In any case, the preliminary design phase is very important when working on a structural project because it constitutes the starting point of the design, a preliminary phase to the creation of the 3D model, created with a structural calculation software.<\/p>\n
Obviously, the initial trial results obtained from the preliminary design should be properly verified by the structural calculation software. Evaluating thicknesses and section dimensions will greatly increase the likelihood of meeting all strength and deformability checks, reducing changes to the 3D model in the design phase.<\/p>\n
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Floor with vaults<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Lightweight Concrete Floor Slab<\/h3>\n The lightweight concrete floor slab is characterized by a system consisting of reinforced concrete joists alternating with rows of lightweight blocks for lightening purposes.<\/p>\n
The overall thickness of the slab must take into account the following limits:<\/p>\n
\ntotal thickness = slab thickness + block height > 16 cm<\/strong>. This relationship comes from adding the minimum height of the blocks on the market (usually 12 cm) to the minimum thickness of the slab equal to 4 cm;<\/li>\ntotal thickness > span\/25<\/strong>. Where L indicates the span of the single bay.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIn this case, by calculating the slab thickness equal to or greater than 1\/25 of the span<\/strong> and assuming an average span of 5 meters, we can say that the thickness of a lightweight concrete floor slab is approximately 20 cm<\/strong>.<\/p>\nIt is also important to consider that:<\/p>\n
\nthe base of the joist section<\/strong> must not be less than 1\/8<\/strong> of their spacing (i) and in any case not less than 8 cm. In the case of series production in the factory of complete floor panels, the minimum base of the joists can also be reduced to 5 cm;<\/li>\nthe spacing of the joists<\/strong> (i) must always be less than 15 times<\/strong> the thickness of the slab (hs);<\/li>\nthe minimum thickness of the slab<\/strong> must not be less than 4 cm<\/strong>;<\/li>\nthe maximum width of the block<\/strong> must not exceed 52 cm<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nSteel Floor Slab<\/h3>\n Steel structures usually have smaller sections compared to reinforced concrete. In fact, a floor slab with a span between 4 and 5 meters, with steel profiles placed every 80\/100 cm and decking on top, can have profiles about 12 cm high, for a total thickness between 15\/18 cm<\/strong>. The thickness increases based on the construction type, as in the case of floor slabs with profiled sheeting.<\/p>\n\n
Steel floor with profiled sheeting<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Wooden Floor Slab<\/h3>\n The wooden floor slab can be of various types but usually consists of a main structure of beams, possibly with a secondary structure and closing elements such as:<\/p>\n
\nfloorboards;<\/li>\n decking;<\/li>\n brick vaults;<\/li>\n stone slabs;<\/li>\n bricks;<\/li>\n etc.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe chosen type will also affect the calculation because it will impact the structural self-weight of the slab.<\/p>\n
Under the same conditions as steel, wooden slabs require beams with a height of 23 cm<\/strong> placed every 1.30\/1.40 meters approximately, small beams, and overlapping decking, for a total thickness between 32\/35 cm<\/strong>.<\/p>\nTo reduce the resistant section of the main structural element, it is good practice to place the main beams along the shorter side of the area to cover and generate a lower bending moment.<\/p>\n
The methodology of preliminary assessment can be extended to all structural elements (columns, projecting beams, etc.).<\/p>\n
Obviously, the values calculated in the preliminary design phase can be optimized and reduced if all checks performed by the software are satisfactory.<\/p>\n
To design a floor slab with a 3D structural calculation software, I recommend watching these video tutorials<\/strong> that show you the steps to follow and guide you through the design.<\/p>\n
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