DESIGN CODES: AS 3600, ACI 318-99, BS 8110, CSA A23.3
SLABS software is a practical design tool, which can
be used for design of odd shaped continuous slabs with point loads, line loads as well as
uniformly distributed loads, i.e. for slabs where the simple method given in design codes
do not apply. Whilst in these cases it is possible to make major simplifications and use
the strip method to get moments this is often very conservative. Yield line theory may be
more accurate but is extremely time consuming and if standard theory of elasticity
solutions are used (as is common) it is difficult to allow for pattern loading.
Model Curtuasy of BURCHILL PARTNERS PTY LTD, QLD
Besides all this, how does one estimate deflection! The SLABS
program allows you to quickly and easily use the finite element method to calculate
deflections for odd shaped slabs with a variety of loads (strip, point and UDL) and
support conditions (beams, columns and walls). Slabs panels may be joined together, so
that a whole floor of a building can be analysed allowing for pattern loading and moment
redistribution over supports.
The program also produces contours of bending moments and required
areas of steel to resist these moments which can then be averaged with a little bit of
commonsense to complete the design.
RAFT and SLAB-ON-GROUND
SLABS offers a most comprehensive
solution for analysis and design of rafts and slabs-on-ground. There is a choice of
two alternative methods to analyse the model.
Slab-on-Ground
Project
Waffle Raft Slabs Design
Alternative 1. (more...)
Use of the Winkler Model for:
- Slab-on-ground
- Rafts
- Stiffened Rafts
- Waffle Rafts
- Piled Slabs
- Soil layers on slope
Alternative 2. (more...)
Use of FEAR software (Finite Element Analysis of
Rafts) for the most advanced settlement solutions where the soil is treated as a layered
material and each layer may have different elastic properties. The raft and soil geometry
and loading can be generated using the graphical SLABS interface, and the data exported to
FEAR. Results of the analysis can be viewed graphically.
The FEAR software can calculate the contact stress distribution below the raft, and
calculate the settlement by integration of strains in the soil layers.
NOTE: FEAR is an option which can be
purchased separately. It is not include in SLABS as a standard feature.
SLABS 3.5 
