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© 2025 by the author. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

This study proposes a unified span–depth ratio model aimed at optimizing the minimum thickness of reinforced concrete flat plate slabs, addressing the limitations of the simplified span-to-depth ratio provisions in ACI 318. The existing code does not fully consider critical parameters such as panel aspect ratio, reinforcement ratio, support conditions, concrete strength, and long-term deflections due to creep and shrinkage. To overcome these shortcomings, a generalized analytical model is developed based on fundamental deflection theory, incorporating both immediate and time-dependent behaviors. The model is validated through numerical simulations applied to interior, edge, and corner slab panels subjected to various geometric configurations, loading scenarios, and reinforcement levels. Results from the parametric study indicate that deflection control improves significantly with higher reinforcement ratios and lower aspect ratios, leading to more efficient slab designs. Comparisons with ACI 318 guidelines reveal that the proposed model provides enhanced accuracy, particularly for irregular slab geometries and stringent deflection limits (e.g., L/480). The findings highlight that conventional code-based thickness limits may underestimate slab depth requirements in many practical scenarios. The study advocates for integrating deflection-based considerations into the preliminary design stage, offering structural engineers a more robust and practical tool to ensure serviceability while optimizing material use.

Details

Title
A Generalized Span–Depth Ratio Model for Minimum Thickness Design of Flat Plate Slabs Incorporating ACI Deflection Criteria
Author
Taha, Bahman Omar  VIAFID ORCID Logo 
First page
2157
Publication year
2025
Publication date
2025
Publisher
MDPI AG
e-ISSN
20755309
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
3229142316
Copyright
© 2025 by the author. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.