Implication of Yield Lines Theory in Method Three of the ACI Code for Two-Way Reinforced Concrete Slabs

Abstract

Abstract Reinforced concrete slabs are one of the most important and complicated elements of a building. For supported edges slabs, if the ratio of long span to short span is equal or less than two then the slab is considered as two-way slab otherwise is consider as one-way slab. Two-way reinforced concrete slabs are common in use in reinforced concrete buildings due to geometrically arrangement of columns suggested by architects who prefer a symmetric distribution of columns in their plans. Elastic theory is usually used for analysis of concrete slabs. However, for several reasons design methods based on elastic principles are limited in their function. Correspondingly, limit state analysis offers a powerful technique for considering such matter. The Yield Lines Theory, which is one of limit state analysis based on expected failure criteria of slabs. The assumed failure criteria is termed by a pattern of yield lines, along that the reinforcement has yielded and the location of which counts loads and boundary conditions. This paper deals with comparison of Method 3 for two-way slabs that was provided by the ACI Code and exact derivation of this method by the Yield Lines Theory. Total of nine cases of slabs that have been described by method three are studied and evaluated by plastic analysis assumptions of the yield lines theory. The results are summarized in terms of proposed formulae that derived according to the Yield Lines Ttheory, which could be used as an alternative method for design of two-way reinforced concrete slabs in the ACI Code.