What are Simply Supported Slabs?

Before we discuss the technical design rules of Simply Supported slabs, lets just go through
its definition and learn why they are named so
As the name suggests, simply supported slabs are supported on columns or stanchions.

Simply Supported Slab

Simply supported slabs are classified as One way slabs and Two way slabs.
One way slabs bend in one direction only and transfer their loads to the two support beams
in opposite directions. Their main steel in on shorter span length. L/B ratio is generally less
than 2.

Two way slabs bend in both directions, and transfer their loads and stresses on all four
sides. L/B ratio is equal to or greater than 2.

Simply supported slabs dont give adequate provision to resist torsion at corner to prevent
corner from lifting.
The maximum bending moment will be given if the slabs are restrained. But atleast 50% of
the tension reinforcement provided at the mid span should extend to the support. The
remaining 50% should extend to within 0.1Lx or Ly at the support as appropriate.
RCC Slab Design depends on the on the dimensions of the slab after which the slab is
termed as a one-way slab or a two-way slab
In the design of RCC structures, Column Design and Beam Design are to be done before
we start with RCC Slab Design

Basic Rules followed in the design of simply supported Slab

Thickness of slab
l/d ratio should be less than the following:

Simply supported slab

Continuous slab, l/d = 26

Cantilever slab, l/d = 7

In any case of the above, the thickness should not be less than 100mm

Effective span

Distance between centre to centre of support

Clear span plus effective depth

Minimum main reinforcement

0.15% gross c/s of slab for MS bars

0.12% gross c/s of slab for HYSD bars

Spacing of main bars

The spacing or c/c distance of main bars shall not exceed following:

Calculated value
3d
300mm

Distribution or Temperature reinforcement

This reinforcement runs perpendicular to the main reinforcement in order to distribute the
load and to resist the temperature and shrinkage stresses.
It should be atleast equal to;

0.15% gross c/s of slab for MS bars

0.12% gross c/s of slab for HYSD bars

Spacing of distribution bars

The spacing or c/c distance of distribution bars shall not exceed the following

Calculated area
5d
450mm

Diameter of bars
The diameter of the bars varies from 8mm to 14mm and should not exceed 1/8 th of the
overall depth of the slab.
For distribution steel, the diameter varies from 6mm to 8mm.

Cover

The bottom cover for reinforcement shall not be less than 15mm or less than the diameter
of such bar.