Load transfer from a slab to beams is influenced by the geometric dimensions of the slab and the orientation of reinforcements. Various loads, such as self-weight, live load, and imposed dead load, are distributed across beams along their sides.
Slab loads are measured in weight per unit area, while beam loads are expressed in weight per length of the beam. Regularly shaped slabs facilitate straightforward load transfer, but irregular shapes may require specialized software like SAP2000, SAFE, and ETABS.
A one-way slab, typically rectangular, distributes its load equally between adjacent beams. The interior beam bears half of the total slab load on each side.
If a slab is supported on two sides or all four sides with a longer side-to-shorter side ratio greater than 2, it is categorized as a one-way slab.
In a two-way slab, loads are transferred to all beams on all sides. The slab is often divided into trapezoidal and triangular areas.
Beam load is calculated by multiplying the segment area by the slab’s unit load divided by the beam length. Interior beams take loads from both sides.
Consider a slab with a thickness of 150 mm supporting its weight, a 0.85 KN/m² partition, and a live load of 2.4 KN/m². The goal is to transfer the load to the beams on all four sides.
For slabs with complex geometry, finite element modeling using software like SAP2000, SAFE, and ETABS is recommended for effective load distribution. This approach can also be applied to slabs with regular geometry.