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Assembly · Guide

One-way concrete slabs

Carry floor loads predominantly in one direction between supporting walls or beams.

ConcreteSteelNew construction
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A simply supported strip, with the main bottom reinforcement running between supports. A continuous slab also needs the appropriate support reinforcement.

What it does

Form a floor plate with a clear route from distributed loading into its supports.

The support arrangement establishes the spanning action. Reinforcement carries tension as the concrete-and-steel section bends.

When it fits

  • The actual support layout favors predominantly one-directional action.
  • The project can accommodate formwork, wet construction and the floor's self-weight.

The trade-offs

  • Continuity changes the bending pattern and reinforcement positions.
  • Deflection, cracking, shear, fire resistance and durability can govern alongside strength.

Context. Cast-in-place reinforced-concrete floors. Member dimensions and detailing depend on loads, supports, exposure and the applicable design standard.

From idea to assembly

  1. Establish the load path

    Locate supports and openings, then identify the spanning direction and continuity.

  2. Design the whole floor

    Check ultimate and serviceability behavior, reinforcement, cover, anchorage and interfaces.

  3. Plan temporary support

    Coordinate formwork, pouring, curing and striking with the temporary-works design.

The junctions that matter

Slab to support
Provide the designed anchorage and reinforcement for the actual bearing or continuity condition.
Opening
Resolve interrupted reinforcement and local load paths before a service opening is made.

What can go wrong

  • A nominal slab thickness is used without checking the actual span and loading.
  • Support reinforcement is misplaced or omitted.
  • Temporary support is removed before the planned load path can work.

Try it on a building

One bay, two support lines. Sketch a floor strip between two walls. Follow gravity load to each wall, then reconsider the reinforcement when a second bay makes the slab continuous.

What this guide covers. The drawing explains spanning action. It does not specify slab thickness, bar spacing, development length or a construction schedule.

Connected ideas

Sources & further reading

  1. One-Way Slab Analysis and Design (ACI 318-14) ↗

    StructurePoint · Worked example using ACI 318-14

    One-way slab example: analysis, reinforcement and deflection

    A worked example tied to the stated code edition, not a current local design approval.

  2. Slabs ↗

    The Concrete Centre · How to Design Concrete Structures Using Eurocode 2 · online guidance

    Slabs: design procedure and reinforcement guidance

    Analysis, durability, reinforcement and serviceability of concrete slabs.

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