Coefficient Method

The coefficient method employs tables of moment coefficients for different slab edge
conditions. The conditions are based on elastic analysis but inelastic redistribution is
accounted for as well.
As a result, the design moment on both directions is smaller by a specific amount than
the ultimate elastic moment in that exclusive direction.
According to the coefficient approach, the slab is divided into the middle strip and
column strip in each direction. The width of the latter is equal to the one-quarter of the
panel width whereas the width of the former is one-half the panel width, as illustrated in
Fig.1.

Fig. 1: Middle Strips and Column Strips in Each Direction of Two-way Slab Supported on Beams

The following equations can be used to estimate negative and positive moments in the
two directions:
As it can be observed from Fig.2, moments in the center area of the slab is the greatest
compared with moments imposed on the area adjacent to the slab edge.
That is why the middle strip needs to be designed for the greatest tabulated moment
whereas the edge strips are specified to be designed for one-quarter of the maximum
value of the calculated moment. Such distribution shown in Fig.2 is for (Ma), and similar
variations are applied for (Mb).

Fig. 2: Distribution of Moments Across the Width of Critical Sections Considered for Design

Moreover, it should be known that the above discussion is related to simply supported
two-way slabs, whereas there are several spans in the real conditions as shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3: Plan of a Typical Two-way Slabs Floors with Beams on all Lines of Columns
The panel A has two discontinuous edges while the other two edges are continuous and
adjacent to another slab as it may be observed in Figure 5.

The panel B is continuous at three edges and the other edge is discontinuous. And the
panel C is continuous at all its edges.

Etch this into your mind that moments at edges of the slab is negative and the magnitude
of positive moment is based on the condition of continuity at the entire edges of the
panel.

Various possible support conditions which are considered in the moment coefficient
tables are shown in Fig 4.

Fig. 4: Various Types of Support Conditions for Rectangular Two-way Slab

As far as ACI coefficient tables are concerned, Table 1 provides coefficients for negative
moments at continuous edges, and the ultimate moment at slab edge is achieved when
both adjacent slabs support full dead and live load. Table 2 provides the coefficient to
compute positive moments of slabs that carry dead load only. Regarding Table 3
coefficients, they are applied to calculate positive moments of slabs on which live loads
are acted on. Lastly, coefficients used to estimate shears on slabs and loads on
supporting beams.
Reinforcement Requirements
The following consideration provided by ACI Code shall be taken into account during
reinforcement detailing:
1. Placement Sequence
Reinforcement bars for short spans are recommended to be placed closer
to the top and bottom of the slab than long span reinforcement. In this way,
reinforcements in short spans will have greater effective depth.
This placement configuration should be maintained, and if special
reinforcement placement is considered it needs to be clearly noted and
shown in the drawing.
2. Concrete Cover
ACI Code section 7.7.1 specifies the minimum clear cover to the surface of
reinforcement in slabs as 20mm apart from the condition where the slab is
in direct contact with earth to weather.
3. Spacing Requirements
The maximum spacing of reinforcement at critical design sections for
positive and negative moments in both the middle and column strips shall
not exceed two times the slab thickness (ACI Code Section 13.3.2),
The bar spacing shall not exceed 450 mm at any location (ACI Code
Section 7.12.2.2).

Design Procedure
1. Determine the thickness of the slab, according to procedures provided here
2. Calculate the factored loads.
3. Determine moment coefficients using Tables.
4. Compute positive and negative moments in each direction.
5. Finally, calculate reinforcement area, then number of bars and their spacing.