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slabs4.JPG (1156 bytes)SLABS 4 slabs4.JPG (1156 bytes)

Software for Analysis and Design of Reinforced Concrete Suspended Slabs and Rafts

SLABS4 is a software package that is used by structural engineers to perform a static analysis and design of reinforced concrete slab systems, including suspended slabs and slabs-on-ground. SLABS4 is an analytical tool, which provides a computer based solution for a specific structural design problem: design of reinforced concrete suspended floors of any shape supported by beams, walls and columns, and slabs-on-ground. The software currently complies with the Australian Standards, AS3600 - 2001: Concrete Structures.

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Model Courtesy of BURCHILL PARTNERS PTY LTD, QLD

SLABS4 can also be used to design both typical floors and transfer floors. The software allows very efficient modelling of floors of any geometry, without the need to define any imaginary design strips, and therefore eliminating the need for subjective judgment and any manual calculations. SLABS4 will take into account the two-way action automatically, which will result in more efficient designs. A concrete floor can support uniformly distributed pressure loading, arbitrary line loads, point loads and moment loads. SLABS4 allows this loading to be applied in up to ten basic load cases. The basic load cases can be combined in ten additional load combinations. The design of the reinforcement follows AS3600 and is performed for a bending moment envelope that is generated from several user defined load combinations.

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The analytical algorithm implemented in SLABS4 is based on a Linear Elastic Finite Element Method. The software employs one of the most efficient and reliable three-node plate bending elements, known as the discrete Kirchhoff element. The meshing algorithm has been developed to perform a fully automatic generation of a high quality finite mesh including automatic numbering of nodes and elements. Modelling of the geometry, editing and presentation of all results is fully interactive, taking advantage of the graphical Windows environment. All the results are presented graphically for an easy and quick review.

SLABS4 is a major upgrade of the SLABS software, which has been in use for more than 10 years. We estimate that SLABS has been used in more than 20,000 design jobs around Australia and internationally as a principle analytical tool. Most of the improvements and new features included in SLABS4 were suggested by existing users who are experienced design engineers.

 

Key  Features

    Easy modelling of concrete floors of any shape.

    Easy CAD import  (supports DXF and DWG file format)

    REVIT import  (forthcoming)   

    Three alternative methods for long term deflections: Kcs, Eurocode 2 and Age Adjusted Modulus

    Integrated band beam design

    Export and import form R/C BUILDING software

    Punching shear design.

    Slabs-on-grade:  Winkler Method and Soil-Stricture-Interaction

    Phone and e-mail support.

    Made in Australia  (based on local design practice)

 

Building Floor Models

Using a bitmap image to generate a model is very efficient particularly when the geometry of the floor is simple.

The concept of the BMP Import utility in SLABS4 is to use a Bitmap image to display the geometry of the floor as a background image. Once the Bitmap image is imported, the standard drawing tools can be used to create the slab panels, walls, beams and columns over the Bitmap image. The Bitmap image is only a background and it will not interfere with the slab model. A Bitmap image can be created by scanning a paper copy of the plan (using a scanning device), or the image can be created from a CAD file using any CAD package. More info: http://www.inducta.com.au/help/000087.htm

SLABS4 can read data contained in a CAD file and then convert this information into structural elements that will make up a SLABS model. Building models using CAD files is the most efficient and accurate approach, particularly when the models are large or complex. More info: http://www.inducta.com.au/help/000042.htm

 

Analysis and Design

The complete analysis is performed by several analytical procedures or computer modules. A linear elastic Finite Element method is employed for calculating the deflections and the bending moments. A very accurate triangular plate element, known as discrete Kirchhoff element, is used. The triangular shape of the elements allows a reliable generation of the finite element mesh.

Generating the Finite Element Mesh; SLABS4 has two meshing algorithms: Mesh 2000 and Intelli MESH. Mesh 2000 was the first algorithm developed and it was replaced by a much more superior algorithm: Intelli MESH.

During the meshing process all slab panels will be automatically subdivided into triangular finite elements and all beam elements will be sub-divided into smaller segments to match the size of the triangles.

 

Results

Once the analysis has been successfully completed, the available results (for different Load Cases and Load Combinations) are as follows;

o Deflections (slab and beams)

o Internal Forces (columns and walls)

o Bending Moments (slab, beams and columns)

o Shear (slab and beams)

o Torsion (beams)

o Reactions (columns and walls)

o Reinforcement (slab and beams)

Graphical on-screen results are displayed by selecting the appropriate option from the Main Menu under the [ Results ] tab. The user can extract on-screen results at any node using the left mouse button, and obtain the maximum value within a rectangular area by drawing a box using the left mouse button, as shown in the screen shot below;

 

Deflection Results

Deflection results are used to check the serviceability design criteria, as prescribed by the design code. The deflection results are available for any Basic Load Case and any Load Combination. The software does not automatically check if the deflections are within the allowable limits and also does not distinguish between the long term, short term or incremental deflections. The software will only provide deflections results for the applied loading, and display the on screen deflections based on current Load Case or Combination that is selected on the Main Menu by the user.

The user has to create the load combinations, which will represent long term, short term or incremental deflections, and check the deflection result against the design code requirements.

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See also:

    Moment Results    

    Reinforcement Results   

    Reactions - Static

    Reactions - Area Method  

 

SLABS  Gallery

·         Flat slab with drop panels, Chicago - USA  new2.gif (111 bytes) 

·         Commercial and Residential Flat Slabs in QLD 

·         DMR, Maintland - Suspended Slab Design

·         Transfer slab at Redleaf Avenue, Wahroonga, NSW

·         5-Storey Building

·         Slab-on-Ground  new2.gif (111 bytes) 

·         Slab with Openings

·         15-Story Building

·         Suspended slabs, 12 Apartments

·         Radial Symmetry

·         Meriton Apartments

·         Flat Slab with Drop Panels

·         Flat Slab, Curved

·         Transfer Slab, t=600 mm

·         Lift Core Foundation

·         Bridge Deck

·         Waffle Raft Slabs Design

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INDUCTA Engineering , PO Box A2293, Sydney South, NSW 1235, Australia
tel: (02) 9267 0114, international tel: +612 9267 0114
fax: (02) 9267 0168, international fax: +612 9267 0168