Concrete Slabs on Grade

Analysis, Design, and Detailing

By Otto J. Schwarz, P.E., S.E.
Ryan Biggs | Clark Davis
Engineering and Surveying, P.C.

SE University, March, 2015

www.LearnWithSEU.com

Concrete Slabs on Grade

Analysis, Design, and Detailing

I.

Slabs on Grade and the Building Code

II.

Types of Slabs on Grade

III.

Design Parameters

IV.

Methods of Analysis

V.

Crack-Control, Vapor Retarders, and Subgrade

Preparation

Concrete Slabs on Grade

Referenced Codes / Texts

2009 International Building Code

ACI 318 08 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete

ACI 360R 06 (2010 ACI MCP)

Designing Floor Slabs on Grade, Ringo, Boyd C., and Anderson,

Robert B., 1992

Concrete Floors on Ground, PCA, 2001. (2008 expanded available)

ARMY TM 5-809-12, Concrete Floor Slabs on Grade Subjected to

Heavy Loads, Departments of the Army and the Air force Technical
Manual, 1987

Wire Reinforcement Institute, 1989.

ACI 360 Definition:

A Slab on Grade is
A slab, supported by ground, whose main
purpose is to support the applied loads by
bearing on the ground.
(1992 whose total loading when uniformly distributed would impart a
pressure to the grade or soil that is less than 50% of the allowable
bearing capacity thereof.)

Concrete Slabs on Grade

Type 1 Engineering

Sufficient for light duty projects.

Offices, light commercial, residential, etc.

Slab on grade is primarily a walking surface.

Standard concrete specification and a note on the

building plan.

Type 2 Engineering

Projects where grade slabs perform heavy lifting

Industrial applications (forklifts, machinery loads, etc.)

Warehouses (critical joint detailing, storage racks, etc.)
Expansive soils / significant frost depths
Exterior / Aggressive Environments
Brittle low-crack-tolerance flooring

Concrete Slabs on Grade

First Project Questions

What should the concrete strength be?

What thickness of slab should I specify?

How do I determine the required slab strength?

How should the slab be reinforced?

Where do I place contraction / control joints?

Occupancy**

Min. Slab
Thickness

Reinforcement

Sub-Slabs under other slabs

None

Domestic or light commercial

(loaded less than 100 psf)

One layer 6x6 W1.4xW1.4 WWF,

min. ideal conditions; 6x6
W2.1xW2.1 WWF for avg. conditions

Commercial institutional barns

(loaded 100-200 psf)

One layer 6x6 W2.1xW2.1 WWF or

one layer 6x6 W2.9xW2.9 WWF

Industrial (loaded not over 400-500 psf)

and pavements for industrial plants, gas
stations, and garages

One layer 6x6 W2.9xW2.9 WWF or

one layer 6x6 W4xW4 WWF

Industrial (loaded not over 600-800 psf)

and heavy pavements for industrial plants,
gas stations, and garages

Two layers 6x6 W2.9xW2.9 WWF or

two layers 6x6 W4xW4 WWF

Industrial (loaded 1500 psf)

Two mats of bars (one each, T & B)

each of #4 bars @ 12 c/c, E.W.

Industrial (loaded 2500 psf)

Two mats of bars (one each, T & B)

each of #5 bars @ 12 c/c, E.W.

Industrial (loaded 3000-3500 psf)

10

Two mats of bars (one each, T & B)

each of #5 bars @ 8 to 12 c/c, E.W.

Notes on General Guidelines

** For loads in excess of 500 psf, use at least 3000 psi quality controlled
concrete, and investigate subsoil conditions with extra care. Fill material
and compaction should be equivalent to ordinary highway practice. If
laboratory control of compaction is available, the load capacities can be
increased in the ratio of the actual compaction coefficient, k, to 100.
For loads in excess of 1500 psf, the subsoil conditions should be investigated
with extra care and subbase should provide k 200.
Place first layer 2 inches below top of slab; second layer 2 inches above
bottom of slab.
Information taken from Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute Handbook
(CRSI), 1984, pg 13-61.
8

Concrete Slabs on Grade

confession

I was a successful Type 1 Engineer for many years.

Stable subgrade materials

Uniform loading criteria

Light service point loads (< 500lb)

Tolerant Floor Coverings

Carpet
Vinyl Tile

General Guidelines and Rules of Thumb Worked!

9

International Building Code

What Applies?
non-structural and structural concrete

Non-structural the design and construction of slabs on

grade shall not be governed by this chapter except

Section 1910 Minimum Slab Provisions

Section 1904 Durability
Structural Slabs on Grade: transmitting vertical loads or lateral
forces from other parts of the structure to the soil.

Structural concrete shall be designed and constructed

in accordance with

IBC Chapter 19 Concrete

ACI 318 as amended by section 1908.
10

International Building Code

Section 1910 Minimum Slab Provisions

Thickness not less than 3.5 inches, and

Either
6-mil minimum polyethylene vapor retarder

Joints lapped 6 inches

Between base course or subgrade and floor slab

Or
Other approved equivalent method or materials to
control vapor transmission

Type 1 Engineering check!

11

International Building Code

Section 1904 Durability Requirements

Concrete Strength and W/C Ratio Must Conform to ACI

318 Based on Exposure

Exposure to Freeze/Thaw in moist condition or deicers

Exposure to Sulfates in water or soil
Exposure to water when low permeability is required
Exposure to chlorides when concrete is reinforced:

Deicing chemicals
Salt
Saltwater
Brackish water
Seawater

No Problem for most Type 1 projects!

12

ACI 318
Section 1.1.7

This Code does not govern design and construction of slabson-ground, unless the slab transmits vertical loads or lateral
forces from other portions of the structure to the soil.

and additionally

13

The Construction Documents

Concrete Slabs on Grade - Seismic

IBC 2009 The Construction Documents for structural

concrete construction shall include:

A statement if slab on grade is designed as a structural

diaphragm for structures assigned to Seismic Design Category
D, E, or F.

and
ACI 318 - Drawings, Details, and specifications shall show:

Statement if slab-on-ground is designed as a structural

diaphragm (21.12.3.4)

14

The Construction Documents

Concrete Slabs on Grade

Although not mandated by the code, indication of slab-ongrade function on drawings and details for:

Structural bracing for basement or retaining walls,

Transmission of lateral forces at bases of shear walls

and frames for MWFRS and Low Seismic Zones,

Support of posts, racks, machinery, or vehicles.

Others
15

ACI 360 The Slab on Grade...

May be of uniform or variable thickness,

May include stiffening elements such as ribs or beams,

May be constructed of plain unreinforced concrete,

May be conventionally reinforced or prestressed for

the effects of shrinkage and temperature and/or

structural loadings.

(The slab on grade may be all of these things; Structural or Non-Structural.)

16

Slabs on Grade Types ACI 360

A Plain (unreinforced) concrete slabs

B Reinforced to limit crack widths due to Shrinkage,

Temperature, and Applied Loads

C Reinforced to prevent cracking due to Shrinkage,

Temperature, and Applied Loads

Mild Steel Bars

Wire Reinforcement (WWR or WWF)
Fiber Reinforcement

Shrinkage compensating concrete

Post Tensioned

D Structural Slabs (ACI 318) (Inclusive of all types!)

17

Type A the Plain Concrete Slab

No Reinforcement Simple to Construct

Designed to Remain Uncracked in Service
Cement Type I or II
Close Joint Spacing (2 to 3 per inch thick at limited aspect ratio.)
More opportunity for curling and joint deterioration
Flatness and Levelness may decrease over time
Subgrade Uniformity and Drying Shrinkage Extremely Critical

18

Type B Reinforced to Limit Cracking

Thickness Design Can be the Same as for Unreinforced
Slabs
Reinforcing Does Not Add Significantly to the Load Carrying
Capacity of the Type B Slab
Reinforcement (Bars or WWF) Placed in Upper
Thickness

of Slab

Nominal reinforcement to limit crack widths between joints

Reinforced for structural capacity at a cracked section

Assumed to Remain Uncracked in Service

May have many, closely spaced, fine cracks.

Cement Type I or II
Joint Spacing Greater than Type A.

Based on Thickness and Subgrade

Computed using Subgrade Drag Equation

19

Type C Reinforced to Prevent Cracking

Shrinkage Compensating Concrete (ACI 223)
ASTM C 845 Type K Cement or Separate Expansive
Admixture
Reinforcement of 0.15% to 0.2% in Upper
of Thickness of
Slab to Limit Initial Slab Expansion and to Restrain the
Subsequent Drying Shrinkage
Detailed to be isolated from fixed portions of the structure for
both initial expansion and drying / temperature shrinkage
Wider Construction Joint Spacing than Type A Slab (40 to
150 feet)
20

Type C Reinforced to Prevent Cracking

Post Tensioned
Control Cracking with Minimum
Precompression, or
Provide Active Prestress to resist
Structural Loadings (Type D)
Consider Short and Long Term Force
Loss
Subgrade drag loss
Restraint at fixed portions of structure
Elastic Shortening
Creep
Widely Spaced (100 to 500 feet!) or NonExistent Control Joints.
Construction Joints to Limit Tendon
Lengths and Losses.

21

Type D Structural Slab on Grade

loads from other portions of the structure to the soil

22

Type D Structural Slab on Grade

Designed for Code Defined Factored Loads

Design Governed by ACI 318

Reinforced with mild steel or post-tensioning tendons

Cracked Section for mild steel design.

PT design as cracked or uncracked. (minimum mild steel?)

Designed per Chapter 22 Plain Structural Concrete

Uncracked Section

Position and Detailing of Reinforcement Important

Joint Spacing Typically for Construction Process

Reinforcing index typically higher; thus smaller well distributed cracks.

23

Design Parameters
Effecting Slab Design / Type

Use:

Materials and Subgrade:

Loading (uniform, concentrated, rack, wheel, vibration)

Exposure
Concrete Mix Design: Strength / Curing
Subgrade: Strength and Uniformity
Placement of Vapor Retarder (if any)

Safety Factors
Analysis Technique

Code Requirements

24

Use: Loading and Exposure

Residential and Commercial

Expansive Soils (PTSOG)
Wall Loads (Vertical)
Diaphragm Loads
Stair Stringers
Industrial
Point Loads (Posts and
Racks)
Forklifts
Wear Surface Durability
Floor Finish
Rigid (joint layout)
Flexible (concealing)
Tolerance of Owner for
Imperfections
25

Materials and Subgrade

Concrete Slab

Sub-grade Modulus (k)

Pounds per Square Inch per Inch

Deflection (PCI) from estimate or
Geotechnical Engineer

Allowable Bearing Pressure

Strength (fc >/= 2,500 psi)

Mix Design
Placement and Curing

Pounds per Square Foot (PSF)

allowable from Geotechnical
Engineer

Radius of Relative Stiffness

Function of thickness, subgrade

modulus, and concrete modulus
of elasticity

26

fr = 7.5 f ' c
ACI 318 - 08 (eqn. 9-10)

Empirically

27

Subgrade Modulus k
Simplified engineering variable based on the assumption of
homogeneous linear elastic subgrade behavior.

Subgrade load / deformation relationship is:

Non-linear
Not a fundamental soil property

k will vary based on

Type of soil structure (density, moisture content, etc.)

Prior loading
Width and shape of loaded area
Depth of subgrade
Magnitude of load
Duration of load
28

Subgrade Modulus k
nevertheless, field determination

ASTM D1196 Plate Load

Field Test
30 diameter bearing plate
Several tests over project
area to obtain
representative k.

29

* From Ringo, Boyd C., and Anderson, Robert B., Designing Floor Slabs on Grade, pg 143, 1992

30

Radius of Relative Stiffness,l

3

Ec (t )
l=4
2
12(1 )(k )

Ec = Concrete Modulus
t = slab thickness
= Poisson's ratio
k = subgrade modulus

31

Factors on the Factor of Safety

Ratio of r to t (safety factor)

Subgrade Preparation

Shrinkage Stress (function of concrete mix and curing)

Load Repetition

Fatigue and Impact

Client Perception
32

Typical Factors of Safety

Load Type

Commonly
Used F.S.

Occasionally
Used F.S.

Moving Wheel Loads

1.7 to 2.0

1.4 to 2.0+

Concentrated Rack and Post

Loads

1.7 to 2.0

Higher under special

circumstances

Uniform Loads

1.7 to 2.0

1.4 lower limit

Line and Strip Loads

1.7

2.0 conservative upper

limit

Construction Loads

1.4 to 2.0
33

Methods of Analysis/Design

PCA (Portland Cement Association)

WRI (Wire Reinforcing Institute)

COE (Corps of Engineers)

PTI (Post Tensioning Institute)

Numerical Solution (Ringo)

Various Finite Element Solutions

PCA Mats
Ram Concept / Elements
RISA
34

PCA Method
(Portland Cement Association)

Chart Form Solution for Wheel, Rack, and Post Loadings

Solutions based on slab analyzed with a load layout on an area

of slab having a dimension equivalent to 3 times the radius of
relative stiffness, l
Joints should be reinforced (continuity)

Reinforcement for Shrinkage and Temperature effects only.

Based on limiting tension on bottom of the slab.

Charts developed for each value of subgrade modulus,

interpolation between charts allowed.
35

PCA Method
Example 1 Post Load
(PCA Axle Load Charts)

Given:
Service Load = 12,000 lbs (equivalent to 24k axle load)
Base Plate = 12 x 12
Subgrade Modulus = 150 pci
Fc = 3,000 psi
Safety Factor = 2.0
Poissons Ratio, = 0.15

Calculated Variables:
Modulus of Rupture, fr = 411 psi
Allowable Stress = 205 psi
Stress/1000lb axle = 205/24 = 8.5 psi / 1 k axle
(set wheel spacing to 3l, iterative process)
36

Iterative
Solution:
Thickness = 8.5

Explanation:
s > 3l check
at 8.5, l = 32.3
3l = 96.9 OK
Selection of small s
will yield a large t,
corresponding to a
larger 3l, and require
iteration.

37

WRI Method
(Wire Reinforcement Institute)

Nomographs Utilized to Solve for Slab Thickness

Developed based on a discrete element computer

modeling of a slab continuum on a Winkler foundation
(soil as linear springs).

3 step iterative process

1st solves for relative stiffness of system based on material

and subgrade properties and assumed slab thickness
2nd uses stiffness parameter and loading geometry to solve
for slab moment
3rd uses slab moment and Modulus of Rupture/Safety Factor
to give required slab thickness
38

WRI Method
Example 2 Post Load
(single axle wheel charts)

Given: (same for comparison)

Service Load = 12,000 lbs
Base Plate = 12 x 12
Subgrade Modulus = 150 pci
Fc = 3,000 psi
Safety Factor = 2.0
Poissons Ratio, = 0.15

Calculated Variables:
Modulus of Rupture, fr = 411 psi
Allowable Stress = 205 psi
Ec = 57,000 sqrt(fc) = 3122 ksi
Set s = 96 based on l from Example 1
39

Step 1
Assume Thickness,
D/k = 12x105
Plate area = 144 in2
Eq. Circle dia. = 13.5

40

s=96 0 add. moment.

Step 2
M = 212 inlb / in / kip
(ftlb / ft / kip)
Step 3
I8.5 = 614.1 in4
S = 144.5 in3
so,
= 212(12)(12)/144.5
= 211 psi 205 psi OK

41

Radius of Relative Stiffness

Examples 1 and 2

E = 57000 f ' c = 57000 3000 = 3122000

3

Ec (t )
3122000(8.5 )
=4
l=4
2
12(1 )(k )
12(1 0.152 )(150)

Radius of relative stiffness, l = 32.3

Verify no other loads, joints, or edges within 3l = 8-0
Use 8.5 slab, size reinforcing based on preferred method to
allow joint spacing of approximately 16.
Ok at 2 to 3 per inch for Type A Slab
42

COE Method
(Corps of Engineers / ARMY TM)

Chart Form Solution for Required Slab Thickness

Developed based on Westergaards (c.1920) formula

for edge stresses in a concrete slab.

PRESET design variables:

Impact factor of 1.25

Concrete Modulus of Elasticity, Ec = 4000 ksi (fc 4,900 psi)
Factor of Safety, F.S. 2.0

2 step solution

Determine design index category from Table based on nature

of loading.
Determine thickness based on k and r from chart.
43

COE Method
Begin with Assumed Flexural
Strength fr
If Ec = 4,000 ksi, fr 530 psi

44

PTI Method
(Post Tensioning Institute)

Slab thicknesses solution based on allowable slab

tension considering pre-compression from posttensioning and calculated slab design moments induced
by shrinking or swelling soils.
Post tensioning force based on desired minimum
residual prestress, length between joints, and subgrade
drag.

Design for Edge Lift and Center Lift Conditions

45

Numerical Solution
Example 3 - Post Load

Equation Solution from Ringo and Anderson, 1996

Design Parameters / Variables

Factored Point Load, Ps = 12k, or Pu Ps(SF)=24k

Subgrade Modulus, k = 150 pci
Square Base plate Dimension, b = 12 in
fc = 3000 psi
Poissons Ratio, = 0.15
Safety Factor = 2.0

46

Numerical Solution (Ringo)

Example 3
3

t
B
(
)
2
t = Pu ( A) log

0.03
0.03
= 5.47 x10 4
=
Where, A =
3000
f 'c

and B = 915,000 x f ' c = 915,000 x 3000 = 50,116,614

4
4
and C = k (b ) = 150(12 ) = 3,110,400
3

t
50
,
116
,
614
(
)
2
4
Therefore, t = (24,000)(5.47 x10 ) log

3
,
110
,
400

t = 7 inches

47

Numerical Solution
Example 3

Punching Shear Check

ACI 318 Chapter 22 7 Slab
4
3

Vc = +

f ' c (bo )(h) 2.66

f ' c (bo )(h)

where
h
bo = 4( + b) = 4(3.5 + 12) = 62"
2
and
= 1.0
so

Vc = 0.6(2.66) f ' c (bo )(h)

Vc = 38k > 24k

48

Finite Element Modeling - FEM

Finite Element Modeling Solution

Slab moments,
Bearing pressures
Deflections

Shear must be calculated by hand (typically)

Element size and Model Area from

Radius of relative stiffness

Nature of loading
Actual slab geometry

Capable of considering

complicated loading
Slab geometry changes / steps / joints
49

FEM Software
Example 4 Post Load

Factored load entered as surface load on 3 square elements

Pu = 24.0 kips
Ps = 12.0 kips (SF = LF = 2.0 for comparison with previous examples)

Capacity Analyzed per ACI318 Chap. 22

Subgrade Modulus, k= 150 pci = 259 kcf

Spring Constant = 5.4 k/inch on 6x6 grid

Thickness of slab set to 8.5

Modeled area = 3l = 8 ft x 8 ft
50

FEM Software
Example 4 Post Load

51

Calculate Stress
Example 4

Moments averaged over 2X the radius of Relative Stiffness, therefore,

Design Moment from Analysis,

kft
Mu = 16.44
= 2.99kft / ft
5.5'
Mc 2.99(12)(4.25)
=
= 0.248ksi
3
12(8.5 )
I
12
52

ACI 318 Chapter 22

Example 4

Mn = 5 f ' c S

SF = 2.5 against fr

kft
kft
Mn = 0.6(5) 3000 (144.5) = 1.98
< 2.99
ft
ft
Adjusting for ACI 318 Factors of Safety
Solution based on Ps=12k with SF=2.0

Load Factor = 1.2 Dead Load and1.6 Live Load (avg. 1.4 for Post Load)
Adjusted Pu = 16.8
Adjusted Mu = 2.1 kft/ft
Provide 8.75 Unreinforced Slab
53

Analysis / Design Summary

PCA, WRI
Limited by Published Tables, Non-Structural Loads
Quick Solution for Rack and Wheel,
Can Adapt for Post Loads and Wall Loads

COE
Limited by Published Tables, Non-Structural Loads
Difficult to Modify Hard Wired Design Variables
Limited to Wheel Loadings and Load Classes

FEM
Most Versatile modeling of multiple loadings and geometries
Requires Understanding of meshing and calculated stress
distribution (Experience)
Most Time Consuming
54

Detailing
Joints and Vapor Retarders
Allowable tensile
stress is meaningless
if the slab is already
cracked.

55

Control Joints & Vapor Retarders

Crack Control
Control Joint Spacing &
Layout Guidelines
Details & Conditions
Shrinkage Crack
Control
Subgrade Drag
Equation & Example

Vapor Retarders
Location based on ACI
Flowchart
Types of Vapor Retarders

56

Control Joint Spacing & Layout

Spacing 2-3 times the slab thickness in feet Type A

Plain Concrete Slabs

Increase for W.W.F. and Bar Reinforcing (Subgrade Drag Equation)

Increase for Post Tensioning

Layout on Regular Grid

No Joint Offsets unless

Construction Joint
Pour Strip

Release from Restraint

Columns
Walls
Turn-Downs

57

Control Joint Spacing & Layout

considerations

Maximum control joint spacing for a given project:

Type of Use/Occupancy

Concrete Specifications

How tight is the specification in regards to required strength,

water/cement ratios, & slump? (curling, shrinkage)

Vapor Retarder Location

Parking Garage
Commercial
Light Manufacturing
Churches, Schools, Office Buildings
Etc.

Curling
Drag

Project Type

Exposure and Risk: Is this a high risk project (condominium!) where

every little concrete crack is going to be scrutinized?
58

Control Joint Spacing & Layout

Placed at slab discontinuities

Cut in a timely manner.

column, bearing wall, slab step,

elevator pit, loading dock, etc.

Random shrinkage cracks will

develop within 12 to 16 hours of
slab placement.
Create weakened planes to attract
shrinkage cracks.

Cut the slab into approximate

rectangles

w/ aspect ratios < 1.25 preferably,

(1.5 to 2 max.)
59

Control Joint Spacing & Layout

Control joints must be continuous or must
be terminated at a construction joint.
Otherwise: Random cracks may appear!

OR

60

Control Joint Spacing & Layout

Re-entrant corners

Place a construction joint to

separate the slab pieces.
(Best Choice)
Extend two control joints at 90
from corner.

61

Control Joint Spacing & Layout

Thickened edges
(turndowns)

Crack may wander due to

increased stiffness of thickened
section.

62

Control Joint Spacing & Layout

Reinforced Joints / Dowels
Resists Curling at Control and Construction Joints
Shear Transfer Across Control and Construction Joints
Enhanced performance over keyed joints after shrinkage
Explicitly Designed Based on:
Bearing on Concrete
Concrete Breakout (ACI 318 Appendix D as a guide.)
Bending and Shear of Dowel of Plate
Shear Friction (Saw-cut joints reinforcing cut only)
63

Control Joint Spacing & Layout

reinforced joints / dowels

Continued Slab Reinforcing

Reinforcing Bar or WWF
Steel Area Reduced at Joint
Weakened Plane to Attract Crack

Smooth Dowels
Round or Square
Bonded on one side of joint only
Eliminates Restraint Longitudinally

64

Control Joint Spacing & Layout

reinforced joints / dowels

Plates
Diamond or Tapered Rectangular
Bonded on one side of joint only
Eliminates Restraint Longitudinally AND Transversely

65

Control Joint Spacing & Layout

Field preparation problems: Even if the Drawings are Perfect!

Saw cut not in the right location

Concrete not up to specifications

Too Wet
Overworked Surface
Inadequate Curing
Too Hot / Exposed to Direct Sun

Control Joints not cut in time.

66

Shrinkage Crack Control

The presence of reinforcing steel will not prevent

conventional Portland cement concrete from cracking
due to shrinkage of the concrete as it hydrates, dries out,
and hardens.
Shrinkage cracking is caused by the restraint to
shrinkage which is predominantly related to the materials
of the concrete mix, the roughness of the base upon
which the slab is placed, and the effectiveness of the
curing process.
The steel, while not preventing such cracking, will hold
the cracks tight (hairline), maintaining aggregate
interlock, and mitigating faulting of the slab.

67

Shrinkage Crack Control

Subgrade Drag Equation

Used to select adequate area of

steel reinforcing to be used for
shrinkage crack control.

FLw
As =
2 fs

AS = area of reinforcing steel (in2/lf)

F = coefficient of friction
L = slab length between free ends (joints) (ft)
w = weight of concrete slab (psf)
fS = allowable steel stress (psi) (usually 2/3 Fy)
68

Subgrade Drag Equation

Coefficients of Friction

Polyethylene Sheeting

0.5-0.6

(Vapor Retarder placed above subbase stone)

Sand Layer

1.0

Granular Subbase

1.5

Blended Sand & Gravel

1.8

Plastic Soils

2.0

69

Subgrade Drag Example

Given:

1.5(25 ft )106.25 psf

As =
2
Deformed Bars & WWF
2 (60000 psi )
WWF may have higher
3
yield strengths.

Slab thickness, t = 8.5

Slab length, L = 25
Fy = 60 ksi

Solutions:

#3 @ 26 O.C.
Spacing Limited to 3 x t
6x6-W2.9xW2.9 WWF

As = 0.05in / ft
2

14 Minimum Spacing
Recommended for
Constructability!
70

Shrinkage Crack Control

Specify / Control
Largest practical aggregate size.
Minimize aggregate gap-grading.
90 day strengths (where possible).
Lowest fc for application.
Reduce Portland Cement content.
Breathable low moisture subgrade.

71

Vapor Retarders
Proper moisture protection is desirable for any slab on
grade where the floor will be covered by tile, wood, carpet,
impermeable floor coatings, or where the floor will be in
contact with any moisture-sensitive equipment or products.

ACI Committee Report 302.1-99

72

Vapor Retarders

Location based on ACI Flow-chart Recommendations

Types of Retarders/Barriers

Polyethylene Sheeting

Extruded or Premolded

Stego Wrap, etc.

Sensitive Floor Coverings

Highly susceptible to punctures & tears

VCT, Glue Applied Carpet

Critically Sensitive Floor Coverings

Rubber, Vinyl, Epoxy, Wood, Linoleum

73

Vapor Retarders Flow Chart

Does the slab have a vapor-sensitive
covering or in a humidity-controlled area?

NO

YES
See Figure 1
Vapor retarder/barrier is required

Slabs with vaporsensitive coverings

See Figure 2 (2)
(1) If granular material is subjected to
future moisture infiltration, use Figure 2.
(2) Reduced Joint Spacing, Low
Shrinkage Design, or other measures
likely needed.

Slabs in humidity-controlled area

Will the slabs and base material be placed

in weatherproof environment (under roof)? (1)
NO

YES

See Figure 2 (2)

See Figure 3
74

Vapor Retarders Figures

75

Subgrade Preparation
drawings

Essential to Provide the Engineering Parameters Governing the

Design.

Explicitly indicate or performance specify what is required in the field.

To be Verified in the field by the project Geotechnical Engineer.

Geotechnical Report is Not a contract document and is not typically

included in the project manual. Report is typically referenced as
provided by the owner for information only.

Indicate:

Recommendations of Geotechnical Report, or

Assumed Quantities to be Verified in the Field

Limit Risk (Ringo):

Due to lack of specific geotechnical information, this slab has been designed
using a subgrade modulus of k =____ pci and design loading of __________.
The designer is not responsible for differential settlement, slab cracking, or
other future defects resulting from unreported conditions mitigating the above
assumptions.
76

Concrete Slabs on Grade

Summary
Building Code

I.

Non-structural
Structural

I.
II.

Types of Slabs on Grade

II.

I.
II.
III.

Design Parameters

III.

I.
II.
III.

Use
Exposure
Materials (Concrete and Subgrade)

Methods of Analysis

IV.
I.
II.

V.

Plain (Type A)
Reinforced Shrinkage and Temperature (Types B and C)
Structural (Type D)

Allowable Tension Stress

LRFD Design

Crack-Control, Vapor Retarders, and Subgrade Preparation

77

Concrete Slabs on Grade

Analysis, Design, and Detailing
QUESTIONS?

SE University, March, 2015

www.LearnWithSEU.com

CHALLENGE QUESTION:
Which Slab on Grade Reference Code/Text is the answer
to this sessions Challenge Question?

A.
B.
C.
D.

IBC 2009
ACI 318 08
ACI 360R 06
Designing Floor Slabs on Grade

Please circle the answer that is announced so that you can use the
information to complete your quiz (NY) or form (FL) for PDH.