Term project

Two-way Prestressed Concrete Floor

System: Review of Methods, Flexural
Behavior of Two-Way Slabs and Plates

Touhid Ahamed

Abstract: This report summarizes methods and flexural behavior of two-way prestressed
concrete slabs and plates. First, it introduces different available methods for slab and
plate analysis and design. As equivalent frame method applies to slabs and plates with
most different shapes and boundary conditions, this method is explained in details with
an example. Finally, very concise concept of yield-line theory is presented.

Instructor
Dr. Cac Dao

April 26, 2017

Contents

1 Two-way Prestressed Concrete Floor System: Review of Methods, Flex-

ural Behavior of Two-Way Slabs and Plates 3
1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2 Methods of Analysis and Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3 Equivalent Frame Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.3.1 Equivalent frame analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.3.2 Pattern loading of span . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
1.3.3 Two-way load balancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1.3.4 Design moment Mu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.3.5 Distribution of prestressing strands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.3.6 Limiting concrete tensile stresses at service load . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1.3.7 Minimum bonded reinforcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.3.8 Shear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
1.3.9 Flow chart for two-way slab/plate analysis and design . . . . . . . . 18
1.3.10 Example equivalent frame method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1.4 Fundamental of yield-line theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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List of Figures

1.1 Two-way floor system: a) flat plate, b) slab with beams, c) waffle slab . . . 4
1.2 Floor plan with equivalent frame (shaded in x-direction) . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.3 Column and middle strips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.4 Distribution of static moment in the direction of moment . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.5 Idealized structure divided into equivalent frames. (a)Plan, (b) Section in
E-W direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1.6 Constituent elements of the equivalent frame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.7 Pattern need to be used for estimating moment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
1.8 Load balancing in prestressed panel. (a) three-dimensional view. (b) Section
L-L in the long direction. (c) Section S-S in the short direction . . . . . . . 13
1.9 Fixed end moment for service load moment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1.10 Fixed end moment for ultimate load moment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
1.11 Typical strands distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1.12 Flow char for analysis and design of two-way prestressed slab/plate . . . . . 18
1.13 Continued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
1.14 Continued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
1.15 Flat-plate apartment structure in the example. (a) Plan. (b)Section A-A,
N-S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
1.16 Strand profile in N-S direction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
1.17 Shear-moment transfer zone and reinforcement distribution in example. (a)
Column zone band. (b) Reinforcement distribution plan. . . . . . . . . . . . 36
1.18 Critical plane for shear transfer in interior column . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
1.19 Schematic reinforcement distribution for partial floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
1.20 Moment-curvature relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
1.21 Failure mechanism of a square slab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

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Chapter 1

Two-way Prestressed Concrete

Floor System: Review of Methods,
Flexural Behavior of Two-Way
Slabs and Plates

1.1 Introduction
Floors provide flat surface for different occupancies and uses in civil infrastructure. Floor
system with aspect ration (ration of length to width) less than two is referred as two-way
action floor. Different types of floor system in structures are presented in Fig (1.1). Floor
system supported by beams are usually termed as slab. When beams are omitted, floor
system supported by edge beams and/or columns are termed as plate/flat-plate. In this
report, review of methods, flexural behavior of Two-way slabs and plates are presented.

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Figure 1.1: Two-way floor system: a) flat plate, b) slab with beams, c) waffle slab

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1.2 Methods of Analysis and Design

The analysis and design method for prestressed concrete slabs and plats and same as those
of reinforced concrete slabs and plates. Current design and analysis methods practiced in
The United States are

1. Semielastic ACI code approach: i) Direct design method, ii) Equivalent frame method

2. Yield-line method

3. The limit theory of plates

4. Strip method.

Due to applicability limitations, of different methods mentioned, to different cases of pre-

stressed slabs and plates, Only, equivalent frame method will presented in details.

1.3 Equivalent Frame Method

In equivalent frame method, as can be predicted, slabs/plates are divided into numbers
of equivalent frames in x and y-directions. In figure (1.2), AB and DC vertical sections,
midway between columns result in a equivalent frame in x-direction. Similarly, EF and
GH section results in equivalent frame in y-direction. Those equivalent frame, consist of
horizontal beam and/or slabs and vertical columns, are teated as idealized farms which
enable us to analysis and design the slab/beam part of the slab.
For analysis and design design, slab/plates of each frame is divided into column strip
and middle stripe. Column strip,in each side of column centerline, has a width of one fourth
of the distance of column centerline in transverse direction. Balance portion of slab/plate
constitute the middle strip. Figure (1.3) shows middle and column strips of a floor panels.

Once, the floor is divided in number of equivalent frames, design of each frames involves
following four major steps,

1. Determine the total static moment

2. Distribute the total moments into positive and negative moments

3. Distribute the positive and negative moments to column and middle stripe.

4. Proportion and distribution of reinforcements

If l1 be the centerline dimension of a floor panel and l2 be the dimension in perpendicular

direction, as shown in figure(1.3). Then ln is the clear span extends face to face of column,

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Figure 1.2: Floor plan with equivalent frame (shaded in x-direction)

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Figure 1.3: Column and middle strips

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Figure 1.4: Distribution of static moment in the direction of moment

capital, or wall but not less than 0.65l1 . The static moment M0 , assuming uniformly loaded
simply supported beam, can be estimate by
wl2 ln2
M0 = . (1.1)
8
Due to restraint at the support, M0 in the direction of the moment would be distributed
to the support and midspan such that
1
M0 = Mc + (MA + MB ) (1.2)
2
The distribution depend upon the degree of stiffness of the support. The distribution in x-
direction is illustrated in the figure (1.4). Similarly, for transverse direction static moment
and its distribution are given by
wl1 ln2
M00 = (1.3)
8
1
M00 = Mc0 + MA0 + MB0 .


(1.4)
2

1.3.1 Equivalent frame analysis

In figure(1.5), a floor is divided into numbers of continuous frames in both directions. Each
floor is analyzed separately, whereby the columns are assumed fixed at the floors above

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and below. Each frames in a floor are analyzed and designed for total applied load.
For analysis, it is necessary to account for the rotational resistance of the column at
the joint. A schematic illustration of the constituent elements of the equivalent frame is
given in figure(1.6) The equivalent column stiffness is assumed by the expression
1 1 1
=P + (1.5)
Kec Ke Kt
P
where, Kec = flexural stiffness of equivalent column, Kc = sum of the flexural stiffness
of the upper and lower columns at joint, Kt = torsional stiffness of the transverse beam at
the joint
The expression in Eq.(1.5) can be written as the stiffness equation
P
Kc
Kec = P (1.6)
1 + KKe c

and the column stiffness for an equivalent frame can be define as

"  2 #
EI L
Kc = 0 1 + 3 (1.7)
l L0

where, I is the column moment of inertia, L is the centerline span and L0 is the clear span
of the column. The torsional stiffness of the beam in the column line is
X 9Ees C
Kt =  3 (1.8)
L2 1 Lc22

where, L2 = band width, Ln = span and c2 = column dimension in the direction parallel
to the torsional beam and the torsional constant is
X x x3 y

C= 1 0.63 (1.9)
y 3

Once stiffness Kec of column and stiffness Ks of beam are established, the equivalent
frame can be analyzed by any available methods,e.g. moment distribution, matrix method
etc.

1.3.2 Pattern loading of span

Loading all spans simultaneously does not necessarily produce maximum positive and neg-
ative stresses. Thus for multispan frame, alternative span loading with live load case need
to be investigated. For three span frame suggested patterns are given in Figure(1.7).

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Figure 1.5: Idealized structure divided into equivalent frames. (a)Plan, (b) Section in E-W
direction

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Figure 1.6: Constituent elements of the equivalent frame

Figure 1.7: Pattern need to be used for estimating moment

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1.3.3 Two-way load balancing

For slab on rigid supports and orthogonal prestressing having span LS and LL as shown
in Figure(1.8). Balanced load can be estimated by

8PS eS
Wbal(S) = (1.10)
L2S
8PL eL
Wbal(L) = (1.11)
L2L
where quantities are described in Figure(1.8). And total balancing per unit width becomes
8PS eS 8PL eL
Wbal = Wbal(S) + Wbal(L) = + (1.12)
L2S L2L
These equation are used for determining the prestressed PS and PL for the slab. Many
combinations are possible to come up with the same balancing. Depending upon situations
and requirements different balancing are usually provided.
The unit stress in the short and long directions due to unbalanced loading is obtained
by superimposing the uniform compression due to balanced load and the flexural stress
due bending moment MS and ML caused by unbalanced load in short and long directions
respectively. Which can be given as follows:
Short direction,
PS MS c
ft = (1.13)
bh IS
PS M Sc
fb = + (1.14)
bh IS
Long direction,
PL M L c
ft = (1.15)
bh IL
P L M Lc
fb = + (1.16)
bh IL
In these equations, t represents top fiber of the slab and b represents bottom fiber of slab
with a width of the slab b = 12 in. And
total PS
PS = (1.17)
L
and
total PL
PL = (1.18)
S

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Figure 1.8: Load balancing in prestressed panel. (a) three-dimensional view. (b) Section
L-L in the long direction. (c) Section S-S in the short direction

1.3.4 Design moment Mu

Design moment Mu is computed considering moment due to prestress Ms = Mb al M1
and fixed end factored moment. Thus design ultimate moment would be at least
Design Mu = distributed Mu Ms (1.19)
and available moment strength would be
Mu
Mn = (1.20)

Where, fixed-end moments for live loads are calculated using the graph provided in Figure(1.9)
and Figure(1.10) for service and ultimate moment.

1.3.5 Distribution of prestressing strands

The percentage of total tendon placed in the column strip equals the percent of the moment
carried by the column strip. Usually, 65-70 percent of the total strands are concentrated in
the column strip. Typical tendon distribution of slab/plates is presented in Figure(1.11).

1.3.6 Limiting concrete tensile stresses at service load

Following are the ACI 318 Code limits for tensile stress in prestressed element to control
flexural cracks

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Figure 1.9: Fixed end moment for service load moment

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Figure 1.10: Fixed end moment for ultimate load moment

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Figure 1.11: Typical strands distribution

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p
1. Negative moment area with additional nonprestressed reinforcement 6 fc0

2. Negative moment without additional nonprestressed reinforcement 0

p
3. Positive moment with additional nonprestressed reinforcement 2 fc0

4. Positive moment with additional nonprestressed reinforcement 0

5. Compressive stress in the concrete 0.45fc0

1.3.7 Minimum bonded reinforcement

Minimum bonded reinforcement requirement As = 0.004A where A is the concrete area
between tension face and c.g. of section.

1.3.8 Shear
The nominal shear provided by the concrete for two-way shear
 p 
Vc = p fc0 + 0.3fc b0 d + Vp (1.21)

and the nominal shear strength

 p  Vp
vc = p fc0 + 0.3fc + (1.22)
b0 d
Conservatively, Vp can be disregarded in the calculation. ACI 318 Code provides some
restriction on the use of the formulas above. If those conditions are not mate Vc can be
calculated using one of the following equations
 
4 p 0
Vc = 2 2 + fc b0 d (1.23)

 
s d p 0
Vc = 2 + fc b0 d (1.24)
b0
p
Vc = 4 fc0 b0 d (1.25)

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1.3.9 Flow chart for two-way slab/plate analysis and design

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Figure 1.12: Flow char for analysis and design of two-way prestressed slab/plate
Two-way Prestressed Concrete Floor System CE 535

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Figure 1.13: Continued
Two-way Prestressed Concrete Floor System CE 535

Figure 1.14: Continued

1.3.10 Example equivalent frame method

A post-tensioned prestressed nonbonded flat-plate system for an apartment complex is
shown in Figure(1.15). The end-panel centerline dimensions are 17 ft, 6 in. 20 ft, 0 in.
and interior panel dimensions are 24 ft, 0 in. 20 ft, 0 in. The floor height of interior
floors ate typically 8ft, 9 in. Design a typical floor panel to withstand a working live load
WL = 40 psf. and a superimposed dead load WSD = 20 psf sue to partitions and flooring.

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Assume in your solution that all panels are simultaneously loaded by the live load, and
1
verity the shear-moment transfer capacity of the floor at the column supports. Use d2 -
in. dia 7-wire 270-K prestressing strands and the equivalent frame method to arrive the
solution. (In example all equations and tables are referred from the text.)

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Figure 1.15: Flat-plate apartment structure in the example. (a) Plan. (b)Section A-A,
N-S.

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Figure 1.16: Strand profile in N-S direction

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Figure 1.17: Shear-moment transfer zone and reinforcement distribution in example. (a)
Column zone band. (b) Reinforcement distribution plan.

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Figure 1.18: Critical plane for shear transfer in interior column

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Figure 1.19: Schematic reinforcement distribution for partial floor

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1.4 Fundamental of yield-line theory

The yield-line theory estimates the failure load of slab. Following are the basic assumption

The yield-line theory is an upper-bound solution

Assume rigid plastic behavior

Plate stays plane at collapse

Moment-curvature relationship and failure mechanism of a square slab are illustrated in

Fig. (1.20) and Fig. (1.21) respectively.

Figure 1.20: Moment-curvature relationship

Figure 1.21: Failure mechanism of a square slab

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References

Nawy, Edward G. Prestressed concrete. Pearson Education, 2011.

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