φ bars = = 225 mm (to be reduced slightly to
892
account for reduced effective depth)
Provide 16 φ @ 220c/c
• Distributors
( Ast )reqd = 0.0012 bt (for Fe 415 bars)
= 0.0012 × 103 × 260 = 312 mm2/m
spacing 10 φ bars = 78.5 × 10 3 / 312 = 251 mm
Provide 10 φ @ 250c/c as distributors
558 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN

230
1250 270 × 9 = 2430 1250 230

T = 270
R = 160

R 2 + T 2 = 314 mm

SECTION A – A

1250
A A
100

1250

(a)

2 22.74 kN/m2 15.90 kN/m2

15.90 kN/m
FACTORED LOADS

1.365 2.43 m 1.365 m R

R
2.58 m BENDING MOMENTS

Mu = 69.30 kNm/m

(b) 10 φ @ 220 c/c

200
16 φ @ 220 c/c
10 φ @ 220 c/c
8 φ @ 250 c/c
10 φ @ 250 c/c
260

200 16 φ @ 220 c/c

(c)
 DESIGN OF STAIRCASES 559

Fig. 12.13 Example 12.5

The detailing of bars for the first flight is shown in Fig. 12.13(c). Some nominal
reinforcement (10 φ @ 220c/c) is provided in the landing slabs near the support
at top to resist possible ‘negative’ moments on account of partial fixity; 8 φ @
250 c/c distributors are also provided.

EXAMPLE 12.6

Repeat the problem of the dog-legged staircase in Example 12.5, considering the
landings to be supported only on two edges perpendicular to the risers
[Fig. 12.14(a)].
SOLUTION

• The prevailing IS Code recommendations are adopted here for determination of

the design moments † .
• Given: R = 160 mm, T = 270 mm ⇒ R 2 + T 2 = 314 mm
As the flight is supported on the landings (whose length is less than 2.0 m), the
effective span (as per Code) is given by the c/c distance between landings.
l = 2.43 + 1.25 = 3.68 m
• Assume a waist slab thickness ≈ 3680/20 = 184 → 185 mm.
Let thickness of the landing slabs also be 185 mm
Assuming 20 mm cover and 12 φ bars, d = 185 – 20 – 12/2 = 159 mm
• Loads on going [Ref. 12.14(b)] on projected plan area:
(1) self-weight of waist slab @ 25 × 0.185 × 314/270 = 5.38 kN/m2
⎛1 ⎞
(2) self-weight of steps @ 25 × ⎜ × 016 . ⎟ = 2.00 ”
⎝2 ⎠
(3) finishes (given) = 0.60 ”
(4) live load (given) = 5.00 ”
12.98 kN/m2
⇒ Factored load = 12.98 × 1.5 = 19.47 kN/m 2

• Loads on landing
(1) self-weight of slab @ 25 × 0.185 = 4.63 kN/m2
(2) finishes @ 0.60 ”
(3) live loads @ 5.00 ”
10.23 kN/m2
⇒ Factored load = 10.23 × 1.5 = 15.35 kN/m2
50% of this load may be assumed to be acting longitudinally,
i.e., 15.35 ×1/2 = 7.68 kN/m2 [Fig. 12.14(b)].
Design of waist slab [refer Fig. 12.14(b)]
†
As explained earlier, this will result in a conservative estimate of sagging moments (and
consequently, thicker waist slab) and does not address the development of hogging moments at
the going-landing junctions. More rational and economical design procedures are described in
Ref. 12.6 and 12.8.
560 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN

Reaction on landing R = ( 7.68 × 0.625) + (19.47 × 2.43 2 ) = 28.46 kN/m

T = 270
R = 160
314
34.28 kN/m

1250
C 2.6
2600
100 m
Mu = 29.0
kN/m
1250

625 625 2430 625 625

(a) (c)

19.47 kN/m2 7.68 kN/m2

7.68 kN/m2

R 3.68m R

10 φ @ 380 c/c
Mu = 30.69 kNm/m
(b) 185

8 φ @ 220 c/c
12 φ @ 200 c/c
10 φ @ 190 c/c 8 φ @ 200 c/c
600 185 12 φ @ 190 c/c

185
12 φ @ 200 c/c
12 φ @ 380 c/c
(d)
Fig. 12.14 Example 12.6

• Design Moment at midspan:

Mu = (28.46 × 3.68/2) – (7.68 × 0.625) × (1.84 – 0.625/2) – 19.47 × 1.2152/2
= 30.69 kN/m
• Main reinforcement
M 30.69 × 10 6
⇒ R ≡ u2 = 3 = 1.214 MPa
bd 10 × 159 2
Assuming M 20 concrete and Fe 415 steel,
 DESIGN OF STAIRCASES 561

pt A
≡ st =
100 bd 2 × 415
20
[ ]
1 − 1 − 4.598 × 1.214 20 = 0.364 × 10–2

⇒ ( Ast ) reqd = (0.364 × 10 −2 ) × 10 3 × 159 = 579 mm 2 m

113 × 10 3
Required spacing of 12 φ bars = = 195 mm.
579
Provide 12 φ @ 190c/c main bars in the waist slab; these bars are continued into
the landing slab, as shown in Fig. 12.14(c). Nominal top steel 10 φ @ 190c/c is
also provided at top at the junction of the waist slab with the landing slab to resist
possible ‘negative’ moments.
• Distributors:
( Ast ) min = 0.0012 × 1000 × 185 = 222 mm2/m
50.3 × 103
Required spacing 8 φ bars = = 226 mm
222
Provide 8 φ @ 220c/c distributors in the waist slab.
Design of landing slabs [refer Fig. 12.14(c)].
The entire loading on the staircase is transmitted to the supporting edges by the
bending of the landing slab in a direction parallel to the risers.
• Loads (assumed to be uniformly distributed):
(considering the full width of landing of 1.25 m)
(i) directly on landing: 15.35 × 1.25 = 19.19 kN/m
(ii) from going: 19.47 × 2.43/2 = 23.66 ”
42.85 kN/m
⇒ Loading on 1 m wide strip = 42.85/1.25 = 34.28 kN/m
Effective span = 2.60 m
• Design Moment (at midspan):
Mu =34.28 × 2.602/8 = 29.0 kNm/m
M 29.0 × 106
⇒ u2 = 3 = 1.147 MPa
bd 10 × 159 2
pt A
≡ st =
100 bd 2 × 415
20
[ ]
1 − 1 − 4.598 × 1.147 20 = 0.342 × 10–2

⇒ ( Ast ) reqd = (0.342 × 10 −2 ) × 10 3 × 159 = 544 mm 2 m

113 × 103
Required spacing of 12 φ bars = = 207 mm.
544
Provide 12 φ @ 200 c/c at bottom in a direction parallel to the risers.
• The detailing of the staircase (one typical flight) is depicted in Fig. 12.14(d).
Note that the bars from the waist slab are kept above the main bars of the landing
slab so that the desired maximum effective depth is obtained for the main bars in
the landing slab. This arrangement is essential all the more because the waist slab
is supported by the landing, and to facilitate effective load transfer, the waist slab
562 REINFORCED CONCRETE DESIGN

bars must be placed above the main bars in the landing. Nominal bars 8 φ @
200 c/c are also provided at top in the landing slabs.

EXAMPLE 12.7

Repeat Example 12.6, considering a ‘tread-riser’ type of staircase, instead of a ‘waist

slab’ type.
SOLUTION

• Given: (as in Example 12.6) R = 160 mm, T = 270 mm ⇒ R 2 + T 2 = 314 mm

Effective span of the flight [Fig. 12.14(a)]:
l = 2.43 + 1.25 = 3.68 m
Assume thickness of tread slab = thickness of riser slab ≈ l 25 = 147
→ 145 mm.
Assuming 20 mm cover and 12 φ bars, d = 145 – 20 – 12/2 = 119 mm
• Loads on going [Ref. 12.15(a)] on projected plan area:
(1) self-weight of tread-riser slab @ 25×(0.16+0.27) × 0.145/0.27 = 5.77 kN/m2
(2) finishes = 0.60 ”
(3) live load = 5.00 ”
11.37 kN/m2
⇒ Factored load = 11.37 × 1.5 = 17.06 kN/m2
• Loads on landing (assume 175 mm thick)
(1) self-weight of slab @ 25 × 0.175 = 4.38 kN/m2
(2) finishes = 0.60 ”
(3) live loads = 5.00 ”
9.98 kN/m2
⇒ Factored load = 9.98 × 1.5 = 14.97 kN/m2
50% of this load may be assumed to be acting longitudinally, as in Example 12.6;
i.e., 14.97 ×1/2 = 7.49 kN/m2 [refer Fig. 12.15(a)]
Design of tread-riser unit
Reaction on landing R = ( 7.49 × 0.625) + (17.06 × 2.43) 2 = 25.41 kN/m
• Design Moment at midspan:
Mu = (25.41 × 3.68/2) – (7.49 × 0.625) × (1.84 – 0.625/2) – 17.06 × 1.2152/2
= 27.01 kNm/m
M 27.01 × 10 6
⇒ R ≡ u2 = 3 = 1.907 MPa
bd 10 × 119 2
Assuming M 20 concrete and Fe 415 steel,
pt A
≡ st =
100 bd 2 × 415
20
[ ]
1 − 1 − 4.598 × 1.907 20 = 0.604 × 10–2

⇒ ( Ast ) reqd = (0.604 × 10 −2 ) × 10 3 × 119 = 719 mm 2 m

113 × 103
Required spacing of 12 φ bars = = 157 mm.
719