STRIP METHOD FOR SLABS

1. The Strip Method, developed by Hillerborg, is another design method for

slabs. It is also known as Equilibrium Method as it is a method that satisfies
equilibrium at all points in the slab.

2. The method is especially useful in designing slabs with holes/openings,

slabs with one edge unsupported, and L-shaped slabs.

3. Unlike Yield Line Analysis, the Strip Method is a lower bound method that
approximates the slab strength below the actual strength. This means that
the method is conservative and is thus more desirable.

4. The method starts by allowing the designer to vary the distribution of loads
over the slab in a manner that equilibrium will be satisfied. By doing so, the
designer is encouraged by the method to vary the amount of reinforcements
at different locations in the slab, therefore producing an economical design.

5. Tests conducted by experts have confirmed that the method produces

designs that are satisfactory and truly on the safe side.

6. While Yield Line Analysis is better meant for the analysis of slabs with
known sections and properties, the Strip Method is one that is used in
design.

Load Distribution Using Discontinuity Lines

7. Theoretically, the uniform load w can be divided arbitrarily between the x

and y directions. Meaning, a portion of the load is carried along x while the
remaining portion is carried along y.

8. Arranging loads this way will of course lead to different patterns of

reinforcement. But it must be realized that the object of design is to provide
reinforcement that is not only economical and practical but one that will
satisfy the general distribution of moments.

9. Let k be a factor from 0 to 1.If strips of slab in the x-direction sustain a load
(k)(w), the strips in y-direction sustain (k - 1)w as load.

10. At various regions in the slab, the value of k can either be 0 or 1. For
instance, if k = 1 in the x direction, all the loads are carried in the x-direction
only.

11. In other regions it may be reasonable to assume that the load is carried
equally in two directions, that is, k = 0.5 and (k -1)=0.5
12. With the foregoing in mind, consider the square simply supported slab
shown. One pattern of load distribution is by putting k= ½ so that the load in
each direction is (½)w = w/2. Taking a slab strip anywhere shows the load
to be w/2 throughout the span of the strip. Note that the direction of the
arrows shows the direction of the load distribution.

13. Based on this loading, if one takes a strip of slab, say in the x direction at
any location, the maximum moment is always 1/8(w/2) (L)2 = wL2/16.
However, this cannot be true because the moments away from the center
are surely less than the maximum moment. Moreover, if this loading is
followed, the amount of steel at the edges will be the same as those at the
center, which are more than what is needed. A design based on this loading
will therefore be uneconomical.
14. On the other hand, if the loads were distributed with the use of discontinuity
lines, as shown, the center strip moments will reasonably be bigger and
while edge strips will have smaller moments.
15. Another way of loading the square simply supported slab is to use diagonal
discontinuity lines which somewhat follow yield lines, as shown. In this way,
the loads are carried by the nearest support.

16. The use of diagonal discontinuity lines, leads to a distribution of moments in

in the slab that approximates the actual distribution. However, since the load
will vary in every strip, the moment will also vary at every strip and in turn
the corresponding spacing of reinforcement would vary at every position
which is not very practical.
Load Distribution for Rectangular Slabs on Simple Supports

17. In rectangular slabs with simple supports on all edges, it is reasonable to

assume that most of the loads will be carried in the short direction, because
in that way loads are carried to the nearest support, as indicated by the
discontinuity lines parallel to the sides shown. The span of the shorter side
is b and so as shown, the strip near the middle is loaded throughout the
span b.
Load Distribution for Rectangular Slabs Fixed on All Edges

18. Rectangular slabs with fixed sides, follow the same loading distribution as
that on simple supports. However, the two differ in the way the bending
moments are computed.
19. In slabs with fixed edges, half of the total loaded span is therefore treated as
cantilever, as shown. The equivalent cantilever moment is computed and
then proportioned as negative and positive moments. The proportion must
be such that the negative moment is from 1.5 to 2.5 times the positive
moment. Taking the negative moment twice the positive moment is a usual
practice so that the moment ratio, negative to positive is 2:1.
Slabs With One Edge Unsupported

20. For slabs of this type, a possible design approach is to provide a strip of
slab called “strong band” at the unsupported edge. A strong band is a strip
that contains a concentration of reinforcement in the slab.

21. The band acts as a beam built integrally within the slab and supports strips
of slab perpendicular to it.
22. For slabs whose unsupported edge is in the short direction, load
proportioning may be taken as shown in the following.

Observe that the load in the central region is primarily carried to the nearer
supports. That is, loads parallel to the short direction in the central region
are supported by the beams with span a.

23. Note further that inasmuch as the strong band is a support, this band bears
loads from the strips. Band reactions will therefore be upward and as such
are treated as negative loads.
Loading across A-A (long direction), Middle Strip

To determine the factor k in relation to the largest moment at the support,

take the sum of moments about the left support of the middle strip, that is,
the strip through A-A

∑ MLeftsupport=0
 b b4 b b4
MxS + kw( )(a − ) − w( )( )=0
4 2 4 2
b
32 MxS + 8kwb(a − ) − wb 2 = 0
8
b
8kwb(a − ) = wb 2 − 32 MxS
8
wb − 32 MxS
2
k=
8wb(a − b 8)
wb 2 − 32 MxS
k=
a
wb 2 (8 − 1)
b

wb 2 32 MxS
2
−
k= wb wb 2
wb 2 a
(8 − 1)
wb 2 b

32 MxS
1−
k= wb 2
a
8 −1
b

Mx S may be conservatively assumed as about ½ the cantilever moment

Use this value for Mx S in the preceding equation to solve k.

On the other hand, the maximum span moment Mx p (positive) is taken as:

kwb 2  8a  b
M xp =  − 3 + k  at a distance x = (1 − k ) from the fixed end.
32  b  4
Loading across B-B (long direction), Edge Strips

The moments in the long direction edge strips (strips through B-B) are taken
as one half the moments of the long direction middle strip.

Support and span moments in this direction are therefore ½M xs and ½M xp,
respectively.

Loading across C-C and D-D (short direction)

The negative support moment and positive span moment along the strips
through C-C and D-D can be computed as before for strips fixed at both
ends based on the cantilever moment for one-half the span. The proportion
is such that the negative moment is twice the positive moment.

Loading across E-E (short direction), Strong Band

 Being fixed at both ends, the distribution of the cantilever moment is
negative at the supports and positive along the span. The cantilever span is
half of the short direction span.

Alternatively, as conservative values, the moments computed at the middle

strip, short direction (strip through C-C) can be multiplied by (1 + k) which
reflects the increase of load in the strong band.

24. For slabs in which the unsupported length is in the long direction, loading is
taken as shown.

Notice the loads in the strip near the unsupported edge. Inasmuch as the
unsupported edge acts as a supporting beam to slab strips in the short
direction, the load is negative (-k2w) indicating that it acts upward as a
reaction of the strong band.

Note that the factor k2 is specific for the loading along the strong band
region while k1 is used in the main slab.

The factor k2 is computed by assuming a value for k1.

Loading across A-A (short direction)

To relate k1 , k2 and β , consider the strip through A-A
In which βb is the width of the strong band which is fraction of the b
Take sum of moments about the left support.
∑ MLeft support=0

MyS + k2 w ( β b ) (b −
βb
) − k1w (1 − β ) b
(1 − β ) b = 0
2 2

Solving for K2,

βb
2MyS + 2k2 wβ b(b − ) − k1w (1 − β ) b 2 = 0
2

2
2MyS + k2 wβ b ( 2 − β ) − k1 (1 − β ) b 2 w = 0
2 2

k2 wβ b 2 ( 2 − β ) = (1 − k1 )(1 − β ) b 2 w − 2 MyS
2

( k )(1 − β ) b 2 w − 2 MyS
2

k2 = 1
β b2w ( 2 − β )
( k1 )(1 − β )
2
b2 w 2 MyS
2
−
k2 = bw b2 w
β (2 − β )
 2 MyS
k1 (1 − β ) −
2

k2 = b2 w
β (2 − β )

To use this equation,

• Set a value for k1 (less than 1; generally a little less than 0.5)
• Set the width of the strong band β b (as small as possible but wider than
the usual beam)
• Set MyS equal to about half of the cantilever moment with the span taken
as the short direction span minus one-half the width of the strong band.
The load k1w being considered as the load throughout this span.
• Solve k2
• With k1,k2,and β b known, recompute MyS based on the loading
distribution of the strip through A-A from statics.

Loading across B-B (long direction)

Loading across C-C (long direction; strong band)

Note that since the strong band is treated as a beam, its load must be per
unit length (kN/m) not per unit area (kPa). Multiplying the load per unit area
by the width of the band βb converts the load as linear.
 Design moment is computed on the basis of this linear loading.
Furthermore, being a beam, reinforcements are expressed in terms of
number of bars not in terms of spacing.

Slabs With Large Openings

25. The presence of an openings in a slab renders the edges of the opening to
be unsupported. Thus, to establish the design moments, the basic load
distribution may be set-up by providing beams in the form of bands all
around the perimeter of the hole.

26. Consider the rectangular slab with a hole as shown. Bands of width “f” are
supported by the “strong bands” of width “e” where e>f.
27. To serve as guide, the negative and positive moments in the middle strip
and edge strips in both directions are calculated by first neglecting the hole,
but following the same basic distribution, as shown in the following:
28. Now consider the bands along the periphery of the hole.

Band having width “f” (band supported by the band having width “e”)

In the x-direction, the beam is loaded as shown:

W1= reaction exerted by the band of width “e” acting as support.

Band having width “e” (short direction band)

The loads W 1, W 2, and W 3 are loads exerted by strips supported and

perpendicular to the longer band.

Where:

W1 = load from the short band of width “f”

W2 = the reaction of the long band as it supports the x-direction edge strips
as shown
 W3 = the reaction of the long band at it supports the middle strip as shown
(x-direction)

29. In the preceding, Mxs edge and Mxs middle are support moments taken equal to
portions of the cantilever moments based on a panel without any hole.So
with the support moments known, W 2 and W 3 can be determined from
statics.

30. Illustrative Problem

The rectangular panel shown may be considered fixed on all edges being
supported by beams that stiff enough flexurally and torsionally. The spans
shown are clear. Initial calculations indicate that a slab thickness of 175 mm
may be used in accordance with the Code.

If the slab is to sustain a service live load of 7.95 kPa and the density of
concrete is taken as 23.56 kN/m3, determine the reinforcement using:
fy= 415 MPa
fc’=21 MPa

Use a ratio of support to span moment of 2.0

Load factors 1.2 for dead, and 1.6 for live.
SOLUTION:

Consider a strip of slab one meter wide

Weight of slab

wslab =(23.56 kN/m3 ) (1 m) (0.175 m) =4.123 kN/m per meter strip of slab

Live load becomes 7.95 kN/m in a meter strip of slab

Total factored load

wu = 1.2(4.123) + 1.6(7.95) = 17.67 kN/m per meter strip of slab

Being rectangular, fixed and symmetric on all sides, consider the

discontinuity lines shown.

Ls/2 = 6/2 = 3 m
Ls/4 = 1.5 m
Where:
w = wu =17.67 kN/m per meter strip of slab
w/2 = 8.835 kN/ per meter strip of slab
Consider Strip Loads in the x-direction

Edge Strips

Cantilever moment at left support

Mcantilever = ½ (8.835) (1.5) 2

Mcantilever = 9.94 kN.m per meter

Since ratio of support moment to span moment is 2:1,

Support moment
2
Mu x = ( 9.94 )
2 +1
Mu x s = 6.23kN ⋅ m m

Span Moment
1
Mu xp = ( 9.94 )
2 +1
Mu xp = 3.31 kN ⋅ m m

Middle Strip

Cantilever moment
1
M cantilever = (17.67 )(1.5 )
2

2
M cantilever = 19.88 KN ⋅ m m

Support moment
2
Mu x s = (19.88)
2 +1
Mu x s = 13.25kN ⋅ m m
Span moment
1
Mu xp = (19.88)
2 +1
Mu xp = 6.63kN ⋅ m m

Consider Loading of Strips in the y-direction

Edge Strips

Cantilever moment @ support

1
M cantilever = ( 8.835 )(1.5 )
2

2
M cantilever = 9.94kN ⋅ m m

Support Moment
2
Mu ys = ( 9.94 )
2 +1
Mu ys = 6.23kN ⋅ m m
Span Moment
1
Mu yp = ( 9.94 )
2 +1
Mu yp = 3.31kN ⋅ m m
Middle Strip

Cantilever moment @ support

1
M cantilever = (17.67 )( 3)
2

2
M cantilever = 79.52kN ⋅ m m

Support Moment
2
Mu y s = ( 79.52 )
2 +1
Mu y s = 53.01kN ⋅ m m

Span Moment
1
Mu yp = ( 79.52 )
2 +1
Mu yp = 26.51kN ⋅ m m
DESIGN of REINFORCEMENTS

Short Direction (y-direction)

Using 12mmφ bars and clear concrete cover of 20 mm

12
d = ds = n − 20 −
2
d = 175 − 26
d = 149mm
 fy 
Mu = φρbd 2 fy1 − 0.59 ρ 
 fc ′ 
b = 1m
b = 1000mm

Edge Strips

SUPPORTS:
Mu = 6.23kN ⋅ m / m (negative moment)


6.23x106 = 0.9 ρ (1000 )(149 ) ( 415 ) 1 − 0.59 ρ
2 ( 415) 

 21 
0.000751320 = ρ − 11.65952381ρ 2
11.65952381ρ 2 − ρ + 0.000751320 = 0

− ( −1) + ( −1) − 4 (11.65952381)( 0.000751320 )

2

ρ=
2 (11.65952381)
1+0.982323707
ρ=
2 (11.65952381)
ρ( + ) = 0.085 > ρ max, discard
ρ( −) = 0.000758019 < ρ max
ρ = 0.000758019
req ' dAs = ( 0.000758019 )(1000 )(149 )
req ' dAs = 112.95mm 2

With fy = 415 MPa

As min = 0.0018 bh
= (0.0018) (1000) (175)
= 315 mm2

Req’d As <As min

Use As min
As=315 mm
b π 2
Req’d S = db
As 4

1000 π
Req’d S = (12)2
315 4

Req’d S = 359.04mm

Compare with Smax

Limit S to Smax
S=350mm o.c.

Span: Mu = 3.31kN ⋅ m m (Positive moment)

Since this is half of the support moment, required spacing is twice (inverse
1/2) that computed for negative bending which is more than the maximum.

Thus, limit the spacing s to Smax

s = 350 mm o.c.

Middle Strip

SUPPORTS: Mu = 53.01kN ⋅ m m

415
53.01x106 = 0.9 ρ (1000 )(149 ) ( 415 ) [1 − 0.59 ρ
2
]
21
11.65952381ρ 2 − ρ + 0.0063928521 = 0
ρ( + ) = 0.079 > ρ max
ρ( −) = 0.006957205 < ρ max
ρ = 0.006957205
req ' dAs = ( 0.006957205 )(1000 )(149 ) = 1036.62mm 2
req ' dAs > Asmin , ok

As = 1036.62mm 2

Req’d s=109.1< Smax,ok

Say s=105 mm o.c.
SPAN: Mu = 26.51kN ⋅ m m (Positive moment)
1
Note that span moment is the support moment.
2
1
This means that req’d As is also of As at the supports.
2
1
Req’d As = (1036.62)
2
Since spacing is inversely proportional to As, the required spacing at the
2
span is times the spacing at the supports
1

Req’d s = 2(109.1)
=218.20 < Smax, ok

Say s=210 mm o.c.

Long Direction (x-direction)

d = d L = d S − db
d = 149 − 12
d = 137mm

Edge Strips

SUPPORTS: Mu = 6.23kN ⋅ m m

6.23 X 10 6 = 0.9 ρ (1000)(137 ) (415)[1 − 0.59 ρ

2 415
]
21
Calculations in the short direction indicate that Smax controls.
Limit s to Smax =350 mm
s =350 mm o.c.

SPAN: Mu = 3.31kN ⋅ m m
Obviously, Smax will also control
s =350 mm o.c.

Middle Strip

SUPPORTS: Mu = 13.25kN ⋅ m /m

415
13.25 X 106 = 0.90 ρ (1000 )(137 ) ( 415 ) [1 − 0.59 ρ
2
]
21
0.001890097 = ρ − 11.65952381ρ 2
ρ (+ ) = 0.083833102 > ρ max
ρ (− ) = 0.001933693 < ρ max, ok
ρ = 0.001933693

Req’d As = (0.001933693)(1000)(137)
Req’d As = 264.92 mm2<Asmin

Use Asmin
As=315 mm2
Req’d S = 359.14>Smax
Limit S to Smax
s = 350 mm o.c.

MIDSPAN: Mu1 = 6.23kN ⋅ m m

Of course Smax will control
s = 350 mm o.c.