INTRODUCTION

With increase in demand Ior space, construction oI muiltistoried building is becoming

a necessary part oI our living style. The dearth oI space is Iorcing us to raise the height oI
buildings as much as possible to accommodate maximum number oI people, and also in
harmony with the architecture necessities. These muiltistoried building can be constructed
using various structural system. Also with increase in height the need oI resisting lateral loads
like wind and earthquake also comes in picture. Two main groups according to the
arrangement oI slabs, beams or girder, and columns are (1) Iramed structure (2) Ilat slab
structure. The choice oI a particular system depends upon the total height oI the building,
type oI the building i.e. commercial or residential etc. and Iinally the total cost oI the
structure.
The Ilat slab buildings in which slab is directly rested on columns, have been adopted
in many buildings constructed recently due to the advantage oI reduced Iloor to Iloor heights
to meet the economical and architectural demands. For commercial buildings Ilat slab rising
up to 10 to 20 stories is quite popular. But punching shear Iailure observed during the transIer
oI unbalanced moment Irom slab to column is the main drawback oI using Ilat slab. Also its
behaviour during earthquake due to absence oI beams is also a matter oI study. This
dissertation mainly Iocuses on the seismic behaviour oI RCC slabs and its comparison with
Iramed building.
Floor Systems
The horizontal Iloor system resists the gravity load (dead load and live load) acting on
it and transmits this to the vertical Iraming system. In this process, the Iloor system is
subjected primarily to Ilexure and transverse shear, where as the vertical Irame elements are
generally subjected to axial compression, oIten coupled with Ilexure and shear. The Iloor also
serves as a horizontal diaphragm connecting together and stiIIening the various vertical Irame
elements. Under the action oI lateral loads, the Iloor diaphragms behave rigidly (owing to its
high in plane Ilexural stiIIness) and eIIectively distribute the lateral load to the various
vertical Irame elements and shear walls. In cast in situ reinIorced concrete construction the
Iloor system usually consist oI one the Iollowing
Wall supported slab system
In this system, the Iloor slabs generally 100-200 mm thick with spans ranging Irom 3
m to 75 m are supported on load bearing wall (masonry). This system is mainly adopted in
low rise buildings. The slab panels are usually rectangular in shape and can be supported in
number oI ways.
When slab is supported only on two opposite sides the slab bends in one direction
only; hence called one way slab. When the slab is supported on all Iour sides and the panel
dimensions oI breadth and length are comparable to each other, the slab bends in two
directions (along length and breadth); hence it is called as two way slab. However iI the plan
is a long rectangle (length greater than twice the width), the bending along the longitudinal
direction is negligible compared to that with transverse direction, and the resulting slab action
is eIIectively one way. II the slab is extends above the Iloor level, the slab is no more simply
supported; the partial Iixity at the support introduces hogging moments in the slab.
Furthermore, twisting moments are also introduced at the corners that are restrained (not Iree
to liIt up) as established by the classical theory oI plates. Generally, slabs are cast in panels
that are continuous over the several wall supports, and are called one way continuous or two
way continuous slabs, depending upon whether the bending is predominantly along one
direction or two directions. Hogging moments are induced in the slab in the region adjacent
to the continuous support.
Beam Supported Slab System
This is similar to the wall supported slab system, except the Iloor slabs are supported
on beams. The beams are cast monolithically with the slabs in a grid pattern, with span
ranging Irom 3m to 7.5m. This system is commonly used in high rise building construction
and also in low rise Irame construction. The gravity loads acting on the slabs are transmitted
to the columns through the network oI beams. The beams which are directly connected to the
column (Iorming the vertical Irames) are called primary beams (or girders); whereas the
beams which are supported, not by columns, but by other (primary) beams are called
secondary beams.
II the beams are very stiII, the beam deIlections are negligible, and the slab supports
become relatively unyielding, similar to wall supports; the action may be either two-way or
one way, depending on the panel dimensions. However, iI the beams are relatively Ilexible,
the beam deIlections are no longer negligible and will inIluence the slab behaviour. When a
large number oI two way secondary beams are involved, the slab do not really rest` on the
beams; the slab beam system as a whole acts as integrally in supporting the gravity loads.
Flat Plate System
Here, the Iloor slab is directly supported on the columns, without the presence oI
stiIIening beams, except at the periphery. It has a uniIorm thickness oI about 125-250 mm Ior
the spans oI 4.5-6m. Its load carrying capacity is restricted by the limited shear strength and
hogging moment capacity at the column supports. Because it is relatively thin and has Ilat
under- surIace, it is called Ilat plate, and certainly has much architectural appeal. It is used in
developed countries where Iloor loads are low, spans are not large, and plane soIIits serve as
ceiling.
Flat Slab System
This is more acceptable concept to many designers. It is adopted in some oIIice
buildings. The Ilat slabs are plates that are stiIIened near the column supports by means oI
drop panels` and/or column capitals`. Compared to the Ilat plate system, the Ilat slab system
is suitable Ior higher loads and larger spans, because oI enhanced capacity in resisting shear
and hogging moments near the supports. The slab thickness varies Irom 125 mm to 300 mm
Ior spans oI 4m to 9m. Among the various Iloor systems, the Ilat slab system is one with the
highest dead load per unit area.
In general, in this type oI system, 100 percent oI the slab load has to be transmitted by
the Iloor system in both the directions towards the columns. In such cases the entire Iloor
system and columns act integrally in a two-way Irame action.
Some terminologies involved
Drop Panels- the drop panel is Iormed by the local thickening oI the slab in the
neighbourhood oI the supporting column. Drop panels are simply drops are provided mainly
Ior the purpose oI reducing shear stress around the column supports. They also help in
reducing the steel requirements Ior the negative moments at the column supports
The code recommends that drops should be rectangular in plan, and have length in
each direction not less than one third oI the panel length in that direction. For exterior panels,
the length measured perpendicular to the discontinuous edge Irom the column centreline
should be taken as one halI oI the corresponding width oI drop Ior the interior panel.
Column capital- the column capital or column head provided at the top oI a column is
intended primarily to increase the capacity oI the slab to resist punching shear. The Ilaring oI
the column at top is generally done such that the plan geometry at the column head is similar
to that oI the column.
The code restricts the structurally useIul portion oI the column capital to that portion
which the largest pyramid or right circular cones which has a vertex angle oI 90
0
, and can be
included entirely within the outlines oI the column and column head. This is based on the
assumptions oI a 45
0
Iailure plane, outside oI which enlargement oI the support is considered
ineIIective in transIerring shear to the column.
Various methods oI Ilat slab construction
Flat slabs may be constructed by various methods according to requirement, cost oI
the structure and according to loading conditions. Various methods are illustrated below
Flat plate & column (without drop panel and column head)
A Ilat plate Iloor system is a two-way concrete slab supported directly on columns
with reinIorcement in two orthogonal directions. Primarily used in hotels, multi-Iamily
residential building, and hospitals, this system has the advantages oI simple construction and
Iormwork and a Ilat ceiling, the latter oI which reduces ceiling Iinishing costs, since the
architectural Iinish can be applied directly to the undesired oI the slab. Even more signiIicant
are the cost saving associated with the low-storey heights made possible by the shallow Iloor
system. Smaller vertical runs oI cladding, partition walls, mechanical system, plumbing, and
a large number oI other items oI construction translate to large cost saving, especially Ior
medium and high-rise buildings. Moreover the total height oI a building is restricted, using a
Ilat plate will result in more stories accommodated within set height.
The thickness oI a Ilat plate is controlled by the deIlection requirements. Flat plate systems
are economically viable Ior short to medium spans and Ior moderate live loads. Up to live
loads oI about 2.36 kN/m
2
, the deIlection criteria usually govern, and the economical span
length range is 4.5 m to 7.5 m. For live loads oI 4.78 kN/m
2
or more, punching shear stresses
at the columns and bending moments in the slab control the design.
Lateral load resistance oI the system comes Irom the column stiIIness along with some width
oI slab, which can be considered eIIective in resisting lateral load.
Flat slab & column
The Ilat slab is similar to the Ilat plate, but has thickened portions around the columns
called drop panels, which are used primarily to resist punching shear stresses associated with
longer spans and/or heavier loads. Although drop panels result in somewhat higher Iormwork
costs, a relatively shallow slab system is achieved in situations where punching shear would
otherwise preclude the use oI Ilat plate.
Generally drop panels are provided to improve the shear strength oI the slab near the
column. Such system is generally used Ior buildings up to 15 stories.
Banded Ilat slab
A banded-beam system typically consists oI a uniIorm slab with thickened portions
below the slab along the column lines parallel to the longer spans. As a rule, the thickened
portions oI slab, commonly reIerred to as band-beams, are post-tensioned. The primary
purpose oI thickening the slab is to provide an increased drape Ior the tendons that are banded
in this region. Increasing the drape allows larger upward prestressing Iorces to counteract the
loads; either non-prestressed or post-tensioned reinIorcement is used in the slab in the
direction perpendicular to the bands. The overall thickness oI the band-beam is typically 300
mm to 450 mm, and the width can vary Irom 1.2 m to 3 m. Depending on the spans and
loads, the slab is usually 175 mm to 200 mm thick.
In case oI RCC slab the central portion oI the slab is designed as a one way slab with span
between clear span between the drop beams plus depth/2. The beams are designed as
continuous beams supporting one way slab. The intersection between broad beams and one
way slabs are treated as Ilat slab Ior punching shear. One oI the main advantages oI this
system is that long, unobstructed spans can be achieved with a minimum structural Iloor
depth. This results in lower Iloor-to-Iloor heights and signiIicant cost savings. Also, vibration
is not an issue due to the inherent damping properties oI the concrete. Tenant modiIications
can be easily accommodated when non-prestressed reinIorcement is used in the slab
perpendicular to the band-beams. Banded-beam systems are economically viable Ior span
lengths Irom 10.675m to 15.25m and beyond. An increase in the live load Irom 2.39 kN/m
2
to
4.78 kN/m
2
results in about a 6 increase in overall cost. Also, post-tensioning the slab
perpendicular to the band-beams typically Ior approximately 45 oI the total cost, with the
concrete and reinIorcement accounting Ior 30 and 25, respectively.

Flat slab and column with shear wall
In case oI buildings taller than 15 stories the lateral stiIIness obtained by Ilat slab column
system is not suIIicient to resist lateral loads. Hence to achieve the advantage oI Ilat slab
shear walls are added as the main lateral load resisting element. A system consisting oI shear
walls and Ilat slab Irames may provide an appropriate lateral bracing system.
Coupling oI walls and columns solely by slabs is a relatively weak source oI energy
dissipation. When suIIiciently large rotations occur in the wall during an earthquake, shear
transmission Irom slab into wall occurs mainly around the inner edges oI the wall. Because oI
the torsional cracking oI the slab and shear distortion around the columns, the system
response is poor. The deIormation compatibility requirements impose severe punching stress
demands in the Ilat slab oI building in regions oI high seismic risk.
Advantages oI Ilat slab construction
1. Faster construction-
The beneIits oI using Ilat slab construction are becoming increasingly
recognized. Flat slabs without drops can be built Iaster because Iormwork is
simpliIied and minimized. The overall speed oI construction will then be
limited by the rate at which vertical elements can be cast
2. Reduced services and cladding cost-
Flat slab construction places no restrictions on the positioning oI horizontal
services and partitions and can minimize Iloor-to-Iloor heights when there is
no requirement Ior a deep Ialse ceiling. This can have knock-on beneIits in
terms oI lower building height, reduced cladding costs and preIabricated
services.
3. Flexibility Ior the occupier
Flat slab construction oIIers considerable Ilexibility to the occupier who can
easily alter internal layouts to accommodate changes in the use oI the
structure. This Ilexibility results Irom the use oI a square or near-square grid
and absence oI beams, down stands or drops that complicate the routing oI
services and location oI partitions.
4. Reduction in Iloor height-
Floor to Iloor height is reduced which Iurther reduces the overall height oI
building.
5. Maximum Ilexibility is achieved in the architectural design.
6. Better acoustical characters are obtained with Ilat slabs.
7. By using post tensioned slabs clear spans up to 10m or so can be achieved, which are
very much required in oIIice building.
8. The primary economy Iactor oI the Ilat slab construction is the simplicity oI
Iormwork erection. This increase speed oI construction.
9. Flat slabs also are turned out to be very economical with respect to the volume oI
concrete and the amount oI reinIorcement required when slabs are provided Ior large
spans.

However Irom structural point oI view, Ilat slab presents three major problems as
1. The slab column connection does not possess the rigidity oI the beam column joint.
2. Shear concentration around the column is very high due to the possibility oI the
column punching through the slab. To overcome this, column with drop panels are
adopted which increase perimeter and reduces the shear stresses.
Some evident oI Ilat slab Iailure:
a. In this new skeleton building with Ilat slabs and small structural columns designed to
carry gravity loads, the only bracing against horizontal Iorces and displacements is a
reinIorced concrete elevator and stairway shaIt, placed very asymmetrically at the
corner oI the building. There is a large eccentricity between the centers oI mass and
resistance or stiIIness. Twisting in the plan, lead to large relative displacements in the
columns Iurther away Irom the shaIt and, this implies the danger oI punching shear
Iailure.
b. Punching shear Iailure in the main rooI at corner column.
c. This multi-Iloor parking garage collapsed like a steak oI cards while some oI the
neighbouring buildings remained undamaged. Flat slab construction was the most
vulnerable construction type 85 total collapses during the 1985 quake at Germany.
d. In this building as in many others, the load bearing column Iorced through the
concrete Iloors as they collapsed around it. Severe resonance oscillations oI the
buildings caused strain at the junction between columns and ceiling slabs; the
concrete structure was destroyed and the steel reinIorcements were strained until they
Iailed. The vertical columns were compressed or punched through the heavy Iloors
that collapsed around them.
At the design stage, there are several ways oI avoiding punching shear Iailure, such as
O Reducing the applied loads;
O Reducing the eIIective length oI the slab;
O Increasing the overall thickness oI the slab;
O Increasing the thickness oI slab locally with a drop panel or an inverted cone;
O Increasing the column head dimensions; and
O Providing some kind oI shear reinIorcement.
The Iirst Iive solutions either increase the overall Iloor height, or are impractical,
architecturally unacceptable, or expensive. Consequently, very oIten, to achieve an elegant
thin Ilat slab, shear reinIorcement is required. Properly designed shear reinIorcement can
prevent brittle punching Iailure and increase the strength and ductility oI the slab-column
connection.
3. DeIlections tend to be very large due to lesser depth oI slab and additive eIIect oI
bending in two directions.

LITURATURE REVIEW
Historical background
Flat slab have been available to structural engineers since the start oI reinIorced concrete
design. Credit Ior inventing the Ilat slab system is given to C.A.P. Turner Ior a system
described in Engineering News in October 1905. In Europe one oI the Iounding Iather oI Ilat
slabs was Robert Maillart, a design and building contractor. He carried out a series oI Iull-
scale tests on Ilat slabs in 1909. Maillarts slabs were mainly Ior industrial buildings and
warehouses where column heads, which came in many shapes and Iorms, were used.
The behaviour oI the system was not well understood. Thus problems in the analysis oI Ilat
slab were solved with various load tests on Ilat slabs. No doubt the education oI engineers
was guided by the need to avoid the stress concentration that resulted Irom sudden abrupt
changes in proIile. The design rules which have ensured are also empirical. This disparity
between design and analysis procedures is particularly severe Ior Ilat slab buildings. Analysis
oI Ilat slab has been slower to develop because it involves complex three dimensional
behaviours, as compared with two dimensional behaviours oI beam column Irames.
The term Ilat slab has acquired slightly diIIerent meanings in various countries. In Australia it
means any combination oI Ilat slab and broad beam panels. In the UK Ilat slabs are solid or
waIIle construction, with or without shear heads or drop panels.
1. Experimental Review-
ohn W. WALLACE, Thomas H. K. KANG, Changsoon RHA 1] carried out research
program to investigate the behavior oI slab column Irames with shear reinIorcement
subjected to dynamic loads on the EERC/PEER shake table at the UC Berkeley
Richmond Iield station was provided. Two, approximately one third scale, specimens
were subjected to increasing intensity shaking to provide detailed response data as well
as damage data. Results obtained indicates that the deterioration oI the moment capacity
at the slab-column connections occurred during the tests; however, the lateral driIt ratios
oI 3 and 4 were achieved Ior the RC and PT specimens, respectively, with relatively
little loss oI lateral load capacity. The tests revealed relatively little damage to the slab-
column connection region compared with tests conducted under slowly varying loads on
a specimen oI similar scale.
The data collected in these tests should help deIine improved damage states Ior
slab-column connections as a Iunction oI the design driIt level, which is required to
assess design requirements Ior the lateral Iorce resisting system using current code
procedures.
In this paper Ema COELHO et al 2] presents the results oI two pseudo-dynamic tests on
a Iull scale Ilat-slab model oI a three storey RC structure, representative oI existing Ilat-
slab structures in European seismic areas, were carried out at the ELSA laboratory.
Important Ilexural and torsion cracks appeared around the exterior slab-column
connections. Considerable damage oI these connections, due to the torsion Iailure oI the
transversal beam was observed at all Iloors. Mainly Ilexural and, to a lesser extent,
torsion cracks, developed in the other connections, due to the presence oI the stronger
transverse beam and to the conIinement oI the concrete. Failure oI the slab-column
joints, by separation oI the slab above the level oI the third Iloor, owing to the
insuIIicient anchorage length oI the column reinIorcement into the slab, was also
observed. The test results also conIirm the Iindings oI recent studies concerning the small
slab participation under lateral loads. In this research it is Iound that these structures
exhibit signiIicant higher Ilexibility compared to traditional Irame structures becoming
more sensitive to second order eIIects. In order to limit deIormation demands under
earthquake excitations, combination with other stiIIer structural systems as shear-walls is
advisable.

ack P. Moehle et al 3] designed and detailed a two storey, three-bay reinIorced concrete
Ilat Irame with spandrel beams to satisIy gravity and seismic requirements by. A test
structure was constructed to represent the prototype structure at 30 oI Iul scale.
Materials were a 37MPa concrete and Grade 60 reinIorcement. The test structure was
loaded to stimulate dead load oI the prototype, and subsequently was subjected to low,
moderate and high intensity earthquake simulations.
Examination and analysis oI response data reveal the Iollowing:
i. Equivalent viscous damping during small amplitude oscillations ranged between 1.5
and 7 oI critical, the higher values occurring aIter earthquake simulations that
induced signiIicance cracking, yielding and spalling.
ii. Although individual reinIorcing bars experienced yield at lower driIts, yield in the
overall load-displacement response oI the structure was not apparent until driIts
reached 1.5 oI structure height, this emphasizes the inherent Ilexibility oI Ilat plate
Iraming and raises questions regarding application oI current code seismic design
provisions that assume implicitly that displacements well beyond yield will occur.
iii. Lateral driIts exceeded 55 oI structure height without collapse. Because it is unlikely
that any well proportioned structural system will be subjected to lateral driIt oI this
magnitude, it is concluded that the structural details were adequate.
iv. Initial lateral load stiIIness was markedly less than uncracked stiIIness calculated on
the basis oI elastic theory, indicating that cracking due to gravity, temperature, and
time-dependent loads is signiIicant.
v. Lateral load stiIIness decreased with increasing driIt; so that stiIInesses computed
using the eIIective beam width and the equivalent Irame models were too high at
working loads. Reduction oI slab inertias to one third oI the elastic values produced
conservative estimates oI lateral load stiIIness. A rational procedure Ior estimating
stiIIness is presented.
vi. At times oI peak base shear during the earthquake simulation tests, lateral inertial
loads were typically distributed uniIormly over height, in contrast with the inverted
triangular distribution assumed in design.
vii. Using conventional limit analysis methods, it was possible to account Ior 81 oI the
measured base shear capacity. The unaccounted portion oI measured base shear is
attributed to inaccuracies in computed member strengths, strain hardening, strain
rate eIIects, membrane action, redistribution, and inaccuracies in lateral load
distribution.

Helen M. Santhi, G.M. Samual Knight, K. Muthumani 4] carried test on single-bay,
three-storied 1:3 scale models oI reinIorced concrete Irames both with and without inIill
using a shake table. The dynamic characteristics oI the model Irame, such as the natural
Irequency, mode shape and damping were estimated. The shear Iorce, inter-story driIt,
and stiIIness were estimated. The eIIect oI masonry inIill on the seismic perIormance oI
reinIorced concrete Irames was also analyzed. The damaged Irames were retroIitted and
again tested with the same earthquake intensities. From the experiments conducted, the
Iollowing conclusions are drawn:
i. Provision oI brick masonry inIill into the moment resisting Irames oI a building with
a soIt story reduces the Iundamental Irequency by 30. AIter retroIitting, the
Iundamental Irequency oI the inIilled Irame is increased by 20.
ii. The value oI the damping ratio Ior the inIilled Irame is greater as compared with the
bare Irame. However, the damping ratio oI both Irames is greater in the Iirst mode
beIore and aIter retroIitting, which shows the Iirst mode domination in energy
dissipation.
iii. The initial lateral stiIIness at diIIerent story levels oI the inIilled Irame is about three
times the lateral stiIIness oI the bare Irame. In the case oI retroIitting oI repaired
Irames, this lateral story stiIIness is over Iour times greater.
iv. The interstory driIt oI the inIilled Irame is less than that oI the bare Irame beIore and
aIter retroIitting. However, the maximum interstory driIt in both Irames during
excitation is less than the allowable driIt speciIied in code.
v. The strength demand due to the addition oI inIills to the bare Irame increases on the
order oI three times. In the case oI a retroIitted Irame, the increase in the seismic
demand is reduced to two times.

2. Analytical Review:
. H. Luo, A. Durrani and . Conte 5] carried out non linear dynamic Iinite element
analysis and reliability calculations oI two Ilat slab building oI 3 & 10 stories in height.
The design dead load considered oI the slab selI weight, partition load oI 0956 kPa and
mechanical arrangements oI 0.478 kPa which is typical Ior an oIIice building. Results
Irom previous experimental research on seismic resistance oI slab column connections
were employed to establish the eIIective slab widths, unbalanced moment transIer
capacity oI connections and their punching strength. The member dimensions, material
strength and live load were treated as random variables and eIIect oI model uncertainty
was included in calculations oI reliability indices. Random time histories were generated
with the Kanai-Tajimi power spectrum. Based on reliability analysis, the probability oI
Iailure oI existing building was presented Ior diIIerent soil conditions and peak ground
accelerations varying Irom 0.05g to 0.2g. A sensitive study with respect to basic
variables indicates that the reliability indices Ior punching Iailure Ior the gravity load
only were most sensitive to the model uncertainty, the splitting strength oI concrete, and
the eIIective slab depth. Under seismic loading, the probability oI punching Iailure
increased with increasing peak ground acceleration and the number oI stories in building.
For peak ground acceleration probability oI punching Iailure Ior a 3 story and 10 story
building was 5X10
-3
and 1X10
-2
respectively Ior intermediate soil. However when peak
ground acceleration raised to .2g probabilities oI punching Iailure increased signiIicantly
to 0.1 and 0.32 respectively. The local soil conditions thus have a signiIicant eIIect on
probability punching Iailure. The study indicates that the probability oI Iailure on soIt
soil was 1.5 times the Iailure on hard soil.
C.S. Garg, ogendra Singh, U.K. Sharma 6] studied seismic behavior oI gravity load
designed Ilat slab buildings with and without shear walls. Nonlinear static pushover
analysis was carried out using Sap 2000 soItware. An eIIective beam width method with
explicit transverse torsional member procedure is used Ior modeling slab column Irame.
The Iollowing conclusions have been drawn Irom the study:
i. ield patterns shows that the Ilat slab behaves as a strong column weak beam
mechanism because slab column connections and slab beam members yield much
beIore columns.
ii. In 200 mm thick slab with 400 X 400 mm columns, Iirst the connections yield in
punching shear. While Ior 250 mm thick slab with 450 X 450 mm columns, the slab
yield Iirst in Ilexure.
iii. Four storey Ilat slab building, with 1.5 shear wall area, has adequate strength and
ductility and perIormance level is IO Ior DBE and MCE both. In case oI 8 storey
building with 3 shear wall area, perIormance level is IO & LS Ior DBE & MCE,
respectively.
R. P. Apostolska, G. S. Necevska-Cvetanovska, . P.Cvetanovska 7] analysed six types
oI structural systems Ior a prototype oI a residential building in Skopje Ior the purpose oI
deIining the seismic behaviour and resistance oI Ilat-slab structural systems. To evaluate
the seismic behaviour and resistance oI a Ilat-slab RC system, analyses oI a typical
prototype oI a residential building in Skopje with B GF 4 A have been carried out.
For the chosen prototype oI the residential building six types oI structural systems have
been analyzed. Geometrical characteristics oI each oI these structural systems are
presented in the table below

Table 1. Geometrical characteristics of structural systems
Type oI structural system
Thickness oI
slab (cm)
Size oI
column
(cm)
Beams
(cm)
Perimeter
beams
(cm)
RC
walls
Frame M1 14 60 60 40 40 No No
Purely Ilat slab M2 20 60 60 No No No
Purely Ilat slab M3 25 60 60 No No
Flat slab strengthened by
perimeter beam M4
20 60 60 No 40 40 No
Flat slab strengthened by
RC walls M5
20 60 60 No No es
Flat slab strengthened by
perimeter beam & R C
walls M6
20 60 60 No 40 40 es

To evaluate the seismic behaviour and resistance oI the Ilat-slab structural system,
comparative analyses have been made between the models oI structural systems M2, M3,
M4, M5 and M6 and the reIerent Irame structure model M1. The eIIects oI the designed
modiIications upon the dynamic characteristics as well as upon the bearing and
deIormability oI the Ilat-slab structure have been investigated.The analyses have been
perIormed by using the Iinite element method and the SAP2000v10.0.9Advanced
computer programme. The 3D mathematical model oI each oI the analyzedstructures has
been Iormulated by discretisation oI the bearing system into Iinite elements. The vertical
loadshave been deIined in accordance with the valid national technical regulations and the
purpose oI the structures.
Seismic analysis has been carried out in compliance with the regulations Ior design oI
high rises in seismically prone areas, |Rulebook on Technical Norms Ior Construction oI
High-rises in Seismically Prone Areas, 1981|. The horizontal loads have been deIined in
the Iorm oI a design spectrum oI acceleration in accordance with Eurocode 8, |Eurocode
8, 2004| scaled in such a way that it generates the total shear Iorce at the base to the
amount oI 10 oI the weight oI the structure.
Dynamic analysis has been carried out Ior selected structural systems (model M1,
M2 and M4) exposed to the eIIect oI the El Centro earthquake with a
max
0.32g.
The results obtained Irom the analyses oI diIIerent structural systems are presented in the
Iorm oI dynamic characteristics (periods and mode shapes), maximal displacements and
relative storey driIts in both orthogonal directions, time histories oI absolute displacements
at the top as well as bearing capacity and deIormability oI the selected structural systems
(model M1 and model M2)
They drawn the Conclusion that the purely Ilat-slab RC structural system is considerably
more Ilexible Ior horizontal loads than the traditional RC Irame structures which
contributes to the increase oI its vulnerability to seismic eIIects. The critical moment in
design oI these systems is the slab-column connection, i.e., the penetration Iorce in the
slab at the connection, which should retain its bearing capacity even at maximal
displacements. The ductility oI these structural systems is generally limited by the
deIormability capacity oI the column-slab connection.
To increase the bearing capacity oI the Ilat-slab structure under horizontal loads,
particularly when speaking about seismically prone areas and limitation oI deIormations,
modiIications oI the system by adding structural elements are necessary.

3. ethods of analysis of flat slab-
Mary Theresa Cano & Richard E. Klinger 8] carried out comparison oI analysis
procedure oI two way slab. They compared three methods oI analysis oI Ilat slab viz.
1. Direct design method (DDM)
2. Equivalent Irame method (EFM)
3. Finite element method (FEM)
Out oI this, Iirst two methods are recommended by the I.S code 456:2000 (Cl. 31.3) Ior
determining the bending moments in the slab panel; either method is acceptable iI they
satisIy the relevant conditions. These methods are applicable only to two way rectangular
slabs, and in case oI direct design method the recommendations apply to the gravity
loading condition alone and not to the lateral load condition.
DDM & EFM are based on the equivalent Irame concept`. The slab panel is deIined as
the part oI the slab bounded on each oI its Iour sides by the column centrelines. Each slab
panel is divided into column strips and middle strips.
Finite element method- the structure having irregular types oI plans with which the EFM
has limitations in analysis can be analyzed without any diIIiculties by the FEM.
FEM is a powerIul tool used in the analysis oI Ilat slab. Most Iinite element programs
are based on elastic moment distribution and material that obey Hook`s law. While using
Iinite element method Iollowing considerations are important.
a. Choice oI proper Iinite element
b. Degree oI discretisation.
c. Overall computational economy.