The Constructor

Understanding the Transfer of Loads from Slab to Beams

How to transfer loads from slab to beams

The transfer of loads from a slab to beams is controlled by the slab’s geometrical
dimension and the direction of reinforcements. The load of the slab, including self-weight,
live load, and imposed dead load, are distributed over the beams on their sides.
The slab loads are expressed in weight per unit area, whereas the loads of beams are
expressed in units of weight per length of the beam.
If the slab has regular dimensions, the load transfer can be carried out easily and
quickly. However, if it has an irregular shape, it is recommended to use suitable programs
such as SAP2000, SAFE, and ETABS.
Contents:
One-way Slab
Two-way Slab
Example
Solution:
Complex-geometry Slab
FAQs

One-way Slab
The load of the one-way slab, which has a rectangular shape, is divided equally
between adjacent beams. The interior beam takes half of the total load of a slab on each side.

Figure-1: Transfer of Loads from Rectangular One-way Slab to Beams on two Sides of the
Slab
 If a slab is supported on two sides only or supported on all four sides, but the longer
side to shorter side ratio is greater than 2, it is termed as one-way slab, see Figure-2.

Figure-2: One-way Slab to Beams

Two-way Slab
Loads on a two-way slab are transferred to all beams on all the sides. So, each beam
supports an amount of the load from the slab. The slab is commonly divided into trapezoidal
and triangular areas by drawing lines from each corner of the rectangle at 45 degrees.

Figure-3: Transfer of Loads from Rectangular Two-way Slab to Four Beams

Figure-4: For Square Two-ways Slab, the Load Transferred to Four Beams are Equal
 The beam’s distributed load is computed by multiplying the segment area (trapezoidal
or triangular area) by the slab’s unit load divided by the beam length. For an interior beam,
the portion of the other side’s slab weight is estimated in a similar way and added to the
previous one, i.e., the slab’s load from the other side of the beam. So, interior beams take
loads from both the sides.

Figure-5: Transfer of Loads from Two-way slabs to Interior Beams

Example
The slab of the figure shown below has a thickness of 150 mm and in addition to its own
weight, it supports 0.85 KN/m2 partition, and a live load of 2.4 KN/m2. Transfer the load of
the slab to the beams on all four sides.

Figure-6: Transfer of Two-way slab to Beams

Solution:
Self-weight of the slab= slab thickness* concrete unit weight

= 0.15*24 = 3.6 KN/m2

Total Dead load on Slab = 3.6+0.85= 4.45 KN/m2

One can distribute service load (unfactored load) to the beam or ultimate distributed
load to the slab; use factored load for both dead load and live load of the slab according to the
specifications of ACI 318-19.
In this example, we use different load factors and then use load combination to
calculate ultimate distributed load on the slab. After that, the ultimate distributed load is
transferred to the beams.

Ultimate distributed load (Wu)= 1.2*dead load+ 1.6*live load

Ultimate distributed load (Wu)= 1.2*4.45+1.4*2.4= 8.7 KN/m2
Load of slab on beam (4 m) = area of triangle*Wu
= 4*8.7=34.8 KN
Uniform distributed load of slab on beam (4 m) = 34.8/4= 8.7 KN/m
Load of slab on beam (4 m) = area of trapezoidal*Wu
= 8*8.7=69.6 KN
Uniform distributed load of slab on beam (6 m) = 69.6 /6= 11.6 KN/m

Complex-geometry Slab
Finite element modelling should be used to distribute the load of a slab with complex
geometry to a beam. For this purpose, computer programs like SAP200, SAFE, and ETABS
can be used. This method can also be considered for slabs with regular geometry.

FAQs

How is load transferred from slab to beams?

In a one-way slab, loads are transferred in only one direction, whereas the loads on a
two-way slab are transferred in two directions.

What are the main types of loads on structures?

The types of loads acting on structures for buildings and other structures can be
broadly classified as vertical loads, horizontal loads, and longitudinal loads. The vertical
loads consist of dead load, live load, and impact load. The horizontal loads comprise of wind
load and earthquake load. The longitudinal loads i.e. tractive and braking forces are
considered in the special cases of design of bridges, gantry girders, etc.

How is the live load on slab calculated?

The live load on a slab is determined based on the function of the structure. For
instance, use 2.4 KN/m2 (50 psf) for offices, as per Table 4-1 in ASCE standard (ASCE/SEI
10-7).
How do you calculate the dead load of concrete elements?
The dead load of a concrete member is calculated by multiplying the volume of the
concrete element by concrete unit weight.

What is imposed load on a building?

Imposed load is described as a load that is applied to a structure and is not permanent
during the life service of the structure and may vary.

Read More
How Stresses are Transferred from R.C. Columns to Footings?
Types of Loads on Structures – Buildings and Other Structures
Categories: Beam Design, Loads, Structural Analysis, Structural Design, Structural
Engineering
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