REINFORCED CONCRETE

DESIGN 1

Design of Slab
 Lesson Outcome

At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Identify one way slab or two way slab
• Define and explain the classification of solid slab
• Define and explain loading arrangement and method
of analysis
• Define and calculate the load distribution for one-way
slab analysis
• Design typical one-way slab
• Define and calculate the load-distribution for two-way
slab analysis.
• Design typical two-way slab
 Introduction

• Slab is horizontal plate elements forming floor and

roof in building.
• Slab is a structural element with small overall
depth/thickness (h) as compared to the width (b)
and its span (L).
• The bending behaviour of a slab is similar to beam.
• Generally, the design of a slab is almost similar to the
design of beam.
 Types of slab

There are various types of reinforced concrete slabs.

1. Solid slab – Only this will be covered in this course.

2. Ribbed slab
3. Flat slab
4. Waffle slab
 Design of Reinforced Concrete Slab

• Basically, the design as easier as compared to

beam design.
• This is because:
1. In the design calculation, slab width, b is fixed to
1 m (b =1000 mm).
2. Shear stress in slab is very small except when the
slab is subjected to point loads.
3. Compression reinforcement is seldom required.
4. Slab usually support UDL.
 Analysis method

1. Elastic Analysis
2. Moment and shear coefficient from BS8110
3. Yield line analysis
4. Table 6.3 Reinforced Concrete Designer Handbook
by Reynold
 Design of Solid Slab

• RC solid slabs can be designed as spanning in

one way or two ways.

• This classification depends on the supports

and the dimension of the slab (Ly/Lx ratio).
 One way slab

• When the slab is supported only on two sides OR

• When the value of Ly/Lx ratio is more than 2.0 for
slabs supported on its four sides.
• Main reinforcement is designed only in one-
direction.
• Transverse reinforcement will be applied in another
direction.
One way slab
One way slab
 Two way slab

• Happens when the value of Ly/Lx ratio is equal to or

less than 2.0.

• Main reinforcement is designed in both directions

Two way slab
 Type of Two way slab

• Simply supported two way slab (unrestrained).

– Slab only consist of one panel and the sides of the slab
is not restrained against lifting.
– Refer Table 3.13 for bending moment coefficient.

• Restrained two way slab (continuous).

– Slab which is connected to other slabs and supported
in its four sides.
– Refer Table 3.14 and Table 3.15 for shear force and
bending moment coefficient
– There are 9 different types of support conditions.
Examples and Tutorials
 REINFORCED CONCRETE
DESIGN 1

Design of Slab (Examples and

Tutorials)
Example 1: Simply supported One way slab

A rectangular reinforced concrete slab is simply-

supported on two masonry walls 250 mm thick and
3.75 m apart. The slab has to carry a distributed
permanent action of 1.0 kN/m2 (excluding slab self-
weight) and a variable action of 3.0 kN/m2. The
materials to be used are grade C25 concrete and grade
500 reinforcement. The slab is outside buildings which
subjected to 1 hr fire resistance and design for 50 years
design life. Design the slab. Assume diameter of bar =
12 mm.
Example 1: Simply supported One way slab
SLAB THICKNESS
Minimum thickness for fire resistance = 80 mm
Estimated thickness considering deflection control,
h = 3750 / 26 = 144 mm. Use 150 mm
DURABILITY, FIRE & BOND REQUIREMENTS
Min. cover with regard to bond, Cbond = 12 mm
Min. cover with regard to durability, Cmin,dur = 20 mm
Min. required axis distance for R60 fire resistance, a = 20 mm
Min. cover with regard to fire,
Cmin,fire = a –ϕbar /2 = 20 -0.5(12) = 14 mm
Allowance in design for deviation, ∆Cdev = 10 mm Use:
∴ Nominal cover, Cnom = Cmin + ∆Cdev Cnom = 30 mm
= 20 + 10 = Cnom = 30 mm
Example 1: Simply supported One way slab
ACTIONS & ANALYSIS
Slab self-weight = 0.150 x 25 = 3.75 kN/m2
Permanent load (excluding self-weight) = 1.0 kN/m2
Total permanent action, gk = 4.75 kN/m2
Variable action, qk = 3.00 kN/m2
Design action, nd = 1.35(4.75) + 1.5(3.00) = 10.91 kN/m2
Consider 1 m width, wd = nd x 1 m = 10.91 kN/m

Shear force, Bending moment,

V = wdL/2 M = wdL2/8
= 20.46 kN/m = 19.18 kNm
Example 1: Simply supported One way slab
MAIN REINFORCEMENT
Effective depth:
d = h –cnom -0.5ϕbar = 150- 30 -0.5(12) = 114 mm

Design moment, MED = 19.18 kNm

K = M/bd2fck
= (19.18 x 106) /(1000 x 1142 x 25) = 0.059 < Kbal = 0.167
∴ Compression reinforcement is not required
z = d [0.5 + 0.25 − 𝐾/1.134 ] = 0.94d ≤ 0.95d
As = M/0.87fykz Main bar :
= 19.18 x 106/0.87 x 500 x 0.94 x 114 H12 -250
= 412 mm2/m (452 mm2/m)
Example 1: Simply supported One way slab
Minimum and maximum reinforcement area,
As,min = 0.26 (fctm/fyk)bd = 0.26(2.60/500)bd = 0.0014bd Secondary bar:
= 0.0014(1000))(114) = 160 mm2/m H12-450
(251 mm2/m)
As,max = 0.04Ac = 0.04(1000)(150) = 6000 mm2/m

SHEAR
Design shear force, VED = 20.46 kN
Design shear resistance,
VRd,c = [0.12k(100ρ1fck)1/3]bd
k = 1 + (200/d)1/2 ≤ 2.0 = 2.32 ≤ 2.0
ρ1 = As1/bd ≤ 0.02 = 452/1000 x114 = 0.004 ≤ 0.02
VRd,c = [0.12 x 2.0 (100x 0.004 x 25)1/3] x 1000 x 114
= 58.95 kN
Example 1: Simply supported One way slab
Vmin = [0.035k3/2 fck1/2]bd = 0.035 x 23/2 x 251/2 x 1000 x 114 = 56.43 kN
Thus, VRd,c = 58.95 kN > VED = 20.46 kN, OK!

DEFLECTION
Percentage of required tension reinforcement,
ρ = As,req/bd = 412 /1000 x 114 = 0.0036
Reference reinforcement ratio,
ρ0 = (fck)1/2 x10-3 = (25)1/2 x 10-3 = 0.005

Factor for structural system, K = 1.0

ρ ρ
(L/d)basic = K[11 + 1.5 fck 0 + 3.2 fck( 0 -1)3/2]
ρ ρ
(L/d)basic = 1.0[11 + 10.42 + 3.88] = 25.3
Example 1: Simply supported One way slab
Modification factor for span less than 7 m = 1.0
Modification factor for steel area provided = As,prov/As,req = 1.1 ≤ 1.5
Therefore, allowable span-effective depth ratio:
(L/d)allowable = 25.3 x 1 x 1.1 = 27.83

Actual span-effective depth ratio,

(L/d)actual = 3750/114 = 32.9 > (L/d)allowable =27.83, NOT OK!

Increase Area of steel provided to 566 mm2/m (H12-200)

Modification factor for steel area provided = As,prov/As,req = 1.37 ≤ 1.5

Therefore, allowable span-effective depth ratio:

(L/d)allowable = 25.3 x 1 x 1.37 = 34.66 > (L/d)actual = 32.9 OK!
Example 1: Simply supported One way slab
CRACKING
h = 175 mm < 200 mm
Main bar:
Smax,slab = 3h ≤ 400 = 400 mm,
Max. bar spacing = 200 < Smax, slab, OK

Secondary bar:
Smax,slab = 3.5h ≤ 450 = 450
Max. bar spacing = 450 < Smax, slab, OK
 Example 2: Continuous one way slab

Figure 1 shows a clear area of 12 m x 8.5 m for a hall

construction in a school. The slab is supported on
beams of size 225 x 500 mm spaced at 4.0 m centers.
The slab thickness is to be designed as 150 mm. Given
the characteristic permanent action (excluding self-
weight) is 1.5 kN/m2, characteristic variable action is
4.0 kN/m2 with a design life of 50 years, fire exposure =
REI 90, exposure class = XC1, characteristic concrete
strength, fck = C25/30, high yield steel strength, fyk =
500 N/mm2, Unit weight of concrete = 25 kN/m3. Use :
Diameter of reinforcement = 10 mm
Example 2: Continuous one way slab

Figure 1
 Example 2: Continuous one way slab
DURABILITY, FIRE & BOND REQUIREMENTS
Min. cover with regard to bond, Cbond = 10 mm
Min. cover with regard to durability, Cmin,dur = 15 mm
Min. required axis distance for R90 fire resistance, a = 30 mm
Min. cover with regard to fire,
Cmin,fire = a –ϕbar /2 = 30 -0.5(10) = 25 mm
Allowance in design for deviation, ∆Cdev = 10 mm
∴ Nominal cover, Cnom = Cmin + ∆Cdev
= 25 + 10 = Cnom = 25 mm

Use: Cnom = 25 mm
 Example 2: Continuous one way slab
ACTIONS
Slab self-weight = 0.15 x 25 = 3.75 kN/m2
Permanent load (excluding self-weight) = 1.50 kN/m2
Total permanent action, gk = 5.25 kN/m2
Variable action, qk = 4.00 kN/m2
Design action, nd = 1.35(5.25) + (4.0) = 13.1 kN/m2
 Example 2: Continuous one way slab
ANALYSIS
Consider 1 m width of slab,

Action

Moment

Shear

F = wl = 13.1 x 4 = 52.4 kN
 Example 2: Continuous one way slab
MAIN REINFORCEMENT
Effective depth:
dx = 150 – 35 -0.5(10) = 110 mm
Minimum and maximum reinforcement area,
Secondary bar:
As,min = 0.26 (fctm/fyk)bd = 0.26(2.56/500)bd = 0.0013bd
H10 - 450
= 0.0013(1000))(110) = 146 mm2/m
(175 mm2/m)
As,max = 0.04Ac = 0.04(1000)(150) = 6000 mm2/m

At first interior support

M = 0.086Fl = 0.086 x 52.4 x 4 = 18 kNm/m
K = M/bd2fck
= (18x106) /(1000 x 1102 x 25) = 0.06 < Kbal = 0.167
∴ Compression reinforcement is not required
 Example 2: Continuous one way slab

z = d [0.5 + 0.25 − 𝐾/1.134 ] = 0.94d ≤ 0.95d Provide

As = M/0.87fykz H10-175 top
= 18 x 106/0.87 x 500 x 0.94 x 110 (449 mm2/m)
= 400 mm2/m
At middle interior span
M = 0.063Fl = 0.063x 52.4 x 4 = 13.2 kNm/m
K = M/bd2fck
= (13.2 x 106) /(1000 x 1102 x 25) = 0.04 < Kbal = 0.167
∴ Compression reinforcement is not required
z = d [0.5 + 0.25 − 𝐾/1.134 ] = 0.96d ≤ 0.95d
Provide
As = M/0.87fykz
H10-250 bottom
= 13.2 x 106/0.87 x 500 x 0.95 x 110
(314 mm2/m)
= 290 mm2/m
 Example 2: Continuous one way slab
Near middle of end span
M = 0.075Fl = 0.075 x 52.4 x 4 = 15.72 kNm/m
K = M/bd2fck
= (15.72 x 106) /(1000 x 1102 x 25) = 0.052 < Kbal = 0.167
∴ Compression reinforcement is not required
Provide
z = d [0.5 + 0.25 − 𝐾/1.134 ] = 0.95d ≤ 0.95d
H10-200 bottom
As = M/0.87fykz
(393 mm2/m)
= 15.72 x 106/0.87 x 500 x 0.95 x 110
= 346 mm2/m

At outer support
M = 0.04Fl = 0.04 x 52.4 x 4 = 8.4 kNm/m
 Example 2: Continuous one way slab
K = M/bd2fck
= (8.4 x 106) /(1000 x 1102 x 25) = 0.028 < Kbal = 0.167
∴ Compression reinforcement is not required
z = d [0.5 + 0.25 − 𝐾/1.134 ] = 0.97d ≤ 0.95d

As = M/0.87fykz
= 8.4 x 106/0.87 x 500 x 0.95 x 110
= 185 mm2/m

Provide
H10-400 bottom
(196 mm2/m)
 Example 2: Continuous one way slab
SHEAR
Maximum design shear force, VED = 0.6F = 0.6 x 52.4 = 31.44 kN

Design shear resistance,

VRd,c = [0.12k(100ρ1fck)1/3]bd
k = 1 + (200/110)1/2 ≤ 2.0
= 2.35 ≤ 2.0
ρ1 = As1/bd ≤ 0.02 = 449/1000 x110
= 0.0041 ≤ 0.02
VRd,c = [0.12 x 2.0 (100x 0.0041 x 25)1/3] x 1000 x 110 = 57.35 kN

Vmin = [0.035k3/2 fck1/2]bd = 0.035 x 23/2 x 251/2 x 1000 x 110 = 54.4 kN

So, VRd,c = 57.35 kN > VED = 31.44 kN OK!

 Example 2: Continuous one way slab
DEFLECTION
Percentage of required tension reinforcement,
ρ = As,req/bd = 346 /1000 x 110 = 0.00315

Reference reinforcement ratio,

ρ0 = (fck)1/2 x10-3 = (25)1/2 x 10-3 = 0.005,

Factor for structural system, K = 1.3

ρ ρ
(L/d)basic = K[11 + 1.5 fck 0 + 3.2 fck( 0 -1)3/2]
ρ ρ
(L/d)basic = 1.3[11 + 11.92 + 7.20] = 39.16

Modification factor for steel area provided

= As,prov/As,req = 393/346= 1.14 ≤ 1.5
 Example 2: Continuous one way slab
Therefore, allowable span-effective depth ratio:
(L/d)allowable = 39.16 x 1 x 1.14 = 44.64
Actual span-effective depth ratio:
(L/d)actual = 4000/110 = 36.35 < (L/d)allowable = 44.64, OK!

CRACKING
h = 150 mm < 200 mm
Main bar:
Smax,slab = 3h ≤ 400 = 400
Max. bar spacing = 400 ≤ Smax, slab, OK!
Secondary bar:
Smax,slab = 3.5h ≤ 450 = 450
Max. bar spacing = 425 < 450 mm, OK!
 Example 3: Two way slab restrained slab

Figure 2 shows part of the second floor plan of a reinforced concrete

office building. The slab carries characteristic permanent action of 1.5
kN/m2 (excluding self-weight) of finishes, ceiling and services and
characteristic variable action of 4.5 kN/m2. The construction materials
considered for the concrete consist of Grade C25, whereas, for steel
reinforcement consist of Grade 500. The density of concrete is taken as
25 kN/m3.
Example 3: Two way slab restrained slab

Figure 2
 Example 3: Two way slab restrained slab

i) Based on the information given, calculate the area of steel required for
the slab panel C-D/2-3. Use thickness of the slab as 150 mm, nominal cover
equal to 25 mm and assume diameter of the bar is equal to 10 mm. Then,
propose suitable reinforcements for this slab.

ii) Using the information obtained in (a), calculate the design shear force in
the slab and check whether the slab is safe in terms of shear. Comment on
your answer and give appropriate suggestions

iii) If the deflection check is passed, conduct the cracking check on the reinforcement
provided for this slab. Comment on your answer and give appropriate suggestions.
 Example 3: Two way slab restrained slab
ACTIONS & ANALYSIS
Slab self-weight = 0.15 x 25 = 3.75 kN/m2
Permanent load (excluding self-weight) = 1.5 kN/m2
Total permanent action, gk = 5.25 kN/m2
Variable action, qk = 4.50 kN/m2
Design action, nd = 1.35(5.25) + 1.5(4.50) = 13.84 kN/m2

Ly/Lx = 3250/3000 = 1.1 < 2.0 (Two way slab)

Case 8: Three edges discontinuous (One short edge continuous)
Short span: Msx1 = βsx1nlx2 = 0.054 x 13.84 x 32 = 6.73 kNm/m

Long span: Msy1 = βsy1nlx2 = 0.044 x 13.84 x 32 = 5.48 kNm/m

Msy2 = βsy1nlx2 = 0.058 x 13.84 x 32 = 7.22 kNm/m
 Example 3: Two way slab restrained slab
MAIN REINFORCEMENT
Effective depth:
dx = 150 – 25 -0.5(10) = 120 mm
dy= 150 – 25 -1.5(10) = 110 mm

Minimum and maximum reinforcement area,

As,min = 0.26 (fctm/fyk)bd = 0.26(2.6/500)bd
= 0.0013bd = 0.0013(1000))(120) Secondary bar:
= 156 mm2/m H10 - 425
(185 mm2/m)
As,max = 0.04Ac = 0.04(1000)(150) = 6000 mm2/m
 Example 3: Two way slab restrained slab
Short span:
Mid-span:
Msx1 = 6.73 kNm/m
K = M/fckbd2
= (6.73 x106) /(25 x 1000 x 1202) = 0.019 < Kbal = 0.167
∴ Compression reinforcement not required
z = d [0.5 + 0.25 − 𝐾/1.134 ] = 0.98d ≤ 0.95d
As = M/0.87fykz
= 6.73 x 106/0.87 x 500 x 0.95 x 120
= 138 mm2/m Provide
H10-350 bottom
(225 mm2/m)
 Example 3: Two way slab restrained slab
Long span:
Mid-span:
Msy1 = 5.48 kNm/m
K = M/fckbd2
= (5.48 x106) /(25 x 1000 x 1102) = 0.018 < Kbal = 0.167
∴ Compression reinforcement not required
z = d [0.5 + 0.25 − 𝐾/1.134 ] = 0.98d ≤ 0.95d
As = M/0.87fykz
= 5.48 x 106/0.87 x 500 x 0.95 x 110
= 121 mm2/m Provide
H10-350 bottom
(225 mm2/m)
 Example 3: Two way slab restrained slab
Long span:
Support:
Msy2 = 7.22 kNm/m
K = M/fckbd2
= (7.22 x106) /(25 x 1000 x 1102) = 0.024 < Kbal = 0.167
∴ Compression reinforcement not required
z = d [0.5 + 0.25 − 𝐾/1.134 ] = 0.98d ≤ 0.95d
As = M/0.87fykz
= 7.22 x 106/0.87 x 500 x 0.95 x 110
= 159 mm2/m Provide
H10-350 bottom
(225 mm2/m)
 Example 3: Two way slab restrained slab
SHEAR
Shear force,
Short span;
Vsx1 = βvs1nlx = 0.33 x 13.84 x 3 = 13.7 kN/m
Long span;
Vsx1 = βvs2nlx = 0.30 x 13.84 x 3 =12.46 kN/m
Vsx2 = βvs2nlx = 0.45 x 13.84 x 3 =18.64 kN/m

Design shear force, VED = 18.64 kN

Design shear resistance,

VRd,c = [0.12k(100ρ1fck)1/3]bd
k = 1 + (200/d)1/2 ≤ 2.0 = 2.34 ≤ 2.0
 Example 3: Two way slab restrained slab

ρ1 = As1/bd ≤ 0.02 = 159/1000 x110 = 0.0015 ≤ 0.02

VRd,c = [0.12 x 2.0 (100x 0.0015 x 25)1/3] x 1000 x 110

= 41.02 kN

Vmin = [0.035k3/2 fck1/2]bd = 0.035 x 23/2 x 251/2 x 1000 x 110

= 54.45 kN

So, VRd,c = 54.45 kN > VED = 18.64 kN, OK!

 Example 3: Two way slab restrained slab
DEFLECTION
Percentage of required tension reinforcement,
ρ = As,req/bd = 138 /1000 x 120 = 0.0012

Reference reinforcement ratio,

ρ0 = (fck)1/2 x10-3 = (25)1/2 x 10-3 = 0.005 ,

Factor for structural system, K = 1.3

ρ ρ
(L/d)basic = K[11 + 1.5 fck 0 + 3.2 fck( 0 -1)3/2]
ρ ρ
(L/d)basic = 1.3[11 + 31.25 + 90.16] = 172.13

Modification factor for steel area provided

= As,prov/As,req = 225/138= 1.63 ≤ 1.5
 Example 3: Two way slab restrained slab
Therefore, allowable span-effective depth ratio:
(L/d)allowable = 172.13 x 1 x 1.5 = 258.2

Actual span-effective depth ratio:

(L/d)actual = 3000/120 = 25 < (L/d)allowable OK!

CRACKING
h = 150 mm < 200 mm
Main bar:
Smax,slab = 3h ≤ 400 = 450 ≤ 400
Max. bar spacing = 350 ≤ Smax, slab, OK!
Secondary bar: :
Smax,slab = 3.5h ≤ 450 = 525 ≤ 450
Max. bar spacing = 425 ≤ 450, OK!
 Tutorial 1: One way continuous slab

Figure 3 shows a first floor plan of an office building. It

is estimated that the 150 mm thick slab will carry 3.0
kN/m2 variable action and 1.0 kN/m2 from finishes and
suspended ceiling. Given that the design life = 50 years,
fire resistance = REI 60, exposure class = XC1,
characteristic concrete strength, fck = C30/37, high yield
steel strength, fyk = 500 N/mm2, unit weight of concrete
= 25 kN/m3, diameter of reinforcement = 10 mm.
Tutorial 1: One way continuous slab

Figure 3
 Tutorial 1: One way continuous slab

a) Calculate Cnom of the slab.

b) Calculate the loads on slab.
c) Draw the bending moment and shear force diagram.
d) Design the reinforcement and check shear.
e) Check deflection and cracking.
f) Construct the plan view detailing of the slab.
 Tutorial 2: Two way simply supported slab

A renovation will be made on a double-storey house. The

owner has requested to add another room measuring 5 m x
3 m. The slab will carry a variable action of 3.0 kN/m2 and
permanent action due to finishes of 1.25 kN/m2. The
characteristic material strength for concrete and steel will
be used is 25 N/mm2 and 500 N/mm2, respectively. The slab
can be considered simply supported on all four edges with
corners free to lift. The slab is inside a building which is
subjected to 1.5 hours fire resistance and 50 years design
life.
 Tutorial 2: Two way simply supported slab

a) If the slab thickness is taken as 150 mm, calculate and design

the main reinforcement for the slab. Use concrete nominal
cover equal to 30 mm.
b) Perform all checking on shear, deflection and cracking of the
slab. Comment on your answer and give appropriate
suggestions.
c) Construct the detail reinforcement obtained in (a) for the
slab.
 Tutorial 3: Two way restrained slab

Figure 4 shows a first floor plan of a reinforced concrete office

building. During construction, slabs and beams are cast
monolithically. The overall thickness of the slab is 150 mm.
Based on the properties and design data provided, design slab
panel S1.
Char. permanent action (excluding self-weight) = 1.0 kN/m2
Characteristic variable action = 3.5 kN/m2
Design life = 50 years
Fire exposure = R60
Exposure class = XC1
Characteristic concrete strength, fck = C30/37
High yield steel strength, fyk = 500 N/mm2
Unit weight of concrete = 25 kN/m3
Tutorial 3: Two way restrained slab

Figure 4
 Tutorial 3: Two way restrained slab

a. Determine the nominal cover, cnom for the slab.

b. Calculate the design action carried by the slab.
c. Calculate and propose the main reinforcement.
d. Check the slab for shear, deflection and crack requirement.
e. Sketch the detailing for the slab.
End of Examples and Tutorials