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https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/structural-design/transfer-loads-slab-beams/172058/
The transfer of loads from a slab to beams is controlled by the slab's geometrical
dimension and the direction of reinforcements. The load of the slab, including
self-weight, live load, and imposed dead load, are distributed over the beams on
their sides.
The slab loads are expressed in weight per unit area, whereas the loads of beams
are expressed in units of weight per length of the beam.
If the slab has regular dimensions, the load transfer can be carried out easily and
quickly. However, if it has an irregular shape, it is recommended to use suitable
programs such as SAP2000, SAFE, and ETABS.
One-way Slab
The load of the one-way slab, which has a rectangular shape, is divided equally
between adjacent beams. The interior beam takes half of the total load of a slab
on each side.
Figure-1: Transfer of Loads from Rectangular One-way Slab to Beams on two Sides of the
Slab
If a slab is supported on two sides only or supported on all four sides, but the
longer side to shorter side ratio is greater than 2, it is termed as one-way slab,
see Figure-2.
Two-way Slab
Loads on a two-way slab are transferred to all beams on all the sides. So, each
beam supports an amount of the load from the slab. The slab is commonly
divided into trapezoidal and triangular areas by drawing lines from each corner
of the rectangle at 45 degrees.
Figure-3: Transfer of Loads from Rectangular Two-way Slab to Four Beams
Example
The slab of the figure shown below has a thickness of 150 mm and in addition to
its own weight, it supports 0.85 KN/m2 partition, and a live load of 2.4 KN/m2.
Transfer the load of the slab to the beams on all four sides.
Figure-6: Transfer of Two-way
slab to Beams
Solution:
Self-weight of the slab= slab thickness* concrete unit weight
In this example, we use different load factors and then use load combination to
calculate ultimate distributed load on the slab. After that, the ultimate distributed
load is transferred to the beams.
= 4*8.7=34.8 KN
= 8*8.7=69.6 KN
Complex-geometry Slab
Finite element modeling should be used to distribute the load of a slab with
complex geometry to a beam. For this purpose, computer programs like SAP200,
SAFE, and ETABS can be used. This method can also be considered for slabs with
regular geometry.
FAQs
How is load transferred from slab to beams?
In a one-way slab, loads are transferred in only one direction, whereas the loads
on a two-way slab are transferred in two directions.