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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Flat Slabs
Webinar from The Concrete Centre
28th November 2016
12.30 Start

Paul Gregory
Structural Engineer
MSc MBA CEng MICE MIStructE

pgregory@concretecentre.com

Ch 7. Flat slabs

Outline
Basics of Flat Slabs
Initial sizing
Design Methods
Design Constraints
Construction Methods

Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Outline
Basics of Flat Slabs
Initial sizing
Design Methods
Design Constraints
Construction Methods

Basics
What are flat slabs?
Solid concrete floors of constant thickness
They have flat soffits

Punching shear

Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Basics

Column Head
Drop Panel

Waffle Slab

Waffle mould

Basics
Voided Slabs

1. COBIAX
http://www.cobiax.com/home

2. BUBBLEDECK
http://www.bubbledeck-uk.com/

Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Basics
Hybrid (PC & In-situ) flat slabs

Basics
Hybrid (PC & In-situ) flat slabs

Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Basics - Voided Slabs

Basics
Voided Slabs

Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Basics
Voided Slabs

Pour in two stages. Bottom 70mm to 100mm first.


After initial set pour rest of slab.

Basics
Where are they used?
Commercial offices
Residential
Apartments
Hotels
Student residencies
Hospitals
Schools

Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Basics
Why are they used?
1. Speed of construction
Probably the fastest method of insitu construction

Fast due to the


formwork systems

Tower - 4 legs

Flat table forms are quick to erect and move

Basics
Table Form/ Flying Form

Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Basics
Horizontal Panel Systems

Basics
Horizontal Panel Systems

Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Basics
Horizontal Panel Systems Drop Heads

Hit with hammer


and
Panel drops

Prop stays in
position

Basics
Exposed soffit with supporting props
Slab to be cast
Falsework
Slab just cast

Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Basics - Cost
Formwork can be up to 50%
of the total frame cost.

Formwork
Reinforcement
Concrete

Approximate relative breakdown of costs

Basics
Why are they used?
2. Economy
Thin structure
Reduced building height
Reduced cladding area
Fast construction reduces cost

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Basics

Concept is free to download from www.concretecentre.com

Basics
Why are they used?
3. Low sound transmission
Acoustic Test Summary:
Floors
250mm of concrete with a stuck down
carpet and no ceiling finish beneath
Impact
Passed by 5db
Airborne
Passed by 5db
ie Suitable for a robust detail
Walls
180mm concrete with a 2mm plaster skim
finish
Airborne
Passed

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Basics

Basics

Why are they used?


4. Low vibration characteristics
5. Fire resistance
6. Simple services distribution compared with slab
on downstand beams

Potential 15%
reduction in M&E
contractors installation
quote

Outline
Basics of Flat Slabs
Initial sizing
Design Methods
Design Constraints
Construction Methods

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Initial sizing
Imposed Load, Qk (kN/m2)

2.5

7.5

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Multiple Span

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26

25

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3 methods:
1. Simple span to depth table

2. Use Economic Concrete Frame Elements

Table

Graph

Initial sizing ECFE Graph

265

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Initial sizing - ECFE Table

Average 265mm

Initial sizing
3 methods:
1. Simple span to depth table
2. Use Economic Concrete Frame Elements
3. Use Concept.xls

Concept is free to download from www.concretecentre.com

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Initial sizing

Initial sizing

Grid line

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Initial sizing Equivalent Frame

Equivalent frame method

Grid line

8m

Outline
Basics of Flat Slabs
Initial sizing
Design Methods
Design Constraints
Construction Methods

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Methods - Analysis


Equivalent Frame Method (Elastic Plane Frame)
Design moments and shears from an elastic
analysis of a plane frame or sub-frame
Design moments and shears using coefficients in
a table, the Tabular Method.
Finite Element Analysis
Elastic method
Yield Line
Plastic method of design, upper bound.

Design Methods Analysis EC2


Elastic Plane Frame Equivalent Frame Method

Apply in both directions Y and Z

Method of Analysis for Bending Moments & SFs

Equivalent Frame - the Beams are the Slab width

Kslab = use full panel width for vertical loads.

Kslab = use 40% panel width for horizontal loads. Annex I.1.2.(1)

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

EC2: Load cases & combinations


EC2: Cl 5.1.3 gives one simplified option:

EC2: Load cases & combinations


Design BM is max sagging BM from any load arrangement

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

UK NA: Arrangement of Actions


Alternate spans loaded
1.5 Qk
1.35 Gk or
1.25 Gk
1.5 Qk
1.35 Gk or
1.25 Gk

All spans loaded

1.5 Qk
1.35 Gk or
1.25 Gk

UK NA: Arrangement of Actions


Alternate spans loaded
1.5 Qk
1.35 Gk or
1.25 Gk
1.5 Qk
1.35 Gk or
1.25 Gk

For slabs design BM can be BM from this single load case


All spans loaded

1.5 Qk
1.35 Gk or
1.25 Gk

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Methods Analysis EC2


Load cases
NA can use single load case provided:
Variable load 1.25 x Permanent load
Variable load 5.0 kN/m2
Condition of using single load case is that Support BMs should be
reduced by 20% except at cantilever supports
End BM
= 100 kN.m

N1 = 800 kN.m

Mt,max

Limitation of negative moments


BS 8110 cl 3.7.2.6

Design Methods Analysis EC2


Equivalent frame method
(N1 + N2)/2 + P nl2(l1-2hc/3)2/8

N1

N2

P
TR 64 Figure 14
Reduction in maximum hogging moment
at columns

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Methods
Flat Slabs EC2

EC2 Part 1-1

Section 9.4 Flat slabs


Annex I Analysis of flat slabs

Design Methods EC2


EC2: Figure I.1

Concise: Table 5.2

Division of panels in flat slabs

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Methods EC2


EC2: Table I.1

Concise: Table 5.2

Distribution of moments

Design Methods EC2


EC2: Cl. 9.4

Concise: 12.4.1

Arrangement of reinforcement should reflect behaviour


under working conditions.
At internal columns 0.5At should be placed in a width =
0.25 panel width.
At least two bottom bars should pass through internal
columns in each orthogonal directions.

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Methods EC2


EC2: Figure 9.9, I.1.2(5)

Concise Figure 5.12

Design reinforcement at edge and corner reinforcement


should be placed within be
A is the
slab edge

cz

cz

cy
cy

be = cz + y

be = z + y/2

The maximum moment that can be transferred from the


slab to the column should be limited to 0.17bed2fck

Design Methods EC2


Equivalent frame method

Equivalent frame method

8m

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Methods Analysis EC2


Equivalent frame method

N1

N2

P
TR 64 Figure 14
Reduction in maximum hogging moment
at columns

Design Methods EC2


Equivalent frame method
Distribution of Design Bending Moments, Annex I
Table I.1

Column Strip

Middle Strip

Negative

60 - 80%

40 - 20%

Positive

50 - 70%

50 - 30%

At = Reinforcement area to resist full negative moment. Cl

9.4.1

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Methods EC2


Equivalent frame method
Distribution of Design Bending Moments - Example
Table I.1

Column Strip

Negative

75%

Middle Strip
25%

At = Reinforcement area to resist full negative moment. Cl 9.4.1


= 6400 mm2
Column strip = 4800 mm2

Middle strip = 1600 mm2

400 mm2/m
800 mm2/m
1600 mm2/m
800 mm2/m
400 mm2/m

Design Methods EC2


Equivalent frame method

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Methods - Analysis


Equivalent frame method - Elastic Plane Frame
Computer software normally used to
assess bending moments and shear forces
Design for full load in both directions
RC spreadsheet TCC33.xls will carry out
the analysis and design

Design Methods
RC Spreadsheet
Enter design data
Full sub-frame analysis
is carried out
Redistribution can be
adjusted
Deflection checks are
undertaken
Checks on detailing
rules included

RC Spreadsheet TCC 33

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Methods
RC Spreadsheet TCC 33

Design Methods - Analysis


Equivalent frame method - Tabular Method

Table with BM and SF


coefficients in Concise
Tables 15.2 and 15.3
Similar to coefficients in
Table 3.12 of BS 8110

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Methods -

Tabular Method

e.g. use coefficients from Concise Tables 15.2 or 15.3 to determine bending
moments and shear forces. BM = coeff x n x span2 SF = coeff x n x span

Design for full load in both directions


Frame lateral stability must not be dependent on slab-col connections
There must be at least three approx equal spans.
Note: No column BMs given in table.

Design Methods
Finite Element Method
Suitable for:
irregular layouts
slabs with service openings
post tensioned design
(specialist software)

Common pitfalls:
Use long term E-values (typically 1/3 to 1/2 short term value)
Use cracked section properties (typically 1/2 gross
properties) by adjusting E-value to suit
Therefore appropriate E-values are usually 4 to 8 kN/mm2

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Methods
Finite Element Method
Design moment is the integral of the section through the contour
plot or the bay width
Grid line
2

Grid line
3

Integral
for bay
width

Peak
moment

Design Methods
Finite Element - Design moments

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Distribution of top reinforcement

Bending moment (kNm/m)

Assume a total area of steel, At = 8000 mm2


Distribution 75% Column strip & 25% Middle strip
6000 mm2
2000 mm2

60
0
50
0

Centre column strip:


4000 mm2 or 2000 mm2/m

40
0

Outer column strip:


0.75 x 8000 4000
= 2000 mm2 or 1000 mm2/m

30
0
20
0

Middle strip:
0.25 x 8000 = 2000 mm2
or 500 mm2/m

10
0
0
0

Distance (m)

Outline
Basics of Flat Slabs
Initial sizing
Design Methods
Design Constraints
Construction Methods

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Constraints
Which ever design method is used the following
checks are necessary:
Deflection
Moment transfer
Punching shear
Bending strength (often not critical)

Design Constraints
Deflection:
Wherever possible use the
span/effective depth ratios,
cl 7.4.2 (2)
Span is based on the longer
span and the K factor is 1.2
Reduction factor for brittle
finishes for spans greater
than 8.5m

Ch 7 How to Design Concrete Structures

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Moment transfer
Edge and corner columns have limited
capacity to transfer moments from slab
redistribution may be necessary

Figure 8

Design Constraints
Moment Transfer from slab to column:
Edge and corner columns have limited capacity to transfer moments
from slab redistribution may be necessary (Annex I.1.2 (5), EC2 cl
9.4.2 & TR 64)
Mt max = 0.17 be d2 fck

Effective
width, be.

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Constraints
Punching Shear - EC2: cl 6.4 and cl 9.4.3
Traditional links
Shape 22
Shape 51
Shear Rails
Shape 47

Design Constraints
Punching Shear
Holes have major
influence
Several methods of dealing
with punching shear
Traditional links
Use TCC13.xls

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Design Constraints
Punching Shear
Shear Rails
Design to manufacturers
literature

Shear stirrups
Design to ACI code

Design Constraints
Punching Shear
Structural steel
shearheads
Design to ACI code

Further
help

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Punching shear
EC2

Punching Shear
EC2: Cl. 6.4

Figure 8.3

Punching shear does not use the Variable Strut inclination method
and is similar to BS 8110 methods

The basic control perimeter is set at 2d from the loaded area

The shape of control perimeters have rounded corners


2d

2d

2d

u1

u1

u1
2d

bz

by

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Punching Shear Reinforcement (1)


EC2: Cl. 6.4.5
Outer control
perimeter

Figures 12.5 & 12.6

Outer perimeter of shear


reinforcement

0.75d

kd

1.5d (2d if > 2d from


column)

The outer control perimeter at


which shear reinforcement is not
required, should be calculated
from:

0.5d

uout,ef = VEd / (vRd,c d)


The outermost perimeter of
shear reinforcement should be
placed at a distance not
greater than kd ( k = 1.5)
within the outer control
perimeter.

Outer control
perimeter

0.75d

0.5d

kd

Section A - A
u0

u1

uout

Punching Shear Reinforcement (2)


EC2: Cl. 6.4.5

Figure 8.10

Where proprietary systems are used the control perimeter at which


shear reinforcement is not required, uout or uout,ef (see Figure) should be
calculated from the following expression:
uout,ef = VEd / (vRd,c d) uout,ef
uout

2d

> 2d

1,5d

1,5d
d

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Outline
Basics of Flat Slabs
Initial sizing
Design Methods
Design Constraints
Construction Methods

Construction Methods
Reinforcement rationalisation:
Optimum cost
depends on:
Material cost
Labour
Plant
Preliminaries
Finance
Team decision
required

Figure in Best Practice guides

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Construction Methods
Proprietary systems Carpet Reinforcement

COLUMNS?

Construction Methods
Interaction of temporary and permanent works
For economy the contractor will strike the formwork at the
earliest opportunity
The temporary works designer will require information from the
permanent works designer
Temporary
loadcases may
be more onerous
than permanent
loadcases
Backpropping is
used to share
the loads
between floors
Figure in Best Practice guides

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Summary
 Flat slabs are used on a wide variety of projects
for the following reasons:
Speed
Economy
Plus the inherent beneficial properties of concrete

 There are a variety of methods for initial sizing


and detailed design
 Deflection and punching shear govern the design

Further information & Resources

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Further Information

Guide to the Design and


Construction of RC Flat Slabs,
Concrete Society TR No. 64,
2007

Further Information
Best practice guides for in-situ concrete framed buildings


Early striking and improved


backpropping

Rationalisation of flat slab


reinforcement

Prefabricated punching shear


reinforcement for flat slabs

Flat slabs for efficient concrete


construction
All are free to download from www.concretecentre.com

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Further Information

Further Information

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Cost Model Studies

COST
MODELstudies
STUDIES
Cost model

All are free to download from www.concretecentre.com

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Economic Concrete Frame


Elements to EC2

Concept - Excel program


Free to download from
www.concretecentre.com

2009 EC2 version

Spreadsheets
TCC 33 Flat slabs
TCC 33X Flat slabs
TCC 13 Punching shear

Trial spreadsheets free to


download at:
www.concretecentre.com

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Flat slabs 28 Nov 2016

Formwork

End
Thank you for your attention
Questions

www.concretecentre.com
pgregory@concretecentre.com

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