Design Guide

Concrete Design
Guide coffers and troughs
Mesh Ref 245

425
16R8-250 Stirrups
(Each Rib)
Short Span Rib

1 Y16 B (Each Rib)
Support Beam 22 1 Y12 T (Each Rib)
coffers and troughs EDITION 1 Coffers and Troughs
Waco Engineering Services (WES) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Waco Africa Pty Ltd, a leading industrial services
company offering a diverse range of services. As a Temporary Works consulting business WES offers a full “risk
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WES works closely with its sister companies which include Form-Scaff, the market leading formwork and scaffolding
company and the exclusive distribution partner for Doka in Sub-Saharan Africa. Form-Scaff’s tried and tested Coffer
and Trough systems are unique, delivering two way and one way concrete slab spanning solutions.
By partnering with Form-Scaff, Waco Engineering Services can limit your risk exposure related to the equipment,
design and erection of temporary works. The beneﬁts include:
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CONTENTS Coffers and Troughs
coffers and troughs

Page 02 General Information
Page 03 Architectural considerations and advantages
Page 04 Structural considerations and advantages
Page 05 Coffer slab design:
Page 06 Design procedure
Page 10 PART 1 - Coffer beam identification (Steps 1 to 12)
Page 15 PART 2 - Coffer support beam design (Steps 13 t0 30)
Page 35 PART 3 - Coffer slab design - ribs and structural topping (Steps 31 to 50)
Page 55 Trough slab design:
Page 56 Design procedure
Page 61 PART 1 - Trough and beam identification (Steps 1 to 12)
Page 68 PART 2 - Trough support beam design (Steps 13 t0 30)
Page 86 PART 3 - Trough slab design - ribs and structural topping (Steps 31 to 50)
Page 104 Summary
Page 105 Reference Tables
Page 106 Abbreviations and conversions
Page 109 Branch Contact Details
The information given in this Concrete Design Guide regarding the design or the method of designing the reinforced concrete elements, may
change without prior notice.
Edition 1 – November 2020 01

CONCRETE DESIGN
GENERAL INFORMATION
coffers and troughs
Overview
This Concrete Design Guide provides guidance for the reinforced concrete design of Coffer and Trough slabs and only deals with the Coffer and
Trough sizes given in Table 1.
Pre-tensioning and post-tensioning options, in lieu of, or in combination with reinforcing steel, are excluded from this Concrete Design Guide.
Design and drawings

Waco Engineering Services (WES) offers the service of producing concrete and reinforced concrete drawings complete with bending schedules for
Coffer and Trough slabs in accordance with the designer’s specifications.
If the concrete drawings are not prepared by WES, it is recommended that the completed concrete drawings are submitted to WES, in CAD format,
in order for WES to check and offer adjustments for consideration to ensure optimum use of the Coffers, Troughs and support work.
The drawings and details shown in this Concrete Design Guide are to be used as a guide only and are not to be used as final working drawings.
Coffer and Trough Equipment:

This Concrete Design Guide is based on equipment that is supplied by Form - Scaff.
Refer to the Form-Scaff Technical User Guide for technical information regarding the various components that make up the Coffer and Trough
systems.
Contact Form-Scaff directly to confirm the availability of Coffer and Trough equipment.
Standards and compliance documentation

The reinforced concrete design for Coffer and Trough slabs should be done in accordance with at least:
National Building Regulations (NBR) and Building Standards Act No. 103 of 1977 (amended 2008)
The NBR forms the basis of how buildings in South Africa should be constructed and developed to suit human habitation and provides the law
relating to the erection of buildings in the areas of jurisdiction of local authorities.
SANS 10400 The application of the National Building Regulations

This standard covers provisions for building site operations and building design and construction that are deemed to satisfy the provisions of
the NBR.
SANS 0100-1 The structural use of concrete - Design

This standard establishes principles for the structural use of concrete including the method of design, material and types of structures.
SANS 10100-2 The structural use of concrete - Materials and execution of work
This standard establishes materials for concrete, proportioning, durability, reinforcing steel, formwork, placing and protection of concrete.
SANS 920 Steel bars for concrete reinforcement

This standard covers the physical and mechanical requirements for carbon steel bars intended for use as reinforcement for concrete.
SANS 282 Bending dimensions and scheduling of steel reinforcement for concrete
This standard covers the bending dimensions, bar schedules and routine inspection of steel bars intended for use as reinforcement for concrete.
SANS 10160-1 Basis of structural design

This standard covers the general structural design procedures and the minimum design loads to be adopted in the design of buildings or
their structural members.
SANS 10160-2 Self weight and imposed loads

This standard covers the design guidance and actions for the structural design of buildings and includes densities of materials, self weight of
construction works and imposed loads for buildings.
SANS 10144 Detailing of steel reinforcement for concrete

This standard covers all types of reinforced concrete and presents time saving methods of detailing.
Note:
In addition to the SANS 10144, clauses 4.5.6 and 4.11.3 of the SANS 0100-1 must be taken into consideration when specifying the detailing
requirements for the reinforcing drawings.
Other Compliance Documentation

Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993.
Construction Regulations, 2014.
ISO 9001.
OHSAS 18001.
Municipal bylaws.
Coffer and Trough Technical User Guide.
International documentation – when Coffer and Trough systems are used outside of South Africa, the relevant international documentation must
be considered/adopted.
Any other normative references in the abovementioned SANS standards or other specifications or references not given in this Concrete Design
Guide.
02
INTRODUCTION Coffers and Troughs
ARCHITECTURAL CONSIDERATIONS AND ADVANTAGES
coffers and troughs

Architectural considerations and advantages
One of the biggest advantages of using Coffer and Trough slabs is the reduction in the required amount of concrete and reinforcing steel, making
the structure lighter and more cost effective.
The use of Coffers and Troughs provides an overall deeper slab which eliminates the need for down-stand beams. This results in an overall
reduction in height of the structure and may improve zoning requirements where height limitations are enforced.
In addition, the elimination of down-stand beams allows an uninhibited layout of services such as pipes and air conditioning ducts which are
secured to the soffit of the slab.
Depending on the configuration and spacing of the columns/supporting structure, the thickness of each Coffer and Trough slab will vary to suit the
structural engineer’s design requirements.
In addition to the structural concrete slab thickness, a non-structural screed is usually applied to the top surface of the slab.
The screed:
Varies in thickness at the discretion of the structural engineer (usually between 20 mm and 75 mm thick).
Affects the floor to ceiling height.
May also be used to slope the top surface of the slab for drainage purposes.
May have different surface finishes such as troweled, broomed, exposed aggregate or, with the addition of pigments, provide a colourful aspect.
The standard sizes of the Coffers and Troughs provides a modular flexibility of column spacing which is particularly important in multi-storey
carparks where a less restricted movement of vehicles is required.
The “waffled” soffit finish of voided slabs is aesthetically pleasing and may be used for the design of ceilings, particularly in commercial projects.
The use of a “waffled” soffit finish also provides an acoustically advantageous solution for the dampening of sound.
Coffer and Trough illustrations

The in-situ concrete slabs are constructed with voids in the soffit to form a series of ribs.
The beams at the edges of the concrete slab and the beams that span between the columns, are usually the same depth as the ribs.
Coffers are used to form ribs in two directions and Troughs are used to form ribs in one direction.
The Coffered portion of a slab may be supported on beams between the columns on all 4 sides, or on column heads with beams only at the
perimeter of the slab.
The Troughed portion of a slab is surrounded by beams at all 4 sides.
If required, beams may be added between the Coffered or Troughed portion of the slabs to support additional loads (such as from load bearing walls
on the slabs).
The illustrations below shows some examples of different Coffer and Trough slab options.
Additional concrete beam Concrete beams Coffer slab

between Coffers if required between columns Column Head
Coffer slab
Coffer Panels Between Support Beams Coffer Panel on Column Head
Trough slab Concrete beams
Concrete columns
Trough Panel With Beams On All 4 Sides
Figure 1 – Examples Of Coffer And Trough Configurations

03
INTRODUCTION
STRUCTURAL CONSIDERATIONS AND ADVANTAGES

coffers and troughs
General design considerations
The reinforced concrete design portion of this Concrete Design Guide excludes:
Seismic loads
Wind loads
Point loads on the slabs.
The above loads are specific conditions which, where applicable, need to be considered in design calculations for the structure as a whole.
The analysis of the reinforced concrete frame and the redistribution of moments at fixed joints and at continuous spans are in accordance with
Clause 4.2 of the SANS 0100-1.
An allowance for a change of the percentage redistribution of moments is an individual preference which must be determined by each structural
engineer.
A Coffer slab should be regarded as a two-way spanning integral beam and slab design where no down-stand beams are required.
A Trough slab should be regarded as a one-way spanning integral beam and slab design where no down-stand beams are required.
In addition to the reference documentation listed on Page 2, reinforced concrete designs must be done in accordance with:
Generally accepted design principles.
Reinforced concrete design software.
The span to depth ratios for slabs shall be in accordance with the requirements of Clause 4.4.6 of the SANS 0100-1.
Cambers may be built into the in-situ concrete slabs to compensate for the deflection of the slabs due to self weight and design loads.
The stiffening effect of columns above or below the concrete slab have been ignored in this Concrete Design Guide.
Final analysis and design of the concrete for Coffer or Trough slabs must be carried out by a suitably qualified professional, competent in
reinforced concrete design.
Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the information provided in this Concrete Design Guide is accurate and well founded on principles
of standard design, it must be noted that this Concrete Design Guide is used to provide guidance only for the preliminary selection of a Coffer or
Trough configuration for the concrete slab that is being designed.
Structural advantages
Coffers and Troughs provide the following structural advantages:
Improved concrete span to depth ratio.
Reduced amount and weight of concrete. Refer to Tables 3, 16 and 17 for the approximate displacement values.
Reduced amount of reinforcing steel.
Reduced column sizes.
Reduced foundation loading resulting in smaller foundations.
Concrete mass
The mass of reinforced concrete for Coffer and Trough slabs is assumed to be 25 kN/m3.
To compensate for the possibility of an excessive screed thickness being applied, the mass of the non-structural screed over the Coffer and Trough
slabs is also assumed to be 25 kN/m3.
The screed over the Coffers and Troughs (usually 50 mm thick), is non-structural and primarily used to level the top of the concrete slab.
An allowance for the self-weight of the screed over the Coffers and Trough slabs must be made when calculating the overall weight and deflection
of the concrete elements.
Concrete and mass reduction values

The inclusion of Coffers and Troughs results in having the concrete and dead weight reduction values given in Table 1.
* Excludes the volume for tapered ends of the Troughs.
Table 1 - Concrete And Mass Reduction Values
Coffer/Trough Concrete *Concrete Dead Weight

Size Reduction Reduction Reduction
(mm) (m3/m2) (m3/m) (kN/m2)
525 0.286 - 7.150

Coffers
425 0.248 - 6.200
325 0.207 - 5.175
225 0.144 - 3.600
625 - 0.370 9.250

Troughs
525 - 0.332 8.300
425 - 0.278 6.950
325 - 0.214 5.350
225 - 0.152 3.800
Shear
Where the beams intersect the columns, high localized forces occur and punching shear is the main cause for concern.
The shear resistance of beams must be in accordance with Clause 4.3.4 of the SANS 0100-1.
Deflection
Deflection at any point along the theoretical neutral axis of a structural element is the measured distance from the theoretical neutral axis to the final
position of the axis after loading and this measured distance must be within the allowed serviceability limit of the element.
The serviceability limit of each designed concrete element is to be in accordance with the specifications given in Clause 4.3.6 of the SANS 0100-1.
An allowance for the upward cambers of the slab and beams is recommended to compensate for the downward elastic deflections under self-weight
conditions.
Cover to reinforcing steel

Cover to reinforcing steel is the least distance between the outer surface of the concrete and the embedded reinforcing steel and is required to
04 protect the steel against corrosion and provide resistance against fire as specified in Clause 4.11.2 and Clause 7 of the SANS 0100-1.
COFFER AND TROUGH SLAB DESIGN Coffers and Troughs
coffers and troughs

COFFER SLAB DESIGN
05
COFFER AND TROUGH SLAB DESIGN
COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Design procedure
To simplify the design of Coffer slabs, a recommended step by step procedure is given in Table 2 below.
Steps 1 to 50 given in Table 2 are explained in more detail on Pages 10 to 54.
Table 2 should also be used in conjunction with the “Design Flow Diagram” shown on Page 7.
Table 2 - Step By Step Design Procedure For Coffer Slabs
Step 1 Fill the complete slab with Coffers while leaving a beam around the perimeter of the floor slab
Step 2 Identify all the load bearing walls that are supported on top of the slab
Identify and determine the
Coffer support beam and slab
layout of the Coffer slab and Step 3 Identify the main columns and load bearing walls below the slab
support beams
Step 4 Check if any further support beams are required to create two-way spanning slabs
identification
Step 5 Identify all the columns and preliminary support beams

Step 6 Identify the support beam with the worst-case deflection scenario based on the L/d values
Determine thickness of the
Coffer slab and support Step 7 Determine the required slab thickness due to deflection
beams
Step 8 Determine the Coffer height and structural topping thickness
Step 9 Determine the self-weight of the slab
Determine the self-weight Step 10 Determine the self-weight of the support beam
and imposed loads Step 11 Determine the imposed loading acting on the slab and support beam
Step 12 Determine the loads acting on the slab and support beam
Step 13 Identify the coffer configuration acting on the support beam

Determine the loads acting
Step 14 Determine the impact of Coffer slabs acting on the support beam
on the support beams
Step 15 Determine the total load acting on the support beam
Step 16 Determine the maximum mid-span bending moment for the support beam
Determine the mid-span Step 17 Determine the moment of resistance for the support beam
moments and the tension
Step 18 Determine the area of tension reinforcing steel required for the support beam at mid-span
Coffer support beam design
reinforcing steel required

Step 19 Select the spacing and type of tension reinforcing steel to be used for mid-span bending
Step 20 Determine the required number of stirrups
Determine the shear
Step 21 Checking the shear resistance of the support beam
Step 22 Determine the spacing of stirrups
Step 23 Determine the maximum support bending moment for the support beam
Determine the support
moments and the tension Step 24 Determine the area of tension reinforcing steel required for the beam at the support
Step 25 Select the spacing and type of tension reinforcing steel to be used for support bending
Check the deflections for Step 26 Check the deflections based on the basic allowable span
the support beam Step 27 Calculate the actual long-term deflections
Step 28 Steel detailing of mid-span tension reinforcing steel for the support beams
Steel detailing of the Step 29 Steel detailing of the stirrups for the support beams of the Coffer slab
support beam
Step 30 Steel detailing of support beam tension reinforcing steel and nominal top reinforcing steel at mid-span
Identify the Coffer Step 31 Identify and name the Coffer portions between the support beams
configuration and the
Step 32 Select a Coffer portion and identify specific details from the drawing
minimum structural topping
thickness Step 33 Determine the minimum structural topping thickness due to deflection for selected Coffer height

Step 34 Determine the self-weight of the Coffer slab and imposed loads on the Coffer slab
on the Coffer slab
Step 35 Determine the span end conditions and maximum moments of the Coffer slab
Determine the end
conditions, mid-span Step 36 Determine the moment of resistance of each Coffer rib
moment resistance and the
tension reinforcing steel Step 37 Determine the area of tension reinforcing steel required for each rib at mid-span
Coffer ribs/slab design
required for each rib

Step 38 Select the spacing and type of reinforcing steel to be used for the ribs to cater for mid-span bending
Step 39 Select the number of stirrups for the ribs
Determine the shear
Step 40 Check the shear resistance of the rib
Step 41 Determine the spacing of the stirrups in the ribs
Step 42 Determine the area of nominal reinforcing steel at mid-span and at the supports for the Coffer slab
Determine the reinforcing
steel required at mid-span Step 43 Determine the area of tensile reinforcing steel required for the rib at the support beam
and supports
Step 44 Select the spacing and type of tensile reinforcing steel to be used at the rib support for bending
Check deflections for the Step 45 Check the deflections based on the basic allowable span of the ribs
Coffer slab Step 46 Calculate actual long-term deflections of the ribs
Step 47 Steel detailing of midspan tension reinforcing steel for the ribs
Step 48 Steel detailing of the stirrups for the ribs of the Coffer slab
Steel detailing of the
Coffer slab Step 49 Steel detailing of the nominal reinforcing steel at mid-span and the supports for the Coffer slab
Step 50 Steel detailing of tension reinforcing steel at the support and the nominal top reinforcing steel at mid-span
06
Coffers and Troughs
Legend
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Coffer and support
Design Flow Diagram beam design
The Design Flow Diagram below shows the recommended step by step procedure for designing Coffer slabs.
This step by step procedure should also be used in conjunction with Table 2.
Coffer support
beam design
Coffer slab
design
Coffer and beam identification
Identify and Determine

Start here determine the thickness of the
Determine the self-
weight & imposed
layout of the Coffer Coffer slab &
loads
slab & beams support beams
(Steps 9 to 12)
(Steps 1 to 5) (Steps 6 to 8)
If Mr in Step 17 is
less than imposed Determine the
Steel detailing of
moment, refer loads acting on the
the Coffer slab
back to Step 7 & support beams
(Steps 47 to 50)
increase the beam (Steps 13 to 15)
depth
If the rib deflects If Mr in Step 17 is Determine mid-

more than the less than imposed span moments &
Check deflections
for the Coffer slab allowable, moment, refer tension reinforcing
refer back to Step 7 back to Step 3 & steel required
(Steps 45 to 46)
& increase slab depth increase beam (Steps 16 to 19)
width
Coffer support beam design

Determine the
Determine the
reinforcing steel
shear reinforcing
required at mid-
Coffer slab design
steel required
span & supports
(Steps 20 to 22)
(Steps 42 to 44)
Determine support
Determine the
moments & tension
shear reinforcing
reinforcing steel
steel required
required
(Steps 39 to 41)
(Steps 23 to 25)
Determine end If Mr in Step 36 is

conditions, smaller than If the beam deflects
imposed moment, more than the Check deflections
mid-span Mr & for the support
refer back to Step allowable, refer back
tension reinforcing
7 & increase to Step 7 & increase beam
steel for each rib (Steps 26 to 27)
(Steps 35 to 38) Coffer slab beam depth
thickness
Identify Coffer
Determine the
configuration & the Steel detailing of
loads acting on the
minimum structural the support beam
Coffer slab
topping thickness (Steps 28 to 30)
(Step 34)
(Steps 31 to 33)
Design Flow Diagram 07

COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Coffer dimensions and displacement values
Table 3 gives the dimensions and approximate displacement values of
the 4 No. available sizes of Coffers.
The base of each Coffer is 900 mm x 825 mm (not square in plan).
Half the width of the Kwik-Strip beam on each side of the Coffer is
added to the 825 mm width of the Coffer to make up the difference of E H G
75 mm. (Refer to the Form-Scaff Technical User Guide for details)
The upper portion of the Coffer that forms the void in the concrete is
square in plan.
o
All 4 sides of the Coffers are at a 5:1 slope, or 11.31 angle.
Figure 2 shows the approximate dimensions of the Coffers. 1
The dimensions to the curved surfaces, shown in the diagrams, are to
the intersection point of the straight edges.
A 10% tolerance on the displacement values should be taken into 5 A
consideration due to following reasons:
Manufacturing variances.
Repair work and imperfections due to the age of the Coffers.
Temperature variations.
Coffer movement due to rapid rate of pour.
Deflection of the fiberglass facing due to the mass of concrete and
reinforcing steel. D
C
Note:
Only Form Coffers must be used (not the older Glassfibre type Coffers).
The maximum thickness of structural topping permitted on the Form Coffers Side View A - A
= 250 mm.
The maximum thickness of non-structural screed permitted on the structural
topping = 75 mm.
The total permitted thickness of the structural topping plus the non-structural
screed = 325 mm.
Coffer F H G
A
A
B
D
C B B
Side View B - B
A
B
Coffer - 3D View
Figure 2 – Side Views and 3D View Of Coffers
Table 3 - Coffer Dimensions And Approximate Displacement Values
Coffer Dimensions
(mm)
Coffer Size Coffer Displacement
(mm) (m3)
A B C D E F G H
525 525 825 900 38 64 26 562 105 0.232
425 425 825 900 38 64 26 602 85 0.201
325 325 825 900 38 64 26 642 65 0.168
225 225 825 900 38 64 26 682 45 0.117
08
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Design Example
The Coffer design procedure given in this Concrete Design Guide is based on an example where the following assumptions have been made:
The architect has requested a Coffer alternative to a solid slab solution, which will be significantly lighter in weight and more economical.
The floor slabs are to be designed for a building consisting of residential dwelling units along the coastline of Cape Town.
The floor slabs are to be supported on 400mm x 400mm columns.
The imposed loads on the floor slab are based on a “sub-category B5” (Refer to SANS 10160-2, Table 1 for the different categories and specific
uses).
A concrete compressive strength of 30 MPa and a tensile reinforcing steel strength 450 MPa is being used throughout the remainder of the
building and should be used for the floor slabs where possible.
To cater for fire resistance, the floor slabs must be designed tin accordance with the SABS 0100-1, Clause 7.
A portion of the Coffer slab, described in the abovementioned example, is shown in Figure 3 below.
The design example mainly concentrates on the design of Beam 7 and the Coffer portion between Beams W and Y.
Other portions of the Coffer slab shown in Figure 3 will only be discussed for clarification purposes as and when necessary.
A A1 B C D E F
1020 2730 4650 3600 3340 6560
Beam D
Beam 4
Beam 5
Beam 1
Beam 2
Beam 3
2 Beam E Beam F Beam G Beam H

Beam 6
Beam 7
Beam 8
Beam 9
6000
External main
support beams
3 Beam J Beam K Beam L

Coffer portion
between support
beams
Beam 10
Beam 11
Beam 12
5625
Load bearing
4 Beam M Beam N Beam P wall
Beam 13
Beam 14
Beam 15
Beam 16
7000
Load bearing wall beam

(Refer to Step 2)
5 Beam Q Beam R Beam S Beam T

Beam 20
Beam 17
Beam 19
Beam 18
4650
Internal main
support beams
6 Beam U Beam V Beam W

Beam 21
Beam 22
Beam 23
5000
7 Beam X Beam Y
Beam 25
Beam 24
Beam 26
Columns
Figure 3 – Typical Example Of A Coffer

Slab Supported On Columns 09
COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
PART 1 – Coffer and support beam identification (Steps 1 to 12)

The designer is not limited to designing a Coffer slab using the following Steps 1 to 50 and may use any other preferred design method.
Prior to starting with Step 1, the designer should familiarize himself/herself with the architectural drawings.
Step 1: Fill the complete slab with Coffers while leaving a beam around the perimeter of the floor slab.
This is done to simplify the layout and ensure that the spacing of the Coffers line up with each other (As shown in Figure 3).
The designer may deviate from Step 1 if a different Coffer layout is preferred due to other influences such as point loads on the slab.
The width of the internal support beams may be anything from 500 mm upwards.
The width of the support beams around the perimeter must be determined by the designer to suit the architectural and structural requirements.
The width and depth of each support beam must be verified, taking into consideration all applied dead and imposed loads.
Step 2: Identify all the load bearing walls that are supported on top of the slab.
In addition to supporting the required design loads, the designer should consider that the slab may also be required to support additional loads
such as from walls on top of the slab.
Draw the load bearing walls on the layout and remove all the coffers directly below the walls to form ‘load bearing wall beams’ (For example,
Beam 15 shown in Figure 3).
This immediately allows for a 900 mm support beam directly below each load bearing wall.
Step 3: Identify the main columns and load bearing walls below the slab.
Remove the rows of Coffers between the columns/wall supports to establish the ‘main support beams’ (As shown in Figure 3).
The width and depth of each ‘main support beam’ must be verified, taking into consideration all dead and imposed loads.
‘Load bearing wall beams’ must be introduced to support the load bearing walls that do not fall directly on the ‘main support beams’.
The ends of the ‘load bearing wall beams’ are supported by the ‘main support beams’ and act as point loads on the ‘main support beams’.
Step 4: Check if any further beams are required to create two-way spanning slabs.
The designer now has a basic layout to determine support beam widths, support widths and support conditions. (As shown in Figure 3).
In most cases, the spacing does not work out exactly as per the Coffer and Decking Panel dimensions, thus the designer is required to move the
Coffers around on the layout to try and get the supports as central as possible between two Coffer configurations.
The internal support beam widths should be 1500 mm, 1294 mm or 900 mm where possible to accommodate the Decking Panel sizes of 1425 mm,
1219 mm and 825 mm.
When this is not possible, infills or non-standard equipment will be required to form the soffit of the support beams which will have cost implications
and increase the erection time of the falsework.
Step 5: Identify all the columns and preliminary support beams.

For example, the columns may be identified using the grid lines (Column A1, Column B1, etc.) and the support beams identified as shown in
Figure 3.
These references identify each concrete element that is being designed and will be used when scheduling the reinforcing steel.
10
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 6: Identify the support beam with the worst-case deflection scenario based on the L/d values given in Table 4.
To determine the effective depth of the Coffer slab, it is necessary to compare the different support beam configurations within the slab.
At this stage, only consider the self weight and ignore imposed loads.
This may be achieved by Applying the formula:
Span Length ‘L’ (mm)

= d (mm).
Ratio
Where:
The Span Length ‘L’ is the distance between the centre lines of the supports.
In the case of a cantilever beam, the Span Length ‘L’ is the distance between the centre line of the support and the end of the cantilever beam.
For each beam configuration, the Span Length ‘L’ of the relevant beam between supports must be determined (using the drawing) and the
relevant ratio selected from Table 4.
To determine the worst-case scenario, the following 3 examples deal with different beam configurations within a typical Coffer slab.
Beam configuration 1:
Consider a beam with both ends continuous where L = 7000 mm (For example, Beam 14 shown in Figure 3)
7000 mm = d = 250 mm.

28
Consider a truly simply supported beam where L = 6000 mm (For example, Beam 6 shown in Figure 3)
6000 mm = d = 375 mm.

16
Consider a beam with one end continuous where L = 7000 mm (For example, Beam 16 shown in Figure 3)
7000 mm
= d = 292 mm.
24
From the example above, it can be seen that it is not always the longest span that results in the biggest deflection, but the deflection is also
dependent on the support conditions and obviously the imposed loading.
The designer is required to calculate the effective depth ‘d’ for all the different scenarios applicable to the specific layout drawing.
The largest effective depth ‘d’ is then used to determine the slab thickness ‘t’ for the whole slab.
Normally the slab thickness remains constant over the complete floor area, except where a definitive difference between spans or loads
occur and the designer opts for a thicker or thinner slab in a specific portion due to structural or financial constraints.
Table 4 - Basic Span/Effective Depth Ratios For Rectangular Beams
Support Conditions Ratio
Truly simply supported beams 16
Simply supported beams with nominally restrained ends 20
Beams with one end continuous 24
Beams with both ends continuous 28
Cantilevers 7
(Reference SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, Table 10)
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COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 7: Determine the required slab thickness ‘t’ due to deflection.
The following example may be used to determine the slab thickness due to deflection:
Example:
From Step 6, beam configuration 2 has the biggest effective depth ’d’ of 375 mm and must therefore be used to determine the required slab
thickness ‘t’
Assume Y16 reinforcing bars and R8 stirrups will be used for this example
The actual diameter of the reinforcing bars must be checked later and be replaced if necessary, in the calculation below
Assume the cover to reinforcement = 30 mm

The cover must be determined in accordance with the requirements of the structure and SANS 0100-1 Ed. 2.2 Clause 4.5.7
Required slab thickness ‘t’ = effective depth ‘d’ + cover to reinforcement + half the diameter of main reinforcing bars selected + the diameter of the
stirrups (diameterstirrup)
‘t’ = 375 mm + 30 mm + (16 mm ÷ 2) + 8 mm = 421 mm.
Step 8: Determine the Coffer height and structural topping thickness.

The total Coffer height plus the structural topping thickness is equal to the slab thickness ‘t’ and the beam height between the Coffer sections.
The 4 No. available heights of Coffers are given in Table 5 (Coffer Size mm).
Also refer to dimension ‘A’ in Table 3
The minimum structural topping thickness for each of the Coffer sizes are given in Table 5.
The minimum structural topping thickness should also be the greater of
50 mm or one-tenth of the clear span between ribs as given in
SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, Clause 4.5.1.2(d).
Table 5 - Structural Topping Thickness For Coffers
The designer should select a compliant Coffer size which will yield the
least volume of concrete per m2. Minimum Maximum
Clear
Coffer Structural Structural
Coffer Size Distance
Different Coffer sizes are compared in the following scenarios. Displacement Topping Topping
(mm) Between Ribs
(m3) Thickness Thickness
Example: (mm)
(mm) (mm)
For illustration purposes, assume the floor area consists of 10 No. 525 0.117 562 56 250
Coffers (Refer to the Coffer slab between grid lines A1 and B / 3 and 4
in Figure 3) 425 0.168 602 60 250
Minimum slab thickness ‘t’ = 421 mm (From Step 7) 325 0.201 642 64 250
Floor Area = 10 Coffers x (0.9 m x 0.9 m in plan) = 8.1 m2. 225 0.232 682 68 250
*Refer to dimension ‘G’ in Table 3 and Figure 14

Scenario 1 using 225 Coffers:
Slab thickness of 421 mm – 225 mm Coffer = 196 mm topping > 68 mm and < 250 mm topping thickness (From Table 5, meets requirements)
Volume of concrete without Coffers = 8.1 m2 x 0.421 mm = 3.410 m3
Displacement of 10 No. x 225 mm Coffers = 10 x 0.117 m3 = 1.170 m3
Volume of concrete with 225 mm Coffers + 196 mm topping = 2.240 m3.
Slab thickness of 421 mm – 325 mm Coffer = 96 mm topping > 64 mm and < 250 mm topping thickness (From Table 5, meets requirements)
Volume of concrete without Coffers = 8.1 m2 x 0.421 mm = 3.410 m3
10 No. x 325 mm Coffer displacement = 10 x 0.168 m3 = 1.680 m3
Volume of concrete with 325 mm Coffers + 96 mm topping = 1.730 m3.
Slab thickness of 421 mm – 425 mm Coffer = – 4 mm topping < 60 mm and < 250 mm topping thickness (From Table 5, topping not thick enough).
Slab thickness of 421 mm – 525 mm Coffer = – 104 mm topping < 56 mm and < 250 mm topping thickness (From Table 5, topping not thick enough)
Note:
From above, it can be seen that Scenario 2 is the most economical design.
If a solid slab was used as opposed to a Coffer slab, the volume of concrete for a 421 mm thick flat slab = 8.1 m2 x 421 mm = 3.410 m3.
If Scenario 2 is used instead of a flat slab, the concrete and reinforcing will be reduced by 49.3% in the Coffer slab portions.
12
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Prior to moving on to Step 9, a method of calculating the volume and mass of a Coffer slab should be established.
This volume and mass excludes the concrete support beams around the edges of the slab and the non-structural screed.
Example: (Portion of the Coffer slab from Figure 3)
Calculate the total volume and mass of a Coffer slab that consists of 10 No. 325 Coffers in one direction and 2 No. 325 Coffers in the
other direction.
Referring to Figure 4 below, determine the plan area:
Each Coffer is 0.9 m x 0.9 m in plan
Therefore, the total plan area of the Coffer slab = (0.9 m x 10 Coffers) x (0.9 m x 2 Coffers) = 9.0 m x 1.8 m = 16.2 m2
Determine the overall thickness of the concrete slab:
Height of Coffer = 325 mm (From Table 3, dimension ‘A’)
Assumed thickness of the structural topping = 100 mm (Maximum thickness = 250 mm)
Therefore concrete thickness = 325 mm + 100 mm = 425 mm
Determine the volume of the equivalent solid concrete slab (Excluding the voids formed by the Coffers):
Volume = (Plan area) x (Concrete thickness) = 16.2 m2 x 0.425 m = 6.885 m3
Determine the volume of the concrete displaced by the Coffers:
The displacement value of 1 No. 325 Coffer = 0.168 m3 (From Table 3)
Number of Coffers = 10 x 2 = 20 No.
Total volume of displaced concrete = 0.168 m3 x 20 Coffers = 3.360 m3
Determine the volume of concrete for the Coffer slab:
The total volume of concrete for the complete slab = 6.885 m3 – 3.360 m3 = 3.525 m3
Therefore, the volume of concrete = 3.525 m3 ÷ 16.2 m2 = 0.218 m3 per m2 in plan.
Determine the mass of the Coffer slab:
Mass of reinforced concrete = 25 kN/m3 (Assumed)
The total mass of concrete for the complete slab = 3.525 m3 x 25 kN/m3 = 88.125 kN
Therefore, the mass of the concrete slab = 88.125 kN ÷ 16.2 m2 = 5.440 kN per m2 in plan.
Note:
The designer must allow for the additional mass of a non-structural screed over the entire area of the slab (Usually between 20 and
75 mm thick).
D F
Concrete support
10 x 2 rows of Coffers 10 No. Coffers = 9000 mm
beams
= 20 Coffers
2 No. Coffers =
1800 mm
Columns
Figure 4 – Typical Plan View Of Coffer And Support Beam Layout

(Extract from Figure 3)
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COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 9: Determine the self-weight of the slab.
The designer needs to determine the self-weight of the Coffer portions to determine the dead load acting on the support beams.
The assumption is made that the weight per Coffer portion is directly related to the weight per square metre of Coffer slab.
Example:
Coffer height + structural topping = 325 mm Coffer + 96 mm structural topping = 421 mm (From Step 8, Scenario 2)
Round off the 96 mm structural topping to 100 mm
Therefore, minimum slab thickness ‘t’ = 425 mm
325 mm Coffer concrete displacement = 0.168 m3 per Coffer (From Table 3)
Allow for a 50 mm thick non-structural screed with the same density as concrete
Concrete volume per Coffer area = ((0.325 m + 0.100 m + 0.050 m) x (0.9 m x 0.9 m in plan)) – 0.168 m3 = 0.217 m3 per Coffer
Concrete volume = [ 0.217 m3 ÷ (0.9 m x 0.9 m in plan) ] x (1.0 m x 1.0 m in plan) = 0.268 m3/m2 in plan
Concrete density = 25 kN/m3 (Refer to SANS 10160-2, Table A.1)
Therefore, the self weight of the Coffer portion of the slab = 0.268 m3/m2 x 25 kN/m3 = 6.700 kN/m2 in plan.
Step 10: Determine the self-weight of the support beam.

The designer needs to determine the self-weight of the support beam in the same manner as described in Step 9.
The only difference is that there is no deduction due to Coffer displacement and the full depth of the Coffer and structural topping is taken into
consideration when calculating the support beam depth and self-weight per m2 in plan.
Example:
Minimum slab thickness ‘t’ = 425 mm (From Step 9)
Concrete density = 25 kN/m3 (From Step 9)
Allow for a 50 mm thick non-structural screed with the same density as concrete
Concrete volume = (0.425 m + 0.050 m) x (1.0 m x 1.0 m in plan) = 0.475 m3/m2
Therefore beam self-weight = 0.475 m3/m2 x 25 kN/m3 = 11.875 kN/m2 in plan.
Step 11: Determine the imposed loading acting on the slab and support beam.
The designer needs to identify the specific use for every section of the building.
Refer to SANS 10160-2, Table 1 for the different categories and specific uses.
The same building may have several different uses in different portions of the building.
An example of this is when a filing room is next to a classroom in a school.

The designer can choose to cater for the worst-case scenario throughout the building, but that may lead to an uneconomical design.
Step 12: Determine the loads acting on the slab and support beam.
For the slab and support beam design, use the ultimate limit state factors as specified in SANS 10160-1, Table 3.
Permanent actions (Dead Load) such as the self-weight of the beam or slab itself, screed, tiles, etc. are multiplied by a partial factor of 1.2.
Variable actions (Live Load) such as the imposed loads acting on the floor or roof are multiplied by a partial factor of 1.6.
These are then added together to determine a design load as shown below.
w = 1.2 x (Sum of Dead Loads) + 1.6 x (Sum of Live Loads)
Example:
Coffer height + structural topping + non-structural screed = 325 mm Coffer + 100 mm structural topping + 50 mm screed = 475 mm (From Step 9)
Beam self-weight = 11.875 kN/m2 (From Step 10)
Assume that the building consists of dwelling units, thus the imposed load = 1.5 kN/m2 (Refer SANS 10160-2, Table 1)
Coffer slab self-weight = 6.700 kN/m2 in plan (From Step 9)
wslab = (1.2 x 6.700 kN/m2) + (1.6 x 1.5 kN/m2) = 10.440 kN/m2 in plan
Beam self weight = 11.875 kN/m2 in plan (From Step 10)
wbeam = (1.2 x 11.875 kN/m2) + (1.6 x 1.5 kN/m2) = 16.650 kN/m2 in plan.
14
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

PART 2 – Coffer support beam design (Steps 13 to 30)
Step 13: Identify the Coffer configuration acting on the support beam.
The layout for the Coffers and beams should look similar to the typical layouts shown in Figures 5 and 6.
The designer needs to isolate each support beam and determine the Coffer configuration associated with that specific beam.
The configuration of the Coffer portion is of importance because it influences the number of Coffers acting on a specific beam.
SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, Clause 4.4.4.3 states that if two slabs having the same supporting conditions meet at a corner, the dividing angle is 45
degrees.
The same clause also states that if a fully restrained edge meets a freely supported edge, the dividing angle on the restrained side is 60 degrees.
For Coffer design, assume the dividing angle to be 45 degrees.
The two scenarios below show the number of Coffers supported by a specific beam.
Scenario 1:
Figure 5 below (Portion of the Coffer slab from Figure 3) shows 2 rows of 10 Coffers = 20 Coffers between the surrounding support beams.
The end Coffers are divided by a 45 degree line whereby half the weight of the divided end Coffers are carried by support beams D and H
and half the weight of the divided end Coffers are carried by support beams 4 and 5.
Beam D is supporting 8 complete Coffers plus half of the end Coffers = 8 Coffers + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer = Equivalent to 9 Coffers
Beam H is supporting 8 complete Coffers plus half of the end Coffers = 8 Coffers + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer = Equivalent to 9 Coffers
Beam 4 is supporting ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer = Equivalent to 1 Coffer
Beam 5 is supporting ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer = Equivalent to 1 Coffer.
D F
Concrete support
ly = 9000 beams
Beam D
lx = 1800
Beam 4
Beam 5
Beam H 2
Columns
45 degree
lines
10 x 2 rows of
Coffers = 20 Coffers

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COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Scenario 2:
Figure 6 below (Portion of the Coffer slab from Figure 3) shows 4 rows of 5 Coffers = 20 Coffers between the surrounding support beams.
The end Coffers are divided by a 45 degree line whereby half the weight of the 2 divided end Coffers are carried by beams 7 and 8 and half the
weight of the 2 divided end Coffers are carried by beams F and K.
Beam 7 is supporting 4 complete Coffers plus 4 half Coffers = 4 Coffers + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer = Equivalent to 6 Coffers
Beam 8 is supporting 4 complete Coffers plus 4 half Coffers = 4 Coffers + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer = Equivalent to 6 Coffers
Beam F is supporting 2 complete Coffers plus 4 half Coffers = 2 Coffers + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer = Equivalent to 4 Coffers
Beam K is supporting 2 complete Coffers plus 4 half Coffers = 2 Coffers + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer + ½ Coffer = Equivalent to 4 Coffers.
A B C
lx = 2700 Concrete support

1200 lx = 3600
beams
1500
2 Beam E Beam F
4 x 5 rows of Coffers
= 20 Coffers
ly = 4500
Beam 6
L = 6000
Beam 7
Beam 8
45 degree
lines
1500
3 Beam J Beam K
Columns

Note:
It can be seen from scenarios 1 and 2 above that even though two slabs can have the same number of Coffers (20 No.), the Coffer configuration
influences the number of Coffers acting on each respective support beam.
16
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 14: Determine the impact of Coffer slabs acting on the support beam.
The layout of the Coffers and beams should look similar to the layout shown in Figure 3.
From Figure 5 and Figure 6, it can be seen that the load distribution will be either in a trapezoidal or triangular shape, depending on the length
of the sides of the slab.
For example, in Figure 6, Beam F has a load distribution from the slab that is triangular in shape, while Beam 7 has a load distribution acting
from the slab that is trapezoidal in shape.
It must be noted that even if the load from the Coffer slab is a trapezoidal or triangular shape, it is assumed to be a uniformly distributed load
over the length of the support beam.
The Coffer/slab configuration on the other side of each respective support beam must also be considered when determining the total load acting
on each beam.
If for example, there is a slab on the other side of Beam 7 (Shown in Figure 6), the load action from that slab must also be added to Beam 7.
To determine the load acting on a beam, refer to the formulas and example below.
nlx lx 2
Trapezoidal load w = (3 – ( ))
6 ly
nlx
Triangular load w=
3
Example:
Beam 7 (Refer to Figure 6):
n (Load on slab) = wslab = 10.440 kN/m2 (From Step 12)
lx (Length of shorter side of the slab between Beams 6 and 7) = 3 No. x 900 mm wide Coffers = 2700 mm (Refer to Figure 6)
ly (Length of longer side of the slab between Beams 6 and 7) = 5 No. x 900 mm wide Coffers = 4500 mm (Refer to Figure 6)
( ( 4.5 m )) = 12.403 kN/m on Beam 6 side of Beam 7.

nlx lx 2 10.440 kN/m2 x 2.7 m 2.7 m 2
Trapezoidal load w = (3 – ( )) = 3–
6 ly 6
lx (Length of shorter side of the slab ‘lx’ between Beams 7 and 8) = 4 No. x 900 mm wide Coffers = 3600 mm (Refer to Figure 6)
ly (Length of longer side of the slab ‘ly’ between Beams 7 and 8) = 5 No. x 900 mm wide Coffers = 4500 mm (Refer to Figure 6)
(3 – (3.6
4.5 m ))
2
nlx lx 2 10.440 kN/m2 x 3.6 m m
Trapezoidal load w = (3 – ( )) = = 14.783 kN/m on Beam 8 side of Beam 7.
6 ly 6
Total wslab = 12.403 kN/m + 14.783 kN/m = 27.186 kN/m
Step 15: Determine the total load acting on the support beam.
Example:
Refer to Figure 6 and assume that Beam 7 is 1200 mm wide (This depends on the layout as designed in Steps 1 to 4).
Calculate the total loads on the beam.
wbeam = 16.650 kN/m2 (From Step 12)
wbeam = 16.650 kN/m2 x 1.2 m wide = 19.980 kN/m
wslab = 27.186 kN/m (From Step 14)
wtotal = 19.980 kN/m + 27.186 kN/m = 47.166 kN/m. Use this load to determine the moments and area of reinforcing steel required to resist .
bending.
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COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 16: Determine the maximum mid-span bending moment for the support beam.
There are 4 scenarios to consider if the span of the beams differ by 15% or less:
Scenario 1: Simply supported beam (For example, Beam 6 shown in Figure 3)
wl2
Mu.mid =
8
Scenario 2: Beam continuous one end (For example, Beam 16 shown in Figure 3)
wl2
Mu.mid =
10
Scenario 3: Beam continuous both ends (For example, Beam 7 shown in Figure 3)
wl2
Mu.mid =
12
Scenario 4: Cantilever beam (For example, Beam Q shown in Figure 3)
wl2
Mu.mid =
2
If the span of the beams differ by more than 15%, a rational beam analysis should be done.
For example, Beam 7 (From Figure 6) is continuous both ends, therefore Scenario 3 will be applicable. Calculate the maximum mid-
span bending moment for Beam 7:
wtotal = 47.166 kN/m (From Step 15)
Span Length ‘L’ = 6000 mm = 6.0 m (From Figure 6)
47.166 kN/m x (6.0 m)2

Then, Mu = = 141.498 kN.m.
12
Step 17: Determine the moment of resistance of the support beam.

The effective depth for the reinforcing is required to determine the moment of resistance.
The effective depth ‘d’ is the depth from external face of the compression zone of the beam to the centre of the tension reinforcement as stated
in SABS 0100 -1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.3.
Assume that the redistribution of moments does not to exceed 10%, thus K = 0.156 (Refer SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.4.1).
To determine the moment of resistance, apply the formula Mr = Kbd2fcu (Refer SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.4.1).
Example:
Beam 7 width ‘b’ = 1200 mm (From step 15)
fcu = 30 MPa (Assumed)

After considering the relationship between the concrete mix design and the amount of reinforcing steel required, the concrete strength is to be
determined by the designer.
K = 0.156 (Moment distribution < 10%)
tbeam = 425 mm (From Step 9)
Cover = 30 mm = (From Step 7)
Tension reinforcing diameter = Y16 (Assumed)
Stirrup diameter = R8 (Assumed)
d = tbeam – cover – half bar diameter – diameterstirrup = 425 mm – 30 mm – (16 ÷ 2) mm – 8 mm = 379 mm
Mr = Kbd2fcu = 0.156 x 1200 mm x (379 mm)2 x 30 MPa = 0.156 x 1.2 m x (0.379 m)2 x 30 x 103 kN/m2 = 806.688 kN.m.
18
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 18: Determine the area of tension reinforcing steel required for the support beam at mid-span.
Check if tension reinforcing steel only is required or if both tension and compression reinforcing steel is required for the support beam.
This is achieved by checking the ‘K’ value with the applied bending moment, where:
Mu.mid
K = (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.4.1)
bd2fcu
If K > 0.156, then compression reinforcing steel is required in addition to the tension reinforcing steel.
If compression reinforcing steel is required, the designer should consider increasing the width and/or depth of the support beam as it is not
ideal to design for compression reinforcing steel.
If the slab depth is changed, go back to Step 7 and reassess the design.
This Concrete Design Guide does not deal with the design for compression reinforcing steel at mid-span.
Example:
Mu.mid = 141.498 kN.m (From Step 16)
Beam 7 width ‘b’ = 1200 mm (From Step 15)
d = 379 mm (From Step 17)
fcu = 30 MPa (From Step 17)
Mu.mid 141.498 kN.m 141.498 kN.m

K = = = = 0.027
bd2fcu 1200 mm x (379 mm)2 x 30 MPa 1.2 m x (0.379 m)2 x 30 x 103 kN/m2
K < 0.156, therefore only tension reinforcing steel is required
Determine the lever arm ‘z’
The value of ‘z’ is the lesser of 0.95d and d x (0.5 + (0.25 – (K ÷ 0.9)) (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.4.1)
The required area of tension reinforcement at mid-span is determined using the following equation:
Mu.mid
As.req =
0.87fyz
The area of tension reinforcing steel should not exceed 4% of the gross cross-sectional area of the beam.
The minimum percentage of reinforcing steel for a rectangular beam is given in Table 6.
Table 6 - Minimum Percentage Of Reinforcing Steel
Minimum Percentage
Tension Reinforcing Definition Of
Steel Percentage
fy = 250 MPa fy = 450 MPa
Rectangular Section 100 As/Ac 0.24 0.13
Extract from SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, Table 23

Determine the area of reinforcing steel required for Beam 7
fy = 450 MPa for hot-rolled high-yield steel (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, Table 3)
z = lesser of 0.95 x 379 mm = 360 mm and 379 x (0.5 + (0.25 – (0.018 ÷ 0.9)) = 371 mm
Beam width ‘b’ = 1200 mm (From Step 15)
Mu.mid 141.498 kN.m 141.498 x 103 kN.mm

As.req = = = = 1004 mm2
0.87fyz 0.87 x 450 MPa x 360 mm 0.87 x 450 x 10-3 kN/mm2 x 360 mm
Ac = b x tbeam = 1200 mm x 425 mm = 510.0 x 103 mm2
As.min = 0.13 (From Table 6) x (Ac ÷ 100) = 0.13 x (510 x 103 mm2 ÷ 100) = 663 mm2
As.max = 4% x (b x tbeam ) = 0.04 x (510 x 103 mm2) = 20.4 x 103 mm2
As.max > As.req > As.min therefore As.req = 1004 mm2. 19

COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 19: Select the spacing and type of tension reinforcing steel to be used for mid-span bending.
Determine the diameter and spacing of the of the tension reinforcing bars.
For this example, assume a spacing of 170 mm (At this stage, the designer must assume the spacing of the reinforcing bars).
The assumed spacing is then used to determine the number of reinforcing bars that will fit across the width of the support beam.
After the number of reinforcing bars is determined, the actual spacing can be calculated.
The required cross-sectional area per reinforcing bar can be determined by dividing the total reinforcing steel area required (As.req) by the number of
reinforcing bars provided.
This cross-sectional area must be compared to the values given in Table 7 to determine the reinforcing bar diameter that will meet the minimum
cross-sectional area requirements.
Table 7 - Cross-Sectional Area Of Reinforcing Bars Per m Width (mm2)
Reinforcing Cross- Spacing Of Reinforcing Bars (mm)

Bar Sectional
Diameter Area Per
50 75 100 125 150 175 200 250 300
(mm) Bar (mm2)
8 50 1010 671 503 402 335 287 252 201 168
10 79 1570 1050 785 628 523 449 393 314 262
12 113 2260 1510 1130 905 754 646 566 452 377
16 201 4020 2680 2010 1610 1340 1150 1010 804 670
20 314 6280 4190 3140 2510 2090 1800 1570 1260 1050
25 491 9820 6550 4910 3930 3270 2810 2450 1960 1640
32 804 16100 10700 8040 6430 5360 4600 4020 3220 2680
40 1257 25100 16800 12600 10100 8380 7180 6280 5030 4190
First, check that the assumed and calculated spacing of the reinforcing bars is smaller than the maximum spacing allowed for the specific section by
y1 + y2 As.req 1
calculating the service stress fs = 0.87fy x x x (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.6.3.1)
y3 + y 4 As.prov βb
Where:
y1 = self-weight load factor for serviceability limit states = 1.1
y2 = imposed load factor for serviceability limit states = 1.0
y3 = self-weight load factor for ultimate limit states = 1.2
y4 = imposed load factor for ultimate limit states = 1.6
βb = ratio of resistance moment at mid-span obtained from the redistributed maximum moments diagram to that obtained from the maximum
moments diagram before redistribution = 1.0
(Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.6.3.1; SANS 10160-1, Table 3, and SANS 10160-1, clause 8.3.1.1)
Then, check that the maximum reinforcing bar spacing is the smaller of 300 mm or 47000 ÷ fs (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.11.8.2.1.4).
Example:
Spacing of reinforcing bars = 170 mm (Assumed)
fy = 450 MPa = 450 N/mm2 (From Step 18)
As.req = 1004 mm2 (From Step 18)
Number of reinforcing bars = b – (2 x cover) ÷ spacing + 1 bar = 1200 mm – (2 x 30 mm) ÷ 170 mm = 6.7 bars + 1 bar = 7.7 rounded up to 8 bars
Actual spacing = b – (2 x cover) ÷ (number of bars – 1 bar) = 1200 mm – (2 x 30 mm) ÷ (8 – 1) = 163 mm rounded down to 160 mm
Required cross-sectional area per reinforcing bar = As.req ÷ number of reinforcing bars = 1004 mm2 ÷ 8 = 125.5 mm2 per reinforcing bar
From Table 7 it can be seen that 1 No. Y16 reinforcing bar has a cross sectional area of 201 mm2 which is greater than the required cross-sectional
area of 125.5 mm2 per reinforcing bar
The total area As.prov = 8 No. x 201 mm2 = 1608 mm2, which is greater than 1004 mm2, therefore reinforcing steel is okay
1.1 + 1.0 1004 mm2 1

The service stress fs = 0.87 (450 N/mm2) x x x = 183 N/mm2
1.2 + 1.6 1608 mm2 1.0
20
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Check that the maximum reinforcing bar spacing is the smaller of 300 mm or 47000 ÷ fs (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.11.8.2.1.4)
47000 ÷ fs = 47000 ÷ 183 N/mm2 = 257 mm
The spacing of 160 mm is smaller than the maximum spacing of 257 mm
Therefore, to cater for the bending moment, use 8 No. Y16 reinforcing bars at a spacing of 160 mm.
The designer can choose a larger spacing than the spacing calculated above and re-check the diameter of the reinforcing bars required.
To determine the most economical reinforcing steel, it all depends on the maximum spacing allowed for specific diameters of reinforcing bars.
Step 20: Determining the required number of stirrups.

The number of stirrups is determined based on the number of longitudinal tension reinforcing bars present in the support beam under consideration.
It is good practice to have longitudinal bars in the corner of a stirrup.
Each stirrup has 2 vertical legs which provides a position in each corner for 1 main longitudinal bar.
The number of bars in the support beam is divided by 2 to determine the number of stirrups.
If the total number of main longitudinal tension bars is an uneven number, 1 No. tension bar runs in the middle of the beam without being in the
corner of a stirrup.
Example:
Tension reinforcing steel = 8 No. Y16 bars at a spacing of 160 mm (From Step 19)
Number of stirrups = 8 No. Y16 ÷ 2 tension bars per stirrup = 4 stirrups type A, B, C and D (Refer to Figure 7)
The designer may choose any preferred stirrup configuration provided that the minimum requirement for shear is met
Two typical examples of stirrup arrangements are shown in Figure 7
Example 1 will be the least expensive configuration due to less reinforcing steel being used.
Concrete
support beam
Stirrups
A B B C C D D A
Tension reinforcing 160 160 160

bars at 160 spacing
Example 1
Concrete
support beam
Stirrups
A B C D D C B A
Tension reinforcing 160 160 160

bars at 160 spacing
Example 2
Figure 7 – Typical Cross Sections Showing Stirrup Arrangements 21

COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 21: Checking the shear resistance of the support beam.
The design shear force, due to the maximum design loads (for ultimate limit state), must be determined.
To simplify, conservatively assume that the beams are simply supported to determine the reaction forces at each support.
To check the maximum shear strength of a beam, the reaction forces at the internal support must be determined.
If both supports are under continuous beams, both supports must be analysed and the worst case shear force is used in the design calculations.
The design shear stress ‘v’ at any cross-section of the beam should not exceed a value of the lesser of fcu or 4.75 MPa. (Refer to SABS
0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.4.1.1).
V
Design shear stress v = (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.4.1.1).
bd
Maximum design shear stress of concrete vc =

0.75
ym ( )( )( )
fcu ⅓
25
100As ⅓
bvd
400 ¼
d
(Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.4.1.2).
In the above equation, it is generally accepted that the value of 0.75 may be increased to 0.79 for design purposes.
The value of 0.75 is used throughout in this Concrete Design Guide.
Where
( )100As
bvd
should not be taken as greater than 3 (refer SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.4.1.2).
The design shear stress must be less than the maximum design shear stress, if not, either additional shear reinforcement must be added or the
cross-section of the beam should be altered.
To determine the required ratio of shear reinforcement to rebar spacing, apply the following equation:
Asv b(v – vc)

≥
sv 0.87fyv
Where:
Asv is the cross-sectional area of the two legs of a stirrup
fyv is the characteristic strength of the stirrup reinforcement (R8 = 250 MPa = 250 N/mm2)
(Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.4.1.3)
Example:
w = 47.166 kN/m (From Step 15)
Span Length ‘L’ = 6000 m (From Figure 6)
fcu = 30 MPa = 30 N/mm2 (From Step 17)
As.prov = 1608 mm2 (From Step 19)
Partial safety factor for materials for shear strength without shear reinforcement and shear taken by concrete in combination with shear reinforcement
γm = 1.40 (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 3.3.3.2)
wl 47.166 kN/m x 6000 mm 47.166 kN/m x 6.0 m

Then, design shear force V = = = = 141.498 kN
2 2 2
Design shear force V = 2 x 141.498 kN = 282.996 kN, assuming that lengths are the same on either side of the internal support
The designer should do a proper beam analysis to determine the reaction forces on each support, preferably using a specialist software package
V
Design shear stress v =
bd
282.996 kN 282.996 x 103 N

v= = = 0.622 N/mm 2 = 0.622 MPa
1200 mm x 379 mm 1200 mm x 379 mm
Maximum shear stress vmax = smaller of 0.75 30 = 4.108 MPa and 4.75 MPa
v < vmax therefore okay
100As 100 x 1608 mm2

= = 0.354 < 3, therefore okay
bvd 1200 mm x 379 mm
22
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

( 30 N/mm ) (379400mm)
0.75 2 ⅓ ⅓ ¼
vc = (0.354) = 0.408 N/mm 2 = 0.408 MPa
1.4 25
v > vc therefore additional shear reinforcement must be designed.
To determine the required ratio of shear reinforcement to the reinforcing bar spacing, apply the following equation:
Asv b(v – vc)

≥
sv 0.87fyv
Asv 1200 mm (0.622 N/mm2 – 0.408 N/mm2)

≥ = 1.181 (This ratio will be used in Step 22 to determine the spacing of the stirrups).
sv 0.87 x 250 N/mm2
Step 22: Determine the spacing of stirrups.

sv is the spacing of the stirrups along a beam.
The spacing should not exceed 0.75 times the effective depth of the reinforcement.
The initial assumption is made that the spacing of the stirrups is just below 0.75 times the effective depth of the reinforcing steel.
If the assumed spacing of the stirrups is found to be insufficient, the spacing must be reduced accordingly.
If the following equation is true, then the spacing is okay, if not, reduce the spacing:
Asv b(v – vc)

≥
sv 0.87fyv
Where:
Asv = the cross-sectional area of the two legs of a stirrup
fyv = the characteristic shear strength of the link reinforcement (R8 = 250 MPa)
Example:
Sv.max = 0.75d = 0.75 x 379 mm = 284 mm
sv = 250 mm (Assumed stirrup spacing)
sv < sv.max therefore okay
Number of R8 stirrups = 4 No. (From Step 20)
Therefore the number of legs = 4 No. x 2 legs per stirrup = 8 No. legs
R8 cross-sectional area = 50 mm2 (Refer to Table 7)
Asv.prov = 8 No. x 50 mm2 = 400 mm2
Asv
= 1.181 (From Step 21)
sv
Asv.req = 1.181 x 250 mm spacing = 295.3 mm2

Asv.prov > Asv.req therefore okay.
The designer can increase the spacing for a more economical design provided the maximum spacing does not exceed 0.75d.
Provide 4 R8 stirrups @ 250 mm spacing along the full length of the support beam as per Figure 11.
Also provide a clip at the top for each set of stirrups. The clips assist the contractor with the fixing of the reinforcing steel.
23
COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 23: Determine the maximum support bending moment for the beam.
Scenario 1:
External support on continuous beam (For example, the column at grid lines 2/A shown in Figure 3)
Mu.sup = 0
Scenario 2:
1st Internal support on continuous beam (For example, the column at grid lines 2/B shown in Figure 3)
wl2
Mu.sup = –
9
Scenario 3:
2nd Internal support on continuous beam (For example, the column at grid lines 2/C shown in Figure 3)
wl2
Mu.mid = –
12
Scenario 4:
Simply supported beam (For example, Beam 6 shown in Figure 3)
Mu.mid = 0
Example:
Assume that Beam 7 is continuous both ends, thus scenario 2 or 3 will be applicable depending on the support being designed
Assume the 1st internal support is being designed, then Scenario 2 is applicable
Span Length ‘L’ = 6.0 m Assumed (From Step 6)
Calculate the maximum support bending moment for Beam 7:
47.166 kN/m x (6.0 m)2

Mu.sup = – = – 188.664 kN.m.
9
24
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 24: Determine the area of tension reinforcing steel required for the beam at the support.
Check if only tension reinforcing steel is required for the support beam or if compression reinforcement is also required.
Mu.sup
K= (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.4.1)
bd2fcu
If K > 0.156, then compression reinforcement is required in addition to the tension reinforcement.
If this is the case, the designer should increase the width of the beam as it is not ideal to design for compression reinforcement.
This Design Guide will not discuss the design for compression reinforcement at mid-span.
Example:
Mu.sup = – 188.664 kN.m (From Step 23)
188.664 kN.m 188.664 kN.m

K= = = 0.036
1200 mm x (379 mm)2 x 30 MPa 1.2 m x (0.379 m)2 x 30 x 103 kN/m2
Thus K < 0.156, therefore only tension reinforcement is required
The required area of tension reinforcement is determined using the following equation:
Mu.sup
As.req =
0.87fyz
The minimum percentage of reinforcing steel for a rectangular beam is given in Table 6 (Refer to Step 18).
Example:
188.664 kN.m 188.664 x 103 kN.mm

As.req = = = 1339 mm2
0.87 x 450 MPa x 360 mm 0.87 x 450 x 10-3 kN/mm2 x 360 mm
As.min = 0.13 x Ac ÷ 100 = 0.13 x 510.0 x 103 ÷ 100 = 663 mm2
As.max = 4% x (b x tbeam) = 0.04 x (1200 mm x 425 mm) = 20.4 x 103 mm2
As.max > As.req > As.min therefore As.req = 1339 mm2.
25
COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 25: Select the spacing and type of tensile reinforcement to be used for support bending.
The diameter and spacing of the reinforcing bars must now be determined.
The designer can assume the spacing and number of reinforcing bars to be the same as the spacing for the reinforcement at mid-span as
determined in Step 19 to simplify the fixing of the reinforcing bars.
The required cross-sectional area of each reinforcing bar (As.req) can be determined by dividing the total required area of reinforcement by the
number of reinforcing bars provided.
To meet the minimum cross-sectional area requirements, this cross-sectional area must be compared to the values given in Table 7 to determine the
diameter of the reinforcing bar required.
y 1 + y2 As.req 1
Where:
Example:
Spacing of reinforcing bars = 160 mm (From Step 19)
Number of reinforcing bars = 8 No. Y16 (From Step 19)
Required cross-sectional area per reinforcing bar = As.req ÷ number of reinforcing bars = 1339 mm2 ÷ 8 = 167 mm2 per reinforcing bar
From Table 7, a Y16 reinforcing bar has a larger cross-sectional area (201 mm2 ) than the required reinforcing bar area of 167 mm2
For a more economical design, instead of using 8 No. Y16, use 6 No. Y16 and 2 No. Y12 reinforcing bars.
The total area As.prov = 6 No. x 201 mm2 + 2 No. x 113 mm2 = 1432 mm2, which is greater than 1339 mm2, therefore reinforcing steel is okay
1.1 + 1.0 1339 mm2 1

1.2 + 1.6 1432 mm2 1.0
Check that the maximum reinforcing bar spacing is the smaller of 300 mm or 47000 ÷ fs
47000 ÷ fs = 47000 ÷ 275 N/mm2 = 171 mm
Therefore, to cater for the moment, use 6 No. Y16 and 2 No. Y12 reinforcing bars at a spacing of 160 mm for Beam 7.
To determine the most economical reinforcing steeI, it all depends on the maximum spacing allowed for specific diameters of reinforcing bars.
26
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 26: Check the deflections based on the basic allowable span.
To prevent damage to finishes and partitions for beams with spans up to 10 m, the deflection must be limited to the span divided by 250.
The basic span/effective depth ratios are given in Table 4.
Serviceability Limit State Load = 1.1DL + 1.0LL (Refer to SANS 10160-1, clause 8.3.1.1).
The basic span/effective depth ratio value obtained from Table 4 must be modified with a modification factor that takes into account the amount of
tension reinforcement and the associated stresses when the allowable span/effective depth ratio is calculated.
The modification factor is derived from the following equation:
477 – fs
Modification factor = 0.55 + ≤ 2.0 (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.6.3.1)
( )
Mu
120 0.9 +
bd2
The allowable span/effective depth ratio will then be the basic span/effective depth ratio multiplied by the calculated modification factor.
The actual span/effective depth ratio can now be calculated using the beam layout shown in Figure 8.
If the actual span/effective depth ratio is bigger than the allowable span/effective depth ratio, the beam fails due to deflection.
Example:
The end span condition for Beam 7 = continuous both ends (Refer to Figure 8)
A B C
Concrete support
lx = 2700 1200 lx = 3600
beams
1500
2 Beam E Beam F
45 degree
lines forming
a trapezoidal
shape in plan
ly = 4500
Beam 6
L = 6000
Beam 7
Beam 8
1500
3 Beam J Beam K
Coffers Columns

Determine the serviceability load:
Where:
DLbeam = 11.875 kN/m2 x 1.2 m wide = 14.250 kN/m (From Step 10)
LLbeam = 1.5 kN/m2 x 1.2 m wide = 1.800 kN/m (From Step 12)
Beam load = (1.1 x 14.250 kN/m) + (1.0 x 1.800 kN/m) = 17.475 kN/m
DLslab = 6.700 kN/m2 (From Step 12)
LLslab = 1.5 kN/m2 (From Step 12)
( ( 4.5 m )) = 10.538 kN/m

nlx 2
lx 2 ((1.1 x 6.700 kN/m2)) + (1.0 x 1.5 kN/m2)) x 2.7 m 2.7 m
Slab Load (Trapezoidal shape in plan) = (3 – ( ))= 3–
6 ly 6
( ( 4.5 m )) = 12.560 kN/m

nlx 2
lx 2 ((1.1 x 6.700 kN/m2)) + (1.0 x 1.5 kN/m2)) x 3.6 m 3.6 m
Slab Load (Trapezoidal shape in plan) = (3 – ( ))= 3–
6 ly 6
Total serviceability load w = 17.475 kN/m + 10.538 kN/m + 12.560 kN/m = 40.573 kN/m
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COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Calculate the service stress:
Where:
Total ultimate load wtotal = 34.763 kN/m (From Step 15)
40.573 kN/m 1004 mm2 1

= 0.87 (450 N/mm 2) x 40.573 x 10 N/mm x 1004 mm x 1
6 2
Service stress = 0.87 (450 MPa) x x x = 210 N/mm2
47.166 kN/m 1608 mm2 1 47.166 x 106 N/mm 1608 mm2 1
Calculate the modification factor:
Where:
Mu = 141.498 kN.m = 141.498 x106 N.mm (From Step 16)
477 – fs 477 N/mm2 – 210 N/mm2

Modification factor = 0.55 + = 0.55 + = 1.843
(
120 0.9 +
Mu
bd2 ) (
120 0.9 N/mm2 +
141.498 x 106 N.mm
1200 mm x (379 mm)2)
The modification factor of 1.843 is smaller than 2.0, therefore take the modification factor as 1.843
Allowable span/effective depth ratio = (Modification factor) x (Basic span/effective depth ratio)
Where:
Basic span/effective depth ratio = 28 (From Table 4)
(Modification factor) x (Basic span/effective depth ratio) = 1.843 x 28 = 51.6
Span Length ‘L’ = 6000 mm (From Step 6)
Actual span ÷ effective depth = 6000 mm ÷ 379 mm = 15.8 < 51.6 therefore the beam is okay.
28
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 27: Calculate the actual long-term deflections of the support beams.
The designer needs to determine the Moment of Inertia for the cross-sectional area of the concrete beam.
This is done by taking the width and the thickness of the beam into consideration using the following formula:
bh3
Ix =
12
The short-term modulus of elasticity for the specified strength of the concrete can be determined from Table 8.
For long term deflections, a conservative assumption is that the modulus of elasticity is only half the value given in Table 8.
Table 8 - Modulus Of Elasticity Of Concrete
Cube Strength Of Concrete At

Modulus Of Elasticity Of
The Appropriate Age Or Under
Concrete Ec
Construction
(GPa)
(MPa)
20 25
25 26
30 28
40 31
50 34
60 36
Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, Table 1
Long term deflections can then be determined using one of the following equations:
5wl4
Truly simply supported beam δ = (For example, Beam 6 shown in Figure 3)
384EcIx
wl4
Beam with one end continuous δ = 0.0099 (For example, Beam 16 shown in Figure 3)
EcIx
wl4
Beam with both ends continuous δ = 0.0068 (For example, Beam 7 shown in Figure 3)
EcIx
The recommended limit to prevent damage to finishes and partitions is the span divided by 250 (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.6.2.1).
If the calculated actual long-term deflection is less that the recommended limit, then the beam is okay.
Example:
h = tbeam = 425 mm (From Step 9)
Span Length ‘L’ = 6000 mm (From Step 6)
bh3 1200 mm x (425 mm)3

Ix = = = 7.677 x 109 mm4
12 12
Ec = 28 GPa (From Table 8), therefore Ec = 28 GPa ÷ 2 = 14 GPa
End span condition = Continuous both ends
Actual long-term deflection:
wl4 0.0068 x (40.573 kN/m) x (6000 mm)4 0.0068 x (40.573 x 103 kN/mm) x (6000 mm)4
δ = 0.0068 = = = = 3.3 mm
EcIx (14 x 103 GPa) x (7.677 x 109 mm4) (14 x 10-6 kN/mm2) x (7.677 x 109 mm4)
Span 6000 mm
Recommended limit = = = 24.0 mm
250 250
3.3 mm < 24.0 mm therefore the deflection of the slab is okay.
If the long-term deflection exceeds the recommended limit, the excessive deflection may be offset by specifying a pre-camber for the beam.
29
COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 28: Steel detailing of mid-span tension reinforcing steel for the support beams.
The following rules must be taken into consideration when detailing mid-span tension reinforcing steel:
Rule 1. Span:
1.1 The assumption is made that the Span Length ‘L’ equals the lesser of the clear span plus the effective depth and the distance from centre
line to centre line of the supports.
Rule 2. Simply supported beams: (For example, Beam 6 shown in Figure 3

2.1 At least 50% of the tension reinforcing steel at mid-span shall extend to the supports and have an effective anchorage of 12 bar diameters
beyond the centre line of the support.
2.2 No hook or bend shall begin before the centre line.
2.3 At least 25% of the reinforcing steel shall extend to within 0.08L of the support centre line and the rest shall extend to within 0.15L of the
support centre line.
Rule 3. Cantilever beams: (For example, Beam Q shown in Figure 3)

3.1 At least 50% of the tension reinforcing steel shall extend to the end of the cantilever (and be turned down for bond if necessary) and the
remaining reinforcing steel shall extend to a distance (from the face of the support) of the greater of 0.5L and 45 bar diameters.
Rule 4. Continuous beams: (For example, Beam 7 shown in Figure 3)

4.1 At least 30% of the bottom reinforcing steel in tension at mid-span shall extend to the supports.
4.2 Half the remainder shall extend to within 0.2L of the centre line of internal supports.
4.3 The remaining 35% shall extend to within 0.1L of the centre line of supports.
4.4 At a non-continuous end, 50% of the tension reinforcing steel shall extend to the supports and terminate in an effective anchorage as in
Rule 2 above and the remainder must extend to within 0.05L of the centre line of the support.
(Refer to SABS 0144 Ed.3, clauses 7.10.4 and 7.10.5).
It is recommended that the above rules are used as a guideline only.

The reinforcing configuration, type, size, and amount or reinforcing steel detailed, will vary between designers and detailers.
It is recommended that reinforcing steel is detailed using the minimum amount of bars and lengths of bars.
Using many different bar lengths and configurations will increase the risk of fixing errors and fixing time on site.
Example: C
B
Coffers
Apply Rule 4 to Beam 7 (Continuous beam):
Number of reinforcing bars = 8 No. (From Step 19)
Assumed support width = 400 mm (Refer to Figure 9)

400
d = 379 mm (From Step 17).

2 Beam F
Rule 4.1:
30% of the 8 No. Y16 reinforcing bars = 2.4 bars
To balance the configuration of the reinforcing bars across the width of

the beam, increase the number of reinforcing bars from 2.4 to 4 bars
L = 6000
Beam 8
Beam 7
5600
These 4 reinforcing bars must extend to the face of the supports.
Rule 4.2:
The remainder of the reinforcing bars = (8 bars – 4 bars) = 4 No. bars
Half the remainder of the reinforcing bars = 2 bars

3 Beam K
Therefore, 2 No. reinforcing bars, shall extend to within 0.2L of the
centre line of internal supports, where:
400
Centre line to centre line of supports = 6000 mm (Refer to Figure 9)

1200
However, Span Length ‘L’ = the lesser of:
(6000 mm + 379 mm) = 6379 mm and (6000 mm + 500 mm + 500 mm) = 7000 mm Figure 9 – Typical Plan View Of Coffer And Beam Layout
(Extract From Figure 3)
These reinforcing bars must extend to within (0.2 x 6379 mm) = 1276 mm from the centre line of the supports.
Rule 4.3:
The remaining 2 No. reinforcing bars shall extend to within 0.1L of the centre line of supports
Centre line to centre line of supports = 6000 mm (Refer to Figure 9)
However, Span Length ‘L’ = the lesser of:
(6000 mm + 379 mm) = 6379 mm and (6000 mm + 500 mm + 500 mm) = 7000 mm
Note:
Although Rules 4.2 and 4.3 are generally applicable, due to the stirrup configuration, all 8 No. reinforcing bars should at least extend all the way up to
the inside face of the supports so that the bottom corners of the stirrups can be secured in position.
It is further recommended that at least 50% of the reinforcing bars extend at least 12 bar diameters beyond the centre line of the supports as shown
in Figures 10, 11 and 12.
30
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Figure 10 shows the bottom tension reinforcement for Beam 7.
4 No. of the Reinforcing

bars extend 12 x the bar Continuous beam
diameter past the centre 4+4Y16-160 B between column supports
line of support
B
Beam 7
B
400 x 400
Columns
Inside face of Inside face of
support support
400 5600 400
CL Support CL Support
Section A - A
2+2Y16-160 B 4Y16-160 B Coffers

(As per ‘Note’ in Step 28) (As per ‘Note’ in Step 28)
A A
Beam 7
12 x bar diameter 6000 12 x bar diameter

= 192 mm = 192 mm
Plan View
1200
Concrete Beam 7
415
8Y16-160 B
(As per rules in Step 28)
Section B - B
Figure 10 – Bottom Tension Reinforcement For Beam 7
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COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 29: Steel detailing of the stirrups for the support beams.
The designer may increase the spacing to achieve a more economical design, provided the spacing is below the maximum spacing of 0.75d.
Provide R8 stirrups type A, B, C and D at a 250 mm spacing (From Step 22), along the full length of Beam 7, as shown in Figure 11.
Also provided an additional R8 reinforcing bar (Clip) at the top of each set of stirrups. These bars facilitate the easy fixing of the reinforcement steel.
In addition to the bottom tension reinforcement, Figure 11 shows the reinforcing stirrups for Beam 7.
21R8-250 Stirrups type A, B, C and D Continuous beam

21R8-250 T (Clips) between column supports
B
Beam 7
B
4+4Y16-160 B 400 x 400
(As per ‘Note’ in Step 28) Columns
Inside face of
support
400 5600 400
Section A - A
2+2Y16-160 B 21R8-250 Stirrups Type A, B, C and D 4Y16-160 B

(As per ‘Note’ in Step 28) (As per ‘Note’ in Step 28)
21R8-250 T (Clips)
Beam 7
A A
12 x bar diameter 6000 12 x bar diameter

= 192 mm = 192 mm
Plan View
R8-160 T (Clips)
R8-250 Stirrups Type B R8-250 Stirrups Type A

A B B C C D D A
R8-250 Stirrups Type C R8-250 Stirrups Type D
8Y16-160 B
Section B - B
Figure 11 – Bottom Reinforcement And Stirrups For Beam 7
32
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coffers and troughs

Step 30: Steel detailing of support beam tension reinforcing steel and nominal top reinforcing steel at mid-span.
The following rules must be taken into consideration when detailing mid-span tension reinforcing steel for the support beams of a Coffer slab:
Rule 1. Span:
1.1 The assumption is made that the Span Length ‘L’ equals the lesser of the clear span plus the effective depth, and the distance from
centre line to centre line of the supports.
Rule 2. Simply supported beams: (For example, Beam 6 shown in Figure 3

2.1 No tension reinforcement is required in the top of the beam at the support.
Rule 3. Cantilever beams: (For example, Beam Q shown in Figure 3)

3.1 At least 50% of the tension reinforcing steel shall extend to the end of the cantilever (and be turned down for bond if necessary) and
the remaining reinforcing steel shall extend to a distance (from the face of the support) of the greater of 0.5L and 45 bar diameters.
Rule 4. Continuous beams: (For example, Beam 7 shown in Figure 3)

4.1 At least 20% of the top reinforcement in tension over the supports of a continuous beam should be made effectively continuous
through the spans.
4.2 Of the remainder, half should extend to a point at least 0.25L from the face of the support, and the other half to a point at least 0.15L
from the face of the support, but no bar should stop at a point less than 45 bar diameters from the face of the support.

Example:
Apply Rule 4 to Beam 7 (Continuous beam):
Tension reinforcement = 6Y16 and 2Y12 reinforcing bars, each at a spacing of 160 mm (From Step 19)
Clear span = 5600 mm (From Figure 9)
Supports = 400 mm (Assumed)
Span length ‘L’ = lesser of (5600 mm + 379 mm) = 5979 mm and (5600 mm + 200 mm + 200 mm) = 6000 mm.
Rule 4.1:
20% of the 1432 mm2 reinforcing bars = 286 mm2.
2 No. Y16 reinforcing bars = 402 mm2.
These 2 No. Y16 top reinforcing bars must be continuous through the spans.
Rule 4.2:
The remainder of the reinforcing bars = (8 bars – 2 bars) = 6 No. bars.
These 6 No. bars make up the 80% balance of the top reinforcing bars.
In this example, Y16 and Y12 reinforcing bars are being used for the top reinforcing steel.
To prevent an unbalanced configuration of the top reinforcing bars over the support, allow the remaining 6 No. reinforcing bars to extend
past the face of the support by the larger of 0.25L or 45d from the face of the support.
(0.25 x 5979 mm) = 1495 mm and (45 x 16 mm) = 720 mm.
Therefore, extend the remaining 6 No. top reinforcing bars 1495 mm (1500 mm rounded up) past the face of the support.
Note:
To assist with the fixing of the reinforcing bars, it may be prudent to have the same number of top and bottom reinforcing bars.
The 6 No. remaining top reinforcing bars may be made continuous, through the length of the support beam, using a reduced reinforcing bar
diameter.
The designer can use any reduced reinforcing bar diameter because the minimum required area of steel is already in place.
In this case, it would be the most economical to use 2 No. Y16 and 6 No. Y12 top reinforcing bars over the mid-span of Beam 7.
33
COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
In addition to the bottom tension reinforcement and stirrups, Figure 12 shows the top reinforcing bars for Beam 7.
1Y12 T (EF) 0.25L = 1500 3Y12 T (EF) 0.25L = 1500 1Y12 T (EF)
6Y16-160 T 2Y16-160 T 6Y16-160 T
Beam 7
B
21R8-250 Stirrups Type A, B, C and D
21R8-250 T (Clips)
400 x 400
8Y16-160 B Columns
(As per ‘Note’ in Step 28) Inside face of
support
400 5600 400
CL Support Section A - A CL Support
2+2Y16-160 B 21R8-250 Stirrups Type A, B, C and D

1Y12 T (EF) (As per ‘Note’ in Step 28) 21R8-250 T (Clips)
6Y16-160 T 4Y16-160 B
(As per ‘Note’ in Step 28)
A A
Beam 7
2Y16-160 T 3+3Y12 T (EF) 1Y12 T (EF)

6Y16-160 T
6000
Plan View
R8-160 T (Clips)
Y12 T 6Y16-160 T Y12 T

A B B C C D D A
8Y16-160 B
(As per rules in Steps 28 and 30)
Section B - B
Figure 12 – Top And Bottom Reinforcement And Stirrups For Beam 7

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Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

PART 3 – Coffer slab design – ribs and structural topping (Steps 31 to 50)
Step 31: Identify and name the Coffer portions between the support beams.
All the support beams should be designed as per Steps 1 to 30, before starting the design of the Coffer portions of the slab.
Identify all the Coffer portions between the support beams, for example C1, C2, C3, etc. as shown in Figure 13.
The identification of each Coffer portion will be used as a cross reference during the design phase and later when scheduling the reinforcing
steel.
Internal main
Coffer portions between
support beams
support beams
Rib ‘Y’
C4 C5 C6
Beam 22 (900 wide) C
Beam W (1400 wide)

Beam Y (1400 wide)
Rib ‘X’ Rib ‘X’ Rib ‘X’
ley = 6940
Ly = 6300
C1 C2 C3
Rib ‘Y’
Beam 23 (380 wide) E
External main Lx = 3600 Columns

support beams
lex = 5000
7 6
Figure 13 – Typical Beam And Coffer Layout Showing

Various Coffer Portions Between Support Beams
(Extract From Figure 3)
Step 32: Select a Coffer portion and identify specific details from the drawing.
Select a Coffer portion, for example portion C2 in Figure 13 and establish the relative Coffer configuration, width of the support beams
and support end conditions.
Example:
Ribs ‘X’: (Ribs in the short direction)
Length of Ribs ‘Lx’ = 3600 mm
For this example, Beam Y = 1400 mm wide and supports the ends of each Rib ‘X’ on either side of the beam, therefore these Ribs are
continuous over this support beam
For this example, Beam W = 1400 mm wide and supports the ends of each Rib ‘X’ on either side of the beam, therefore these Ribs are
The effective length lex = 3600 mm + ((1400 mm + 1400 mm) ÷ 2) = 5000 mm
Ribs ‘Y’: (Ribs in the long direction)
Length of Ribs ‘Ly’ = 6300 mm
For this example, Beam 22 = 900 mm wide and supports the ends of each Rib ‘Y’ on either side of the beam, therefore these Ribs are
For this example, Beam 23 = 380 mm wide and supports the ends of each Rib ‘Y’ on one side of the beam, therefore these Ribs are
discontinuous over this support beam
The effective length ley = 6300 mm + ((900 mm + 380 mm) ÷ 2) = 6940 mm
The above example shows that Rib ‘X’ is continuous in both directions whereas Rib ‘Y’ is continuous in one direction only.
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coffers and troughs
Step 33: Determine the minimum structural topping thickness due to deflection, for the selected Coffer height.
The total slab thickness will remain the same as previously determined in Step 8.
Refer to Table 9 to determine the minimum structural topping thickness required for each Coffer size when considering deflection.
Table 9 - Minimum Structural Topping Thickness For Coffers Due To Deflection
Clear Minimum
Clear Distance Rib Width At Average Rib Rib Width At
Distance Structural
Coffer Size Between Ribs Top Width Bottom
Topping
(mm) At Top 'brib.top' 'brib.ave' 'brib.bot'
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
(mm) (mm)
525 562 772 338 233 128 56
425 602 772 298 213 128 60
325 642 772 258 193 128 64
225 682 772 218 173 128 68
Figure 14 gives the concrete dimensions for the different Coffer sizes.
Non-structural
brib.top 900 – (brib.top ÷ 2) brib.top Screed
Minimum structural
topping thickness
brib.ave brib.ave
Coffer size
5
Coffer rib Coffer rib 1
brib.bot 900 – (brib.bot ÷ 2) brib.bot
900
CL Rib CL Rib
Figure 14 – Typical Coffer Section
Example:
Coffer height + structural topping = 325 mm Coffer + 100 mm structural topping = 425 mm (From Step 9).
Determine the minimum structural topping thickness:
The minimum structural topping thickness for a 325 Coffer = 64 mm (From Table 9).
Step 34: Determine the self-weight of the Coffer slab and imposed loads on the Coffer slab.
The self-weight and imposed loads acting on the Coffer slab will be the same as determined in Steps 11 and 12.
Example:
wslab = (1.2 x 5.425 kN/m2) + (1.6 x 1.5 kN/m2) = 8.910 kN/m2 (From Step 12).
36
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 35: Determine the span end conditions and maximum moments of the Coffer slab.
Every slab will have ribs in both directions as shown in Figure 13 and Step 32.
Rib ‘X’ is the rib spanning in the short direction and Rib ‘Y’ is the rib spanning in the long direction.
The end conditions and supporting conditions have a major impact on the moment calculation for every rib.
There are 3 scenarios to be considered before calculating the maximum moment for each rib.
Scenario 1:
Where the corners are prevented from lifting and provision for torsion is made, the maximum moment for each span can be calculated using the
following equations:
Msx = βsxnlx2
Msy = βsynlx2
Where n = 1.2DL + 1.6LL calculated in Step 34 and the factors βsx and βsy are determined using interpolation of factors from Table 10.
The designer must identify which case is applicable due to the slab conditions as described in the ‘Type Of Coffer Portions And Moment Considered’
column in Table 10.
(Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.4.4.2).
Note:
The length of the shorter span must be used in both equations.
Table 10 - Bending Moment Coefficients For Rectangular Coffer Portions Supported On Four Sides With Provision For
Torsional Reinforcement At The Corners
Short-span Coefficients βsx Long-span

Coefficients
Case Type Of Coffer Portion And Moments Considered Values Of ly / lx βsy For All
Values Of
1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.75 2.0 ly / lx
Interior Coffer portion
1 Negative moment at continuous edge 0.031 0.037 0.042 0.046 0.050 0.053 0.059 0.063 0.032
Positive moment at mid-span 0.024 0.028 0.032 0.036 0.039 0.041 0.045 0.049 0.024
One short edge discontinuous
One long edge discontinuous
Two adjacent edges discontinuous
Two short edges discontinuous
5 Negative moment at continuous edge 0.046 0.050 0.054 0.057 0.06 0.062 0.067 0.070 -
Two long edges discontinuous
6 Negative moment at continuous edge - - - - - - - - 0.045
Three edges discontinuous (one long edge
continuous)
7 Negative moment at continuous edge 0.057 0.065 0.071 0.076 0.080 0.084 0.092 0.098 -
Three edges discontinuous (one short edge
continuous)
8 Negative moment at continuous edge - - - - - - - - 0.058
Four edge discontinuous

9

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coffers and troughs
Torsional reinforcement at any corner, where the slab is simply supported on both edges meeting at that corner, should comprise of 4 layers with an
area of reinforcement in each of these layers equal to three quarters of the area required for the maximum mid-span moment in the slab.
Torsional reinforcement at any corner contained by edges, over only one of which is where the slab is continuous, the reinforcement should be half of
the reinforcement described in the paragraph above.
Scenario 2:
Where the rectangular slab is simply supported on four sides and does not have adequate provision to resist torsion at the corners.
The maximum moment to prevent the corners from lifting can be determined using the following equations:
Msx = αsxnlex2
Table 11 - Bending Moment Coefficients
Msy = αsynlex2 For Slabs Spanning In Two Directions At
Right Angles And Simply Supported On
Where: Four Sides
n = 1.2DL + 1.6LL calculated in Step 34 and the factors αsx and αsy are determined using ly / l x αsx αsy
interpolation of factors from Table 11.
1.0 0.045 0.045
(Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.4.4.1).
1.1 0.061 0.038
Scenario 3:
A one way spanning slab is when ly ≥ 3lx and the following is used to determine the maximum 1.2 0.071 0.031
moments in the short span direction for the ribs. 1.3 0.08 0.027
There are 3 sub-scenarios to consider: 1.4 0.087 0.023
Scenario 3.1: Simply supported rib 1.5 0.092 0.020

wlx2 1.6 0.097 0.017
Mu =
8
1.7 0.100 0.015
Scenario 3.2: Rib continuous one end
Wlx2 1.8 0.102 0.016
Mu =
10
1.9 0.103 0.016
Scenario 3.3: Rib continuous both ends
2.0 0.104 0.016
wlx2
Mu =
12 2.5 0.108 0.016
3.0 0.111 0.017

Example:
In this example, load bearing walls are constructed on top of the slab around the perimeter of the slab.
Therefore the slab corners are prevented from lifting and provision for torsion has to be made.
The following maximum moment calculations are applicable:
Msx = βsxnlx2
Msy = βsynlx2
The slab layout in Figure 13, Step 31, has one short edge that is discontinuous and is therefore select Case 2 from Table 10.
Refer to the extract from Table 10 below, showing Case 2.
Extract From Table 10 - Bending Moment Coefficients For Rectangular Coffer Portions Supported On Four Sides With Provision For
Torsional Reinforcement At The Corners
Short-span Coefficients βsx Long-span

Coefficients
Case Type Of Coffer Portion And Moments Considered Values Of ly / lx βsy For All
Values Of
1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.75 2.0 ly / lx
One short edge discontinuous
38
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

lex = 5000 mm (From Step 32)
ley = 6940 mm (From Step 32)
ley / lex = 1.39
βsx and βsy is determined from Table 10
If the value is not exactly the same as the given value of ly / lx in Table 10, the designer must interpolate to determine the actual values of βsx and βsy
βsx = 0.055 (Negative moment at continuous edge)
βsx = 0.041 (Positive moment at mid-span)
βsy = 0.037 (Negative moment at continuous edge)
βsy = 0.028 (Positive moment at mid-span)
n = w = 10.440 kN/m2 (From the example in Step 12)
Msx.support = βsxnlx2 = 0.055 x 10.440 kN/m2 x 5.0002 = – 14.355 kN.m
Msx.mid-span = βsxnlx2 = 0.041 x 10.440 kN/m2 x 5.0002 = 10.701 kN.m
Msy.support = βsynlx2 = 0.037 x 10.440 kN/m2 x 5.0002 = – 9.657 kN.m
Msy.mid-span = βsynlx2 = 0.028 x 10.440 kN/m2 x 5.0002 = 7.308 kN.m.
Step 36: Determine the moment of resistance of each Coffer rib.

The effective depth of the reinforcing steel is required to determine the moment of resistance.
The effective depth ‘d’ is the depth from external face of the compression zone of the beam to the centre of the tension reinforcement as stated in
SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.3.
Assume the concrete cover to reinforcing steel = 30 mm (From Step 7).
The relevant cover to reinforcing steel must be chosen depending on the requirement of structure.
Assume the width of the rib to be the width at the bottom of the rib and not the width of the rib at the top where the rib and the structural topping
meet.
The width brib.bot of the rib used in the moment of resistance calculation will then always be taken as 128 mm (Refer to Figure 14).
Assume the redistribution of moments do not exceed 10%, therefore K = 0.156 (Refer SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.4.1).
Assume concrete strength = 30 MPa (From Step 17).
If the moment of resistance is substantially bigger that the actual maximum bending moments over the complete design, an option would be to
increase the concrete strength.
The moment of resistance is determined using the following equation:
Mr = Kbd2fcu (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.4.1)
Example:
brib.bot = 128 mm (From above)
fcu = 30 MPa (From above)
K = 0.156 (Moment distribution smaller than 10%)
Cover = 30 mm (From above)
Tension reinforcing steel = Y16 (Assumed)
Stirrup = R8 (Assumed)
d = tbeam – cover – half bar diameter – diameterstirrup = 415 mm – 30 mm – (16 mm ÷ 2) – 8 mm = 379 mm
Mr = Kbd2fcu = 0.156 x 128 mm x (379 mm)2 x 30 MPa = 0.156 x 0.128 m x (0.379 m)2 x 0.03 x 106 kN/m2 = 86.047 kN.m.
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coffers and troughs
Step 37: Determine the area of tension reinforcing steel required for each rib at mid-span.
Check if only tension reinforcement is required, or if tension and compression reinforcement is required, for the rib.
Mu.mid
bd2fcu
This Concrete Design Guide does not deal with the design for compression reinforcing steel.
Example:
This example will only consider the largest mid-span moment, which will always be in the direction of the short span
Msx.mid-span = 10.701 kN.m (From Step 35)
brib.bot = 128 mm (From Step 36)

Mu.mid 10.701 kN.m 10.701 kN.m
K= = = = 0.019
bd2fcu 128 mm x (379 mm)2 x 30 MPa 0.128 m x (0.379 m)2 x 30 kN/m2
K < 0.156, therefore only tension reinforcement is required
Mu.mid
As.req =
0.87fyz
The minimum percentage of reinforcing steel for a flanged beam with the web in tension is given in Table 12.
Table 12 - Minimum Percentage Of Reinforcement
Minimum Percentage
Tension Reinforcement Definition Of Percentage

Flanged Beam With Web In Tension
100 As / bwh 0.32 0.18
(bw / bf < 0.4)
Determine the required area of tension reinforcement:
brib.ave = (brib.top + brib.bot) ÷ 2 = (258 mm + 128 mm) ÷ 2 = 193 mm (From Table 9)

Msx.mid-span 10.701 kN.m 10.701 x 103 kN.mm
As.req = = = = 76 mm2 per rib
bwh = brib.ave x tbeam = 193 mm x 425 mm = 82.025 x103 mm2 per rib
As.min = 0.18 x bwh ÷ 100 = 0.18 x 82.025 x 103 ÷ 100 = 148 mm2 per rib
Ac = (brib.ave x hrib) + (btopping x ttopping) = (193 mm x 325 mm) + (900 mm x 100 mm) = 152.725 x 103 mm2 per rib
As.max = 4% x Ac = 0.04 x (82.025 x 103 mm2) = 3281 mm2 per rib

40 As.max > As.req < As.min therefore As.req = 148 mm2.
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 38: Select the spacing and type of reinforcing steel to be used for the ribs to cater for mid-span bending.
The required area of reinforcing steel for the ribs has been established.
In the Coffer beam calculation the designer assumed a reinforcing bar spacing of 170 mm.
However, the ribs are spaced at 900 mm (As shown in Figure 14), and assuming that only 1 No. reinforcing bar is used per rib, a reinforcing bar
spacing of 900 mm is accepted.
The total width of a rib at the bottom is 128 mm (From Table 9), which is less than 170 mm.
If it is not be possible to have only one reinforcing bar (due to the imposed moments), the designer can use more reinforcing bars, but the spacing
within the rib must be checked to ensure that there is adequate space for concrete to flow around the reinforcing bars.
The required cross-sectional area (As.req) per reinforcing bar can be determined by dividing the total area of reinforcing steel required per metre
width by the number of reinforcing bars provided at a spacing of 900 mm.
Table 7 must be used to determine the diameter of the reinforcing bars that are required to meet the minimum cross-sectional area requirements.
The designer must now check that the assumed calculated spacing is smaller than the maximum spacing allowed for the specific section if more
than one reinforcing bar is required.
The maximum spacing of reinforcing bars is the smaller of 300 mm or 47000 ÷ fs (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.11.8.2.1.4).
Note that this only applies to slabs and beams.
By default, the ribs are spaced at 900 mm center to center, which is allowed for in the reinforcement calculation.
y 1 + y2 As.req 1
The service stress fs = 0.87fy x x x (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.6.3.1)
Where:
(Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.6.3.1; SANS 10160-1, Table 3, and SANS 10160-1, clause 8.3.1.1).
Example:
Number of reinforcing bars = 1 No. per rib (Reinforcing bar spacing is not applicable because only 1 No. reinforcing bar is used)
brib.bot = 128 mm (From Table 9)
As.req = 148 mm2 per rib (From Step 37)
Area of 1 No. Y16 reinforcing bar = 201 mm2 (From Table 7)
As.prov = 201 mm2 which is greater than the required area of 148 mm2, therefore 1 No. Y16 reinforcing bar is sufficient to cater for the moment
1.1 + 1.0 148 mm2 1

1.2 + 1.6 201 mm2 1.0
47000 ÷ fs = 47000 ÷ 216 N/mm2 = 218 mm
By default, the spacing of 218 mm will not be applicable in the rib calculation due to the ribs being at a spacing of 900 mm centre to centre.
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coffers and troughs
Step 39: Selecting the number of stirrups for the ribs.
It is good practice to have longitudinal bars in the corners of each stirrup.
The number of stirrups is based on the number of longitudinal tension reinforcing bars present in the rib under consideration.
Each stirrup in the ribs has 2 vertical legs (As shown in Figure 15) which provides a central position at the bottom for 1 No. longitudinal tension
reinforcing bar.
The intervals or spacing at which the stirrups are positioned along the length of the rib, is based on the shear resistance required for the rib as
discussed in Step 40.
200
Assume all stirrups are R8 mild steel reinforcing bars.
90
R8 Stirrup
415
Longitudinal tension reinforcing bar
325
128
Figure 15 – Typical Cross-Section Showing Stirrup In Coffer Rib
Step 40: Check the shear resistance of the rib.

The design shear force due to the design maximum loads for the ultimate limit state must be determined.
Assuming the ribs are truly simply supported, the designer can conservatively determine the reaction forces at each side of the two-way
spanning Coffer slab.
The two formulas below can be used to determine the reaction forces for the ribs in the long and short direction:
nlx lx 2
Trapezoidal load w = ( (3 – ( ) )) x 0.9 m (Short direction)
6 ly
nlx
Triangular load w= ( ) x 0.9 m (Long direction)
3
Note that the results from above formulas are in kN per rib, where the ribs are at a 900 mm spacing
The formulas are multiplied by 0.9 m, to convert the results from kN per m to kN per rib.
Example:
Rib in direction x (short direction):
lex (Effective length of shorter side of the slab) = 5000 mm = 5.0 m (From Step 32)
ley (Effective length of longer side of the slab) = 6940 mm = 6.94 m (From Step 32)
n (load on slab) = wslab = 10.440 kN/m2 (From Step 12)
((3 –( 6.94 m)) x 0.9 m = 19.426 kN per rib

nlx lx 2 10.440 kN/m2 x 5.0 m 5.0 m 2
Trapezoidal load w = (3 – ( )) =
6 ly 6
Although this load varies, assume the load to be uniform over the length of the rib
The design shear stress ‘v’ at any x-section of the rib shall not exceed a value of the lesser of 0.75√(fcu) or 4.75 MPa
V
Design shear stress v = (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.4.1.1)
bd
(25) ( b d ) (400
d )
0.75 fcu ⅓ 100As ⅓ ¼
Maximum design shear stress of concrete vc = (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.4.1.2)
ym v
100As
shall not be taken as greater than 3. (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.4.1.2)
bvd
The design shear stress should be less than the maximum design shear stress, if not, additional shear reinforcing steel must be added.
42 The cross-section of a rib cannot be altered to allow for increased shear capacity as was the case in the design of the support beams.
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

To determine the required ratio of shear reinforcement to reinforcing bar spacing, apply the following equation:
Asv b(v – vc)

≥
sv 0.87fyv
Where:
Asv is the cross-sectional area of the two legs of the stirrup
fyv is the characteristic strength of the stirrup reinforcement (R8 = 250 MPa)
Example:
wslab = 10.440 kN/m2 (From Step 12)
As.prov = 1 No. Y16 reinforcing bar = 201 mm2 (From Step 38)
Partial safety factor for materials for shear strength without shear reinforcement and shear taken by concrete in combination with shear
reinforcement ym = 1.40 (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 3.3.3.2)
Design Shear Force V = wrib = 19.426 kN per rib (From above)

(The designer should prepare a proper beam analysis to determine the reaction forces on each support using specialist software packages)
V
bd
19.426 kN 19.426 x 103 N

v = = = 0.266 x 10 3 N/mm2 = 0.266 MPa
193 mm x 379 mm 193 mm x 379 mm
100As 100 x 201 mm2

bvd 193 mm x 379 mm
1.4 ( ) (379400mm)
0.75 30 N/mm 2 ⅓ ⅓ ¼
vc = (0.275) = 0.375 N/mm 2 = 0.375 MPa
25
v < vc therefore no additional shear reinforcement is required
Asv b(v – vc)

≥
sv 0.87fyv
Where:
Asv 193 mm (0.266 N/mm2 – 0.375 N/mm2)
≥ = – 0.097 (This ratio will be used in Step 41 to determine the spacing of the stirrups)
sv 0.87 x 250 N/mm2
The negative value is a further indication that no shear reinforcement is required and that the longitudinal tension reinforcement is sufficient to
cater for the shear.
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coffers and troughs
Step 41: Determine the spacing of the stirrups in the ribs.
sv is the spacing of the stirrups along a rib.
Asv b(v – vc)

≥
sv 0.87fyv
Where:
fyv = the characteristic strength of the stirrup reinforcement (R8 = 250 MPa)
Example:
Sv.max = 0.75d = (0.75 x 379 mm) = 284 mm
Assume stirrup spacing sv = 250 mm
Number of R8 stirrups = 1 No. (From Figure 15)
Thus number of legs = 1 No. stirrup x 2 legs per stirrup = 2 No. legs
Asv
= – 0.097 (From Step 40)
sv
Asv.req = – 0.097 x 250 mm = – 24.25 mm2. The area required cannot be less than 0, therefore accept R8 stirrups at a spacing of 250 mm
Step 42: Determine the area of nominal reinforcing steel at mid-span and at the supports for the Coffer slab.
A single layer of mesh reinforcement should be provided to control cracking in the structural topping.
The mesh should have a cross-sectional area of at least 0.12% of the cross-sectional area of the topping, in each direction, and the spacing of the
bars in the mesh should not exceed half the centre to centre distance between the ribs.
Example: Table 13 - Mesh Reinforcement
ttopping = 100 mm (From Step 9)

Cross
Wire / Bar Wire / Bar Sectional
btopping = 900 mm per rib Mesh
Diameter Spacing Area Per 900
Reference mm Width
(mm) (mm)
Ac = ttopping x btopping = 100 mm x 900 mm = 90.0 x 103 mm2
(mm2)
As.mesh = 0.12 % x 90.0 x 103 mm2 = 108 mm2 per 900 mm wide structural topping
over each rib Ref 888 12.0 200 x 200 452.8
Referring to Table 13, Mesh Ref 245 = 124.8 mm2 > 108 mm2 Ref 617 10.0 200 x 200 314.4
Use Mesh Ref 245 for the nominal reinforcement.

Ref 500 9.0 200 x 200 254.4
Ref 395 8.0 200 x 200 200.8
Ref 311 7.1 200 x 200 158.4
Ref 245 6.3 200 x 200 124.8
Ref 193 5.6 200 x 200 98.4
Ref 100 4.0 200 x 200 50.4
44
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 43: Determine the area of tensile reinforcing steel required for the rib at the support beam.
Check if only tension reinforcing steel is required, or if tension and compression reinforcing steel is required, for the rib.
Mu.sup
bd2fcu
Example:
Msx.support = – 14.355 kN.m (From Step 35)
14.355 kN.m 14.355 kN.m

K= = = 0.017
193 mm x (379 mm)2 x 30 MPa 0.193 m x (0.379 m)2 x 30 x103 kN/m2
Thus K < 0.156, therefore only tension reinforcing steel is required
The required area of tension reinforcing steel is determined using the following equation:
Mu.sup
As.req =
0.87fyz
The minimum percentage of reinforcing steel for a flanged beam is given in Table 14.
Table 14 - Minimum Percentage Of Reinforcement
Minimum Percentage
Tension Reinforcement Definition Of Percentage
Flanged Beam With Flange In

Tension Over Continuous Support 100 As / bwh 0.48 0.26
(bw / bf < 0.4)
btopping = 900 mm per rib (From Step 42)
14.355 kN.m 14.355 x 103 kN.mm

As.req = = = 102 mm2
0.87 x 450 MPa x 360 mm 0.87 x 450 x10-3 kN/mm2 x 360 mm
As.min = 0.26 x Ac ÷ 100 = 0.26 x 90.0 x 103 mm2 ÷ 100 = 234 mm2
As.max = 4% x Ac = (0.04 x 90.0 x 103 x 103 mm2 ) = 3600 mm2
As.max > As.req < As.min therefore As.req = 234 mm2 per rib (Or every 900 mm center to center of ribs).
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coffers and troughs
Step 44: Select the spacing and type of tensile reinforcing steel to be used at the rib support for bending.
The required area of tensile reinforcing steel required for the rib at the support beam has been established.
The designer can assume the spacing between top tensile reinforcing bars to be 900 mm centre to centre, because this is the spacing of the ribs.
Compare the cross-sectional area determined in Step 43 to the values given in Table 7, to determine the minimum diameter of the reinforcing
bars required.
Note:
If there is a marginal shortfall of top reinforcement, the mesh reinforcing steel in the structural topping should be taken into account, as
calculated in Step 42.
Example:
fy = 450 MPa = 450 N/mm2 for hot-rolled high-yield steel (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, Table 3)
As.req = 234 mm2 per 900 mm rib spacing (From Step 43) due to the minimum cross-sectional area of the concrete structural topping
As.req = 102 mm2 per 900 mm rib spacing (From Step 43) due to the actual support moment
As.mesh = 125 mm2 per 900 mm wide structural topping over each rib (From Step 42)
Therefore, the new area of steel required As.req.new = 234 mm2 – 125 mm2 = 109 mm2
From Table 7, 1 No. Y12 reinforcing bar with a cross-sectional area of 113 mm2 in the structural topping is sufficient
The total area As.prov = 125 mm2 + 113 mm2 = 238 mm2
As.prov > As.req therefore tension reinforcing steel okay
1.1 + 1.0 234 mm2 1

1.2 + 1.6 238 mm2 1.0
47000 ÷ fs = 47000 ÷ 289 N/mm2 = 163 mm
The mesh reinforcing bar spacing of 200 mm for is larger than the maximum spacing of 163 mm.
In this case, the 1 No. Y12 provided (113 mm2) is larger than the actual area of steel required due to the moment (102 mm2), therefore the
spacing can be ignored.
46
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 45: Check the deflections based on the basic allowable span of the ribs.
To prevent damage to finishes and partitions for beams with spans up to 10 m, the deflection must be limited to span divided by 250.

477 – fs
( )
Mu
120 0.9 +
bd2
The actual span/effective depth ratio can now be calculated from the rib layout shown in Figure 13.
If the actual span/effective depth ratio is bigger than the allowable span/effective depth ratio, the rib fails due to deflection.
Example:
End span condition = Continuous both ends (Designer to determine this from the layout drawing)
DLrib = 6.700 kN/m2 x 0.9 m per rib = 6.030 kN/m per rib
LLslab = 1.5 kN/m2 (From Step 12).
LLrib = 1.5 kN/m2 x 0.9 m per rib = 1.350 kN/m per rib
Rib Ultimate Load wrib = (1.2 x 6.030 kN/m) + (1.6 x 1.35 kN/m) = 9.396 kN/m per rib
Rib Serviceability load wrib = (1.1 x 6.030 kN/m) + (1.0 x 1.35 kN/m) = 7.983 kN/m per rib
Determine the service stress:
y1 + y 2 As.req 1
The service stress fs = 0.87(450 MPa) x x x (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.6.3.1)
y3 + y4 As.prov βb
7.983 kN/m 148 mm2 1 7.983 x 106 N/mm 148 mm2 1

Service stress fs = 0.87 (450 MPa) x x x = 0.87 (450 N/mm 2) x x x = 245 N/mm2
9.396 kN/m 201 mm2 1 9.396 x 106 N/mm 201 mm2 1
477 – fs 477 N/mm2 – 245 N/mm2

(
120 0.9 +
Mu
bd2 ) (
120 0.9 N/mm2 +
10.701 x 106 N.mm
193 mm x (379 mm)2 )
The modification factor of 2.053 is larger than 2.0, therefore take the modification factor as 2.0
Where:
(Modification factor) x (Basic span/effective depth ratio) = 2.0 x 28 = 56
lex = 5000 mm (From Step 31, Figure 13)
Actual span ÷ effective depth = 5000 mm ÷ 379 mm = 13.193
13.193 < 56 therefore the rib is okay.
47
COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 46: Calculate the actual long-term deflections of the ribs.
Determine the Moment of Inertia for the cross-sectional area of the rib.
This is done by taking the width and the thickness of the rib into consideration using the following formula:
bh3
Ix =
12
The short-term modulus of elasticity for the specified strength of the concrete can be determined using Table 8 (Refer to Step 27).
5wl4
Truly simply supported beam δ =
384EcIx
wl4
Beam with one end continuous δ = 0.0099
EcIx
wl4
Beam with both ends continuous δ = 0.0068
EcIx
Example:
Rib Serviceability Load wrib = 7.983 kN/m2 (from Step 45)
bh3 193 mm x (425 mm)3

Ix = = = 1.235 x 109 mm4
12 12
Ec = 28 GPa (From Table 8), therefore Ec = 28 GPa ÷ 2 = 14 Gpa
End span condition = Continuous both ends
5wl4 0.0068 x (7.983 kN/m) x (5000 mm)4 0.0068 x (7.983 x 103 kN/mm) x (5000 mm)4
δ = 0.0068 = = = 2.0 mm
384EcIx (14 x 103 GPa) x (1.235 x 109 mm4) (14 x 10-6 kN/mm2) x (1.235 x 109 mm4)
Span 5000 mm
250 250
2.0 mm < 20.0 mm therefore the deflection of the rib is okay.
48
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 47: Steel detailing of mid-span tension reinforcing steel for the ribs.
The following rules must be taken into consideration when detailing mid-span tension reinforcement:
Rule 1. Span:
1.1 The assumption is made that the Span Length ‘L’ equals the lesser of the clear span plus the effective depth and the distance from
centre line to centre line of the supports.
Rule 2. Simply supported beams:

2.1 At least 50% of the tension reinforcing steel at mid-span shall extend to the supports and have an effective anchorage of 12 bar
diameters beyond the centre line of the support.
2.3 At least 25% of the reinforcing steel shall extend to within 0.08L of the support centre line and the rest shall extend to within 0.15L
of the support centre line.
Rule 3. Cantilever beams:

3.1 At least 50% of the tension reinforcing steel shall extend to the end of the cantilever (and be turned down for bond if necessary) and
the remaining reinforcing steel shall extend to a distance (from the face of the support) of the greater of 0.5L and 45 bar diameters.
Rule 4. Continuous beams:

4.4 At a non-continuous end, 50% of the tension reinforcing steel shall extend to the supports and terminate in an effective anchorage
as in Rule 2 above and the remainder must extend to within 0.05L of the centre line of the support.
Only the reinforcement required for the short span needs to be determined.
The same reinforcement configuration can then be applied to the ribs in the long span.
Example:
b = 128 mm (From Table 9)
Tension reinforcement = 1 No. of Y16 reinforcing bar (From Step 38)
The rib in the short direction is continuous both ends (Refer to Figure 16, Section A - A)
Supports = 1400 mm (From Figure 13)
Span Length ‘L’ = lesser of (3600 mm + 379 mm) = 3979 mm and (3600 mm + 700 mm + 700 mm) = 5000 mm.
It is further recommended that bottom steel is detailed to pass the centre line of the supports by the anchorage length given in Rule 2.1 above.
In this case, Y16 reinforcing bars are used for bottom steel, therefore each reinforcing bar should pass the centre line of the supports by at
least 16 mm x 12 times the diameter = 192 mm. (Refer to Figure 16).
This same configuration is then accepted for both the short and long span of the ribs.
49
COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Figure 16 shows the tension reinforcement for the short span ribs.
Reinforcing bars extend

12 x the bar diameter past
the centre line of support
B
425
B
Continuous short
span ribs
1Y16 B (Each Rib)
400 x 400
columns
Section A - A
5500
Support beams
B Coffers
Beam 22
A A
Beam Y
Beam W
C1 C2 C3 CL Coffers
900
CL Coffers
Continuous
short span
1Y16 B (Each Rib) B
ribs
12 x bar diameter 12 x bar diameter
= 192 mm = 192 mm
1400 Lx = 3600 1400
Beam Beam
Plan View
425
Short span ribs
1Y16 B (Each Rib)

Support Beam 22
Section B - B
Figure 16 – Bottom Tension Reinforcement For Short Span Ribs
50
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 48: Steel detailing of the stirrups for the ribs of the Coffer slab.
Provide R8 stirrups at a 250 mm spacing (From Step 41), along the full length of the short span rib.
For this example, no additional reinforcement will be provided at the top of each stirrup, other than the layer of mesh Ref 245.
In addition to the bottom tension reinforcement, Figure 17 shows the reinforcing stirrups for the short span ribs.
16R8-250 Stirrups
(Each Rib)
B
425
B
Continuous short
span ribs
1Y16 B (Each Rib)
400 x 400
columns
Section A - A
5500
Support beams
B Coffers
Beam 22
16R8-250 Stirrups
(Each Rib)
A A
Beam Y
Beam W
C1 C2 C3 CL Coffers
900
CL Coffers
Continuous
short span B
1Y16 B (Each Rib)
ribs
= 192 mm = 192 mm
1400 Lx = 3600 1400
Beam Beam
Plan View
16R8-250 Stirrups
425
(Each Rib)
1Y16 B (Each Rib) Short span ribs

Support Beam 22
Section B - B
Figure 17 – Bottom Tension Reinforcement And Stirrups For Short Span Ribs
51
COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 49: Steel detailing of nominal reinforcing steel at mid-span and the supports for the Coffer slab.
Nominal reinforcement = Mesh Ref 245 (From Step 42).
Therefore, install 1 layer of mesh Ref 245 over the complete area of Coffer beams and ribs to control cracking and to act as nominal reinforcement
within the Coffer slab areas.
In addition to the bottom tension reinforcement and stirrups, Figure 18 shows the mesh reinforcement..
16R8-250 Stirrups Mesh Ref 245

(Each Rib)
B
425
B
Continuous short
span ribs
1Y16 B (Each Rib)
400 x 400
columns
Section A - A
5500
Support beams
B Coffers
Beam 22
Me
sh R
ef 2 16R8-250 Stirrups
45
(Each Rib)
A A
Beam W
Beam Y
C1 C2 C3 CL Coffers
900
CL Coffers
Continuous
short span B
ribs 1Y16 B (Each Rib)

= 192 mm = 192 mm
1400 Lx = 3600 1400
Beam Beam
Plan View
Mesh Ref 245
16R8-250 Stirrups
425
(Each Rib)
1Y16 B (Each Rib) Short span ribs

Support Beam 22
Section B - B
Figure 18 – Bottom Reinforcement, Stirrups And Mesh For Short Span Ribs
52
Coffers and Troughs
COFFER SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 50: Steel detailing of tension reinforcing steel at the support and the nominal top reinforcing steel at mid-span.
The following rules must be taken into consideration when detailing mid-span tension reinforcing steel:
Rule 1. Span:

2.1 No tension reinforcement in top of beam required at support.


4.1 At least 20% of the top reinforcement in tension over supports of a continuous beam should be made effectively continuous through the
spans.
4.2 Half the remainder shall extend to within 0.25L from the face of the support.
4.3 The remaining reinforcement shall extend to a point at least 0.15L from the face of the support, but no bar should stop at a point less than
45 bar diameters from the face of the support.
(Refer to SABS 0144 Ed.3, clauses 7.10.4 and 7.10.5.3.3).
Example:
btopping = 900 mm (From Step 37)
Tension rebar = 1 No. Y12 reinforcing bar at a spacing of 900 mm (From Step 44)
The rib in the short direction is continuous both ends (Refer to Figure 19, Section A - A)
Supports = 1400 mm (From Figure 13)
Span Length ‘L’ = lesser of (3600 mm + 379 mm) = 3979 mm and (3600 mm + 700 mm + 700 mm) = 5000 mm.
At least 20% of the top tension reinforcing steel should be continuous through the spans.
It is recommended that the remaining 80% of the top reinforcing steel extends to within 0.25L or 45 x bar diameter from the face of the support,
whichever is the larger length.
In this case, 1 No. Y12 is used for the top reinforcing steel.
This reinforcing bar should extend past the face of the support by the larger of (0.25 x 3979 mm) = 995 mm and (45 x 12 mm diameter) = 540 mm.
Extend the reinforcing bar 995 mm (Rounded off = 1000 mm) past the face of the support (Refer to Figure 19).
53
COFFER SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
In addition to the bottom tension reinforcement, stirrups and mesh, Figure 19 shows the top tension reinforcement.
1Y12 T (Each Rib) 16R8-250 Stirrups 0.25L = 1000 mm

(Each Rib)
Mesh Ref 245 1Y12 T (Each Rib)
B
425
B
Continuous Short
Span Ribs
1Y16 B (Each Rib)
400 x 400
Columns
Section A - A
5500
Support beams
B
Beam 22
Me
sh R
1Y12 T (Each Rib) ef 2 16R8-250 Stirrups 1Y12 T (Each Rib)
45
(Each Rib)
Coffers
A A
Beam W
Beam Y
C1 C2 C3 CL Coffers
900
CL Coffers
Continuous
short span B
ribs 1Y16 B (Each Rib)
= 192 mm = 192 mm
1400 Lx = 3600 1400
Beam Beam
Plan View
Mesh Ref 245
16R8-250 Stirrups
425
(Each Rib)
1Y16 B (Each Rib) Short Span Rib

Support Beam 22
1Y12 T (Each Rib)
Section B - B
Figure 19 – Top And Bottom Reinforcement, Stirrups And Mesh For Short Span Ribs
Use the same reinforcing steel configuration for the ribs in both directions, except where there are major differences in span lengths.
Work through Steps 1 to 50 until all the beams and ribs are designed.
54
Coffers and Troughs
coffers and troughs

TROUGH SLAB DESIGN
55
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Design procedure
To simplify the design of Trough slabs, a recommended step by step procedure is given in Table 15 below.
Steps 1 to 50 given in Table 15 are explained in more detail on Pages 61 to 103.
Table 15 should also be used in conjunction with the “Design Flow Diagram” shown on Page 57.
Table 15 - Step By Step Design Procedure For Trough Slabs
Step 1 Fill the complete slab with Troughs and internal beams while leaving beams around the perimeter
Step 2 Identify all the load bearing walls that are supported on top of the slab
Identify and determine the
Trough support beam and slab
layout of the Trough slab Step 3 Identify the columns and beams
and beams
Step 4 Determine the Trough lengths
identification
Step 5 Draw a preliminary Trough slab layout
Step 6 Identify the beam with the worst-case deflection scenario based on the L/d values given in Table 4
Determine thickness of the
Step 7 Determine the required slab thickness due to deflection
Trough slab and beams
Step 8 Determine the Trough height and structural topping thickness
Step 9 Determine the self-weight of the slab
Determine the self-weight Step 10 Determine the self-weight of the beam

and imposed loads Step 11 Determine the imposed loading acting on the slab and beam
Step 12 Determine the loads acting on the slab and beam
Step 13 Identify the Trough configuration acting on each beam

Step 14 Determine the impact of Trough slabs acting on the beam
on the beams
Step 15 Determine the total load acting on the beam
Step 16 Determine the maximum mid-span bending moment for the beam
Determine the mid-span Step 17 Determine the moment of resistance for the beam
moments and the tension
Trough support beam design
reinforcing steel required Step 18 Determine the area of tension reinforcing steel required for the beam at mid-span
Step 19 Select the spacing and type of tension reinforcing steel to be used for mid-span bending
Step 20 Determine the required number of stirrups

Determine the shear
Step 21 Checking the shear resistance of a beam
Step 22 Determine the spacing of stirrups
Step 23 Determine the maximum support bending moment for the beam
Determine the support
moments and the tension Step 24 Determine the area of tension reinforcing steel required for the beam at the support
Step 25 Select the spacing and type of tension reinforcing steel to be used for support bending
Check the deflections for Step 26 Check the deflections based on the basic allowable span
the support beam Step 27 Calculate the actual long-term deflections
Step 28 Steel detailing of mid-span tension reinforcing steel for the support beams
Steel detailing of the Step 29 Steel detailing of the stirrups for the support beams of the Trough slab
support beam
Step 30 Steel detailing of beam tension reinforcing steel over supports and nominal top reinforcing steel at mid-span
Identify the Trough Step 31 Rib design - Identify and name the Trough portions between the beams
configuration and the
Step 32 Select a Trough portion and identify specific the details from the drawing
minimum structural topping
thickness Step 33 Determine the minimum structural topping thickness due to deflection, for selected Trough height
Step 34 Determine the self-weight of the Trough slab and imposed loads on the Trough slab
on the Trough slab
Step 35 Determine the span end conditions and maximum moments of the Trough slab
Determine the end
conditions, mid-span Step 36 Determine the moment of resistance of each Trough rib
moment resistance and the
tension reinforcing steel Step 37 Determine the area of tension reinforcing steel required for each rib at mid-span
Trough ribs/slab design
required for each rib

Step 38 Select the spacing and type of reinforcing steel to be used for the ribs to cater for mid-span bending
Step 39 Select the number of stirrups for the ribs
Determine the shear
Step 40 Check the shear resistance of the rib
Step 41 Determine the spacing of the stirrups in the ribs
Step 42 Determine the area of nominal reinforcing steel at mid-span and at the supports for the Trough slab
Determine the reinforcing
steel required at mid-span Step 43 Determine the area of tensile reinforcing steel required for the rib at the support beam
and supports
Step 44 Select the spacing and type of tensile reinforcing steel to be used at the rib support for bending
Check deflections for the Step 45 Check the deflections based on the basic allowable span of the ribs
Trough slab Step 46 Calculate the actual long-term deflections of the ribs
Step 47 Steel detailing of midspan tension reinforcing steel for the ribs
Step 48 Steel detailing of the stirrups for the ribs of the Trough slab
Steel detailing of the
Trough slab Step 49 Steel detailing of the nominal reinforcing steel at mid-span and the supports for the Trough slab
Step 50 Steel detailing of tension reinforcing steel at the support and the nominal top reinforcing steel at mid-span
56
Coffers and Troughs
Legend
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Trough and beam
Design Flow Diagram design
The Design Flow Diagram below shows the recommended step by step procedure for designing Trough slabs.
This step by step procedure should also be used in conjunction with Table 15.
Trough support
beam design
Trough slab
design
Trough and beam identification
Identify and Determine

Start here determine the layout thickness of the
Determine the self-
weight & imposed
of the Trough slab Trough slab &
loads
& beams beams
(Steps 9 to 12)
(Steps 1 to 5) (Steps 6 to 8)
If Mr in Step 17 is
less than imposed Determine the
Steel detailing of
moment, refer loads acting on the
the Trough slab
back to Step 7 & support beams
(Steps 47 to 50)
increase beam (Steps 13 to 15)
depth
If the rib deflects If Mr in Step 17 is Determine mid-

more than the less than imposed span moments &
Check deflections
for the Trough slab allowable, moment, refer tension reinforcing
refer back to Step 7 back to Step 3 & steel required
(Steps 45 to 46)
& increase slab depth increase beam (Steps 16 to 19)
width
Trough support beam design

Determine the
Determine the
reinforcing steel
shear reinforcing
required at mid-
Coffer slab design
steel required
span & supports
(Steps 20 to 22)
(Steps 42 to 44)
Determine the Determine support

shear reinforcing moments & tension
steel required reinforcing steel
(Steps 39 to 41) required
(Steps 23 to 25)
Determine end If Mr in Step 36 is

conditions, smaller than If the beam deflects
imposed moment, more than the Check deflections
mid-span Mr & for the support
refer back to Step allowable, refer back
tension reinforcing
7 & increase to Step 7 & increase beam
steel for each rib (Steps 26 to 27)
(Steps 35 to 38) Coffer slab beam depth
thickness
Identify Coffer
Determine the
configuration & the Steel detailing of
loads acting on the
minimum structural the support beam
Trough slab
topping thickness (Steps 28 to 30)
(Step 34)
(Steps 31 to 33)
Design Flow Diagram

57
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Trough dimensions and displacement values
Table 16 gives the dimensions and approximate displacement values
of the M1500 and M750 Trough Middle sections.
Trough Middle sections are available in three lengths:

Trough Glassfibre M1500 = 1500 mm long. F H G
Trough Glassfibre M750 = 750 mm long.
Trough Glassfibre M500 = 500 mm long.
A 10% tolerance on the displacement values should be taken into 1

Repair work and imperfections due to the age of the Troughs.
8 A
Trough movement due to rapid rate of pour.
Deflection of the glassfibre facing due to the mass of concrete and
reinforcing steel.
Note: D
The diagrams in Figure 20 show the dimensions of the Trough Middle
C
sections.
The dimensions given in the diagrams are approximate.
The dimensions to the curved surfaces, shown in the diagrams, are to
End View A - A
the intersection point of the straight edges.
Both sides of the Trough Middle sections are at an 8:1 slope, or 7.13ᵒ
angle.
The maximum structural topping permitted on each Glassfibre Troughs
75 mm.
Refer to the Form-Scaff Technical User Guide for details on how to
assemble Troughs on the Kwik-Strip system.
Trough Middle
section
A
B
D
1500/750/500
0
C 0 /5 0
/7 5
00 Side View B - B
15
A
B
Trough Middle Section - 3D View
Figure 20 – Side Views and 3D View Of Troughs
Table 16 - Trough Middle Sections Dimensions And Approximate Displacement Values
Trough Middle Section Dimensions Trough Middle Section Displacement

(mm) (m3)
Trough Size
(mm)
A C D F G H M1500 M750 M500
625 625 825 38 53 564 78 0.555 0.277 0.185
525 525 825 38 53 589 66 0.497 0.248 0.166
425 425 825 38 53 614 53 0.417 0.209 0.139
325 325 825 38 53 639 41 0.322 0.161 0.107
225 225 825 38 53 664 28 0.228 0.114 0.076
58
Coffers and Troughs
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Trough End dimensions and displacement values
Table 17 gives the dimensions and approximate displacement values
of the Trough End sections.
Trough End sections are available in two lengths: F H G

Trough Glassfibre E1000 = 1000 mm long.
Trough Glassfibre E500 = 500 mm long.
A 10% tolerance on the displacement values should be taken into 1

Repair work and imperfections due to the age of the Trough End 8
sections.
A
Trough End movement due to rapid rate of pour.
Deflection of the fiberglass facing due to the mass of concrete and
reinforcing steel.
D
Note: C
The diagrams in Figure 21 show the dimensions of the Trough End
sections.
The dimensions given in the diagrams are approximate.
Section A - A
Dimension L1000 is for the Trough Glassfibre E1000.
Dimension L500 is for the Trough Glassfibre E500.
The dimensions to the curved surfaces, shown in the diagrams, are to the
intersection point of the straight edges.
All 3 sides of the Trough End sections are at an 8:1 slope, or 7.13ᵒ angle.
The maximum structural topping permitted on each Glassfibre Trough is
75 mm.
Trough End
section
E H L1000 / L500
8 A
B 1
C
00
0 0 /5 D
10 A 1000/500
B Side View B - B
Trough End Section - 3D View
Figure 21 – Side Views and 3D View Of Trough Ends
Table 17 - Trough End Dimensions And Approximate Displacement Values
Dimensions (mm) Displacement (m3)

Trough Size
(mm)
A C D E F G H L1000 L500 E1000 E500
625 625 825 38 64 53 564 78 858 358 0.318 0.133
525 525 825 38 64 53 589 66 870 370 0.288 0.122
425 425 825 38 64 53 614 53 883 383 0.245 0.106
325 325 825 38 64 53 639 41 895 395 0.191 0.083
225 225 825 38 64 53 664 28 908 408 0.136 0.060
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TROUGH SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Trough slab design procedure
A Trough slab, instead of a Coffer slab, is used where the slab under consideration is a one-way spanning slab.
This may be determined using any one of the following two scenarios:
Scenario 1:
The slab is only supported along 2 of the 4 edges.
Scenario 2:
The length of the longer side of the slab exceeds three times the length of the shorter side, as stated in SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.4.3.
The Trough design procedure given in this Concrete Design Guide is based on a worked example, where the following assumptions have been made:
Design Example
The Trough design procedure given in this Concrete Design Guide is based on an example where the following assumptions have been made:
The architect has requested a Trough alternative to a solid slab solution, which will be significantly lighter in weight and more economical.
The floor slabs are to be designed for a sports facility in Johannesburg.
The Trough slab is to be supported on 450 mm x 450 mm columns
The imposed loads on the floor slab are based on a “sub-category B5” (Refer to SANS 10160-2, Table 1 for the different categories and specific
uses).
A concrete compressive strength of 30 MPa and a tensile reinforcing steel strength of 450 MPa is being used throughout the remainder of the
building and should be used for the floor slabs where possible.
To cater for fire resistance, the floor slabs must be designed in accordance with the SABS 0100 -1, Clause 7.
A portion of the Trough slab, described in the abovementioned example, is shown in Figure 22 below.
The worked example mainly concentrates on the design of Beam B1 and the Trough slab between Beams A1 and C1.
Other portions of the Trough slab shown in Figure 22 will only be discussed for clarification purposes as and when necessary.
K L M N
12375 6175 6200
450 x 450
Columns Troughs Internal support External support
beams beams
450
Beam A1 Beam A2
1
Beam E1
Beam G1
Beam F1
3575
4250
900
2 Beam B1 Beam B2
Beam E2
Beam G2
Beam F2
4550
3650
900
3 Beam C1 Beam C2
Beam E3
Beam G3
Beam F3
4250
3575
Load bearing wall on

load bearing wall beam
4
900
Beam D3
Beam D1 Beam D2
Beam H1
Beam G4
450 13 x 900 mm wide Troughs = 11700 900
1050 6 x 900 mm wide 450

Troughs = 5400
13 x 900 mm wide Troughs = 11700
Figure 22 – Preliminary Plan Layout Of Trough Slab
60
Coffers and Troughs
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

PART 1 – Trough and beam identification (Steps 1 to 12)
The designer is not limited to designing a Trough slab using the following Steps 1 to 50 and may use any other preferred design method.
Prior to starting with Step 1, the designer should familiarize himself/herself with the architectural drawings.
Step 1: Fill the complete deck with Troughs and internal support beams while leaving beams around the perimeter of the floor slab.
Regardless of the support configuration and dimensions, the designer should start by inserting 900 mm wide concrete beams between all the
internal column/wall supports as shown in Figure 22.
The width of the internal support beams can be anything from 500 mm upwards.
The designer should leave external support beams around the perimeter of the structure.
The width of these external support beams must be determined by the designer to suit the architectural and structural requirements and should
initially be at least the width of the supporting columns.
Then, detail 900 mm wide Troughs between all the concrete beams in the short span direction (The Trough lengths of 3650 mm and 3575 mm,
shown in Figure 22, will be adjusted by changing the width of the support beams as per Step 4).
It is good practice to have the Troughs line up from one slab to the other to ensure easy installation and continuity of reinforcing bars from rib to rib.
The designer may deviate from Step 1 if a different Trough layout is preferred due to other influences such as point loads on the slab.
Step 2: Identify all the load bearing walls that are supported on top of the slab.
In addition to supporting the required design loads, the designer should consider that the slab may also be required to support additional loads
such as from load bearing walls on top of the slab.
Draw the load bearing walls on the layout.
Arrange all the Troughs such that there are ‘load bearing wall beams’ below each load bearing wall that is drawn on top of the slab (For example,
Beam D3 shown in Figure 22).
Initially, allow for a 900 mm internal support beam directly below each load bearing wall.
The width and depth of each support beam may be adjusted to suit architectural and structural requirements and must be verified, taking into
consideration all the applied dead and imposed loads.
Step 3: Identify the columns and beams.

For example:
The columns may be identified using the grid lines (Column K1, Column L1, etc.) as shown in Figure 22.
The support beams may be identified as shown in Figure 22.
These references identify each concrete element that is being designed and will be used when scheduling the reinforcing steel.
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TROUGH SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 4: Determine the Trough lengths.
Form-Scaff offers 5 different Trough sizes (Trough heights of 625 mm, 525 mm, 425 mm, 325 mm and 225 mm). Refer to Tables 16 and 17.
Table 18 gives the preferred combinations of Trough units to make up the required overall Trough lengths.
Note:
The use of the M500 Trough units is not preferred and are omitted from Table 18.
Table 18 - Preferred Trough Combinations
Trough Units
Trough
Length (mm) E500 E1000 M750 M1500
1000 2 - - -
1500 1 1 - -
1750 2 - 1 -
2000 - 2 - -
2250 1 1 1 -
2500 2 - - 1
2750 - 2 1 -
3000 1 1 - 1
3250 2 - 1 1
3500 - 2 - 1
3750 1 1 1 1
4000 2 - - 2
4250 - 2 1 1
4500 1 1 - 2
Example:
There are many possible combinations that can be used to make up the required Trough lengths.
In addition to using Table 18, preferably contact your nearest Form-Scaff branch to find out what standard sizes are available.
From Figure 22, the preliminary Trough length required between Beam B1 and Beam C1 is 3650 mm
From Table 18, the preferred combination of (2 No. E1000 units) + (1 No. M1500 unit) = 3500 mm
Remaining length = 3650 mm – 3500 mm = 150 mm
The inner widths of Beams B1 and C1 must now be altered to accommodate the fixed Trough dimensions
Divide the remaining length by 2 = (150 mm ÷ 2) = 75 mm
Then, add 75 mm to the inner side of both Beams B1 and C1
Beam B1 and C1 both have a preliminary width of 900 mm
Therefore, 900 mm + 75 mm = new beam width of 975 mm for both Beams B1 and C1
The Trough length of 3500 mm now fits between the Beams B1 and C1 (Refer to Figure 23).
From Figure 22, the preliminary Trough length required between Beam A1 and Beam B1 is 3575 mm
From Table 18, the preferred combination of (2 No. E1000 units) + (1 No. M1500 unit) = 3500 mm
Remaining length = 3575 mm – 3500 mm = 75 mm
Assume for this example that the external Beam A1 must remain 450 mm wide
The width of the internal Beam B1 must now be altered to accommodate the fixed Trough dimensions
Add the remaining 75 mm to the side of Beam B1 (on the Beam A1 side of Beam B1)
Then, Beam A1 has a width of 450 mm and Beam B1 has a width of 975 mm + 75 mm = 1050 mm with the 3500 mm long Troughs in between
(Refer to Figure 23).
Apply the same principle to determine the widths of the Beams C1 and D1.
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Coffers and Troughs
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 5: Draw a preliminary Trough slab layout.
Check that the concrete slab is completely filled with support beams and Troughs.
K L M N
L = 12375 L = 6175 L = 6200
450 x 450
Columns 2 No. E1000 Trough units Internal support External support
+ 1 No. M1500 Trough unit beams beams
450
Beam A1 Beam A2
1
Beam E1
Beam G1
Beam F1
L = 4250
3500
E1000
1050
2 Beam B1 Beam B2
L = 4550
Beam E2
Beam G2
Beam F2
M1500
3500
1050
3 Beam C1 Beam C2
E1000
L = 4250
Beam E3
Beam G3
Beam F3
3500
Load bearing wall on
load bearing wall beam
900
Beam D3
Beam D1 Beam D2
Beam G4
Beam H1
450 13 x 900 mm wide Troughs = 11700 900
1050 6 x 900 mm wide 450

Troughs = 5400
Figure 23 – Plan Layout Of Trough Slab With Adjusted Widths Of Support Beams
It is recommended that the width of the internal support beams are increased as opposed to the external support beams around the perimeter,
as the internal support beams are more likely to carry larger loads.
Refer to Figure 23 for the plan layout of the Trough slab showing the adjusted widths of the internal support beams.
In some instances, if the beams are carrying small loads, it may be possible to reduce the width of the internal beams by 500 mm and then the
length of the Troughs can be increased by 500 mm.
In contrast, if the beams are carrying large loads, it may be necessary to widen the internal concrete beams and reduce the overall length of the
Troughs.
In most cases, the spacing does not work out exactly as per Trough and Decking Panel dimensions, thus the designer is required to move the
Troughs around on the layout to try and get the supports as central as possible between two Trough configurations.
The internal beam widths should be 1500 mm, 1294 mm or 900 mm where possible to accommodate the Decking Panel sizes of 1425 mm,
1219 mm and 825 mm.
When this is not possible, infills or non-standard equipment will be required to form the soffit of the support beams which will have cost
implications and increase the erection time of the falsework.
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Step 6: Identify the support beam with the worst-case deflection scenario based on the L/d values given in Table 4.
To determine the effective depth of the Trough slab, it is necessary to compare the different support beam configurations within the slab.
The identification of the support beam with the worst-case deflection is achieved by applying the following formula:
Span Length ‘L’ (mm)

= d (mm).
Ratio
Where:
The Span Length ‘L’ is the distance between the centre lines of the supports (Refer to Figure 23).
For each beam configuration, determine the Span Length ‘L’ of the relevant beam (using the drawing) and select the relevant ratio from Table 4.
Example 1 (For beams not longer than 10 m):
Consider the design of support Beam B1 shown in Figure 23
Span Length ‘L’ = 4250 mm
Basic span/effective depth ratio from Table 4 = 24 (Beam with one end continuous)
Span Length ‘L’ (mm) 4250 mm

‘d’ = = = 177 mm
Ratio 24
Example 2 (For beams longer than 10 m):
For beams longer than 10 m, the values obtained in Table 4 should be multiplied by 10/span to prevent damages to finishes and partitions as per
SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.6.2.2.
Basic span/effective depth ratio from Table 4 = 24 (Beam with one end continuous)
Span Length ‘L’ (mm) 12375 mm

‘d’ = = = 638 mm
Ratio 24 x (10000 mm ÷ 12375 mm)
The largest value of ‘d’ will then be used to determine the slab thickness for the whole slab.
Note:
In the case of a cantilever beam, the Span Length ‘L’ is the distance between the centre line of the support and the end of the cantilever beam.
Step 7: Determine the required slab thickness ‘t’ due to deflection.

The following example may be used to determine the slab thickness due to deflection:
Assume Y32 reinforcing bars and R16 stirrups will be used

(The actual diameter of the reinforcing bars must be checked later and be replaced if necessary, in the calculation below)
Assume the cover to reinforcement = 30 mm

(The cover must be determined in accordance with the requirements of the structure and SANS 0100-1 Ed. 2.2 Clause 4.5.7 )
Required slab thickness ‘t’ = effective depth ‘d’ + cover to reinforcement + half the diameter of the main reinforcing bars selected + the diameter of
the stirrups (diameterstirrup)
‘t’ = 638 mm + 30 mm + (32 mm ÷ 2) + 16 mm = 700 mm
Normally the slab thickness remains constant over the complete floor area, except where a definitive difference between spans or loads occur and
the designer opts for a thicker or thinner slab in a specific portion due to structural or financial constraints.
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Step 8: Determine the Trough height and structural topping thickness.
The minimum thickness of the structural topping should be the greater of 50 mm or one-tenth of the clear span between ribs as specified in
SABS 0100 -01 Ed.2.2, Clause 4.5.1.2(d).
The minimum structural topping thickness for each of the Trough slab heights is illustrated in Figure 24.
brib.top 900 – (brib.top ÷ 2) brib.top Non-structural

Screed
Minimum structural
topping thickness
brib.ave brib.ave
Trough size
8
Trough rib Trough rib 1
brib.bot 900 – (brib.bot ÷ 2) brib.bot
900
CL Rib CL Rib
Figure 24 – Typical Trough Section
The minimum structural topping thickness for each of the Trough sizes is given in Table 19.
Table 19 - Minimum Structural Topping Thickness For Troughs Due To Deflection
Clear Minimum
Clear Distance Rib Width At Average Rib Rib Width At
Distance Structural
Trough Size Between Ribs Top Width Bottom
Between Ribs Topping
(mm) At Top 'brib.top' 'brib.ave' 'brib.bot'
At Bottom Thickness
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
(mm) (mm)
625 564 720 336 258 180 57
525 589 720 311 246 180 59
425 614 720 286 233 180 62
325 639 720 261 221 180 64
225 663 720 237 209 180 67
The Trough height and structural topping thickness may be determined using in the following example:
Example:
Minimum slab thickness = 700 mm (From Step 7)
Trough displacement values must be extracted from Tables 16 and 17.
Plan floor area = 13 No. Troughs x 0.9 m x 3.5 m = 40.95 m2 (Number of Troughs from Figure 23).
The following scenarios may be used to determine the most economical design.
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Scenario 1: (425 Troughs)
Structural topping = (700 mm slab thickness) – (425 mm Trough) = 275 mm (Structural topping thickness > 75 mm, does not meet requirements)
Volume of concrete without Troughs = 40.95 m2 x 0.700 m = 28.665 m3
Displacement of 13 No. 425 Troughs = 13 x (1 x 0.417 m3) + (2 x 0.245 m3) = 11.791 m3
Volume of concrete using 425 Troughs + 275 mm structural topping = 16.874 m3

Structural topping = (700 mm slab thickness) – (525 mm Trough) = 175 mm (Structural topping thickness > 75 mm, does not meet requirements)

Structural topping = (700 mm slab thickness) – (625 mm Trough) = 75 mm (Structural topping thickness ≤ 75 mm, meets requirements)
Note:
From above, it can be seen that Scenario 3 is the most economical design.
If Scenario 3 is used instead of a solid slab, the concrete and reinforcing will be reduced by 54.0% in the Trough slab portions.
If a solid slab was used as opposed to a Coffer slab, the volume of concrete for a 700 mm thick flat slab = 40.95 m2 x 0.700 m = 28.665 m3.
All the support beams are generally the same thickness as the Trough portion of the slab.
When considering the overall slab, the selection of a bigger Trough size may result in more concrete and reinforcing steel being used due to the
size of all the beams and ribs.
A lighter structure means reduced reinforcement which also leads to a more economical design.
Also, consider the height restrictions when using a bigger Trough size.
Step 9: Determine the self-weight of the slab.

The designer needs to determine the self-weight of the Trough portions to determine the dead load acting on the support beams.
The assumption is made that the weight per Trough portion is directly related to the weight per square metre of Trough slab.
Example:
Trough height + structural topping = 625 mm Trough + 75 mm structural topping (From Step 8, Scenario 3)
Therefore, slab thickness ‘t’ = 0.625 m + 0.075 m = 0.700 m
Plan floor area = 0.9 m x 3.5 m = 3.150 m2 per Trough
Allow for a 50 mm thick non-structural screed with the same density as concrete.
Concrete volume = (0.700 m + 0.050 m) x 3.150 m2 = 2.363 m3 per Trough
Displacement for voided plan area = ((1 No. M1500 ) + (2 No. E1000)) = ((1 x 0.555 m3) + (2 x 0.318 m3)) = 1.191 m3 per Trough
Concrete volume = 2.363 m3 – 1.191 m3 = 1.172 m3 per Trough
Concrete volume = 1.172 m3 ÷ 3.150 m = 0.372 m3/m2 in plan
Therefore, the self weight of the Trough portion of the slab = 0.372 m3/m2 x 25 kN/m3 = 9.300kN/m2 in plan.
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Step 10: Determine the self-weight of the support beam.
The designer needs to determine the self-weight of the support beam in the same manner as described in Step 9.
The only difference is that there is no deduction due to Trough displacement and the full depth of the Trough and structural topping is taken
into consideration when calculating the beam depth and self -weight per m2 in plan.
Example:
Minimum slab thickness ‘t’ = 700 mm (From Step 9)
Allow for a 50 mm thick non-structural screed with the same density as concrete.
Concrete volume per support beam = (0.700 m + 0.050) x (1.0 m x 1.0 m in plan) = 0.750 m3/m2 in plan
Step 11: Determine the imposed loading acting on the slab and support beam.
The designer needs to identify the specific use for every section of the building.
Refer to SANS 10160-2, Table 1 for the different categories and specific uses.
The same building may have several different uses in different portions of the building.
An example of this is when a filing room is next to a classroom in a school.
The designer can choose to cater for the worst-case scenario throughout the building, but that may lead to an uneconomical design.
Step 12: Determine the loads acting on the slab and beam.
For the slab and support beam design, use the ultimate limit state factors as specified in SANS 10160-1, Table 3.
Permanent actions (Dead Load) such as the self-weight of the beam or slab itself, screed, tiles, etc. are multiplied by a partial factor of 1.2.
Variable actions (Live Load) such as the imposed loads acting on the floor or roof are multiplied by a partial factor of 1.6.
These are then added together to determine a design load as shown below.
w = 1.2 x (Sum of Dead Loads) + 1.6 x (Sum of Live Loads)
Example:
Trough height + structural topping + non-structural screed = 625 mm Trough + 75 mm structural topping + 50 mm screed = 750 mm
(From Step 8, Scenario 3)
Beam self-weight = 18.750 kN/m2 in plan (From Step 10)
Assume that the building consists of an open sports facility, thus the imposed load = 5.0 kN/m2 (Refer SANS 10160-2, Table 1)
Trough slab self-weight = 9.300 kN/m2 (From Step 9)
wslab = (1.2 x 9.300 kN/m2) + (1.6 x 5.0 kN/m2) = 19.160 kN/m2 in plan
Beam self weight = 17.500 kN/m2 (From Step 10)
wbeam = (1.2 x 18.750 kN/m2) + (1.6 x 5.0 kN/m2) = 30.500 kN/m2 in plan.
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PART 2 – Trough support beam design (Steps 13 to 30)

Step 13: Identify the Trough configuration acting on the support beam.
The layout for the Troughs and beams should look similar to the typical layouts shown in Figure 25.
The designer needs to isolate a beam and determine the Trough configuration associated with that specific beam.
Because the Troughs are acting as one-way spanning beams, it can be assumed that half the length of the Troughs between two support
beams, act on each support or beam.
Example:
Length of Trough slab acting on Beam B1 from the Beam A1 side = 3500 mm ÷ 2 = 1750 mm
Length of Trough slab acting on Beam B1 from the Beam C1 side = 3500 mm ÷ 2 = 1750 mm
Therefore the total portion of Troughs acting on Beam B1 = 1750 mm + 1750 mm = 3500 mm.
K L
L = 12375
450 11925 450

All columns
450 x 450
450
Beam A1
1
Beam E1
Beam F1
L = 4250
3500
1750
E1000
1050
2 Beam B1
1750
L = 4550
Beam E2
Beam F2
M1500
3500
3 Beam C1
E1000
1050
Mid-way lines between

Troughs
450 11700 900
Figure 25 – Extract From Figure 23 - Plan Layout Of Trough Slab
Step 14: Determine the impact of Trough slabs acting on the support beam.
The layout for the Troughs and beams should look similar to the layout shown in Figure 25.
To determine the load acting on a beam, refer to the following example:
Example:
Refer to Beam B1 shown in Figure 25
n (Load on slab) = wslab = 19.160 kN/m2 (From Step 12)
l (Length of Trough acting on Beam B1) = 3500 mm (From Step 13)
Total load from Trough slab = 19.160 kN/m2 x 3.5 m = 67.060 kN/m
Assume this load is uniform over the length of the beam.
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Step 15: Determine the total load acting on the support beam.
Calculate the total loads acting on the Beam B1.
(The loads acting on other support beams depends on the layout designed in Steps 1 to 4).
Example:
Beam B1 width ‘b’ = 1050 mm (From Figure 25)
wslab = 67.060 kN/m (From Step 14)
wbeam = 30.500 kN/m2 (From Step 12)
wbeam = 30.500 kN/m2 x 1.050 m = 32.025 kN/m
wtotal = 67.060 kN/m + 32.025 kN/m = 99.085 kN/m
This is the load that is used to determine the moments and area of steel required for bending.
Step 16: Determine the maximum mid-span bending moment for the beam.
Scenario 1: Simply supported beam
wl2
Mu.mid =
8
Scenario 2: Beam continuous one end
wl2
Mu.mid =
10
Scenario 3: Beam continuous both ends

wl2
Mu.mid =
12
Scenario 4: Cantilever beam
wl2
Mu.mid =
2
Example:
Beam B1 is continuous one end, thus Scenario 2 will be applicable
wtotal = 99.085 kN/m (From Step 15)
Span Length ‘L’ = 12.375 m (From Figure 25)
99.085 kN/m x (12.375 m)2

Then, Mu.mid = = 1517.394 kN.m.
10
49
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Step 17: Determine the moment of resistance for the support beam.
The effective depth for the reinforcing is required to determine the moment of resistance.
SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.3.
Assume that the redistribution of moments does not to exceed 10%, thus K = 0.156 (Refer SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.4.1).
To determine the moment of resistance, apply the formula Mr = Kbd2fcu (Refer SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.4.1).
Example:

After considering the relationship between the concrete mix design and the amount of reinforcing steel required, the concrete strength is to be
determined by the designer.
K = 0.156 (Moment distribution < 10%)
Cover = 30 mm (From Step 7)
Tension reinforcing diameter = Y32 (Assumed)
Stirrup diameter = R16 (Assumed)
d = tbeam – cover – half bar diameter – diameterstirrup = 700 mm – 30 mm – (32 ÷ 2) mm – 16 mm = 638 mm
Mr = Kbd2fcu = 0.156 x 1050 mm x (638 mm)2 x 30 Mpa = 0.156 x 1.05 m x (0.638 m)2 x 30 x 103 kN/m2 = 2000.214 kN.m.
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Step 18: Determine the area of tension reinforcing steel required for the beam at mid-span.
Check if tension reinforcing steel only is required or if both tension and compression reinforcing steel is required for the beam.
Mu.mid
K = (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.4.1)
bd2fcu
If compression reinforcing steel is required, the designer should consider increasing the width and/or depth of the beam as it is not ideal to
design for compression reinforcing steel.
If the slab depth is changed, go back to Step 7 and reassess the design.
This Concrete Design Guide does not deal with the design for compression reinforcing steel at mid-span.
Example:
b = 1050 mm (From Step 15)
1517.394 kN.m 1517.394 kN.m

K = = = 0.118
K < 0.156, therefore only tension reinforcing steel is required
Mu.mid
As.req =
0.87fyz
Determine the area of reinforcing steel required for the beam
Mu.mid 1517.394 kN.m 1517.394 x 103 kN.mm

As.req = = = = 7191 mm2
Beam B1 width ‘b’ = 1050 mm (From Step 15)
As.min = 0.13 (From Table 6) x (Ac ÷ 100) = 0.13 x (735.0 x 103 mm2 ÷ 100) = 955.5 mm2
As.max = 4% x (b x tbeam ) = 0.04 x (735.0 x 103 mm2 ) = 29.4 x 103 mm2
As.min < As.req < As.max therefore As.req = 7191 mm2.
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Step 19: Select the spacing and type of tension reinforcing steel to be used for mid-span bending.
Determine the diameter and spacing of the of the tension reinforcing bars.
For this example, assume a spacing of 170 mm (At this stage, the designer must assume the spacing of the reinforcing bars).
The assumed spacing is then used to determine the number of reinforcing bars that will fit across the width of the support beam.
After the number of reinforcing bars is determined, the actual spacing can be calculated.
The required cross-sectional area per reinforcing bar can be determined by dividing the total reinforcing steel area required (As.req) by the number
of reinforcing bars provided.
This cross-sectional area must be compared to the values given in Table 7 to determine the reinforcing bar diameter that will meet the minimum
cross-sectional area requirements.
First, check that the assumed and calculated spacing of the reinforcing bars is smaller than the maximum spacing allowed for the specific section
y 1 + y2 As.req 1
by calculating the service stress fs = 0.87fy x x x (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.6.3.1)
Where:
Example:
Beam B1 width ‘b’ = 1050 mm (From step 15)
Spacing of reinforcing bars = 170 mm (Assumed)
Number of reinforcing bars = b – (2 x cover) ÷ spacing + 1 bar = 1050 mm – (2 x 30 mm) ÷ 170 mm = 5.8 bars + 1 bar = 6.8 rounded up to 7 bars
From Table 7 it can be seen that 1 No. Y32 reinforcing bar has a cross sectional area of 804 mm2 which is less than the required cross-sectional
area of 1027 mm2 per reinforcing bar
Therefore increase the number of Y32 reinforcing bars to 9 No.
The total area As.prov = 9 No. x 804 mm2 = 7236 mm2, which is greater than 7191 mm2, therefore reinforcing steel is okay.
1.1 + 1.0 7191 mm2 1

The service stress fs = 0.87(450 N/mm2) x x x = 292 N/mm2
1.2 + 1.6 7236 mm2 1.0
Check that the maximum reinforcing bar spacing is the smaller of 300 mm or 47000 ÷ fs (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.11.8.2.1.4)
47000 ÷ fs = 47000 ÷ 292 N/mm2 = 161 mm
Spacing of 120 mm is less than the maximum spacing of 161 mm
Therefore, to cater for the bending moment, use 9 No. Y32 reinforcing bars at a spacing of 120 mm.
To determine the most economical reinforcing steel, it all depends on the maximum spacing allowed for specific diameters of reinforcing bars.
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Step 20: Determining the required number of stirrups.
The number of stirrups is determined based on the number of longitudinal tension reinforcing bars present in the support beam under consideration.
It is good practice to have longitudinal bars in the corner of a stirrup.
Each stirrup has 2 vertical legs which provides a position in each corner for 1 main longitudinal bar.
The number of bars in the beam is divided by 2 to determine the number of stirrups.
If the total number of main longitudinal tension bars is an uneven number, 1 No. tension bar runs in the middle of the beam without being in the
corner of a stirrup.
Example:
Tension reinforcing steel = 9 No. Y32 bars at a spacing of 120 mm (From Step 19)
Number of stirrups = 9 No. Y32 ÷ 2 tension bars per stirrup = 4.5 No. stirrups rounded down to 4 No. stirrups type A, B, C and D (Refer to Figure 26)
The designer may choose any preferred stirrup shape and configuration to suit the main reinforcing steel, provided that the minimum requirement for
shear is met
Two typical examples of stirrup arrangements are shown in Figure 26
Due to the congestion of the hooks at the top of the stirrups in Example 2, the stirrup configuration in Example 1 may be preferred.
Concrete
Stirrups
beam
A B B C C D D A
Tension reinforcing 120 120 120 120

bars at 120 spacing
Example 1
Concrete
Stirrups Clips
beam
A B B C C D D A
Tension reinforcing 120 120 120 120

bars at 120 spacing
Example 2
Figure 26 – Typical Cross Sections Showing Stirrup Arrangements
53
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Step 21: Checking the shear resistance of a beam.
The design shear force, due to the design maximum loads for the ultimate limit state, must be determined.
To simplify, conservatively assume that the beams are simply supported to determine the reaction forces at each support.
To check the maximum shear strength of a beam, the reaction forces at the internal support must be determined.
If both supports are under continuous beams, both supports must be analysed and the worst case shear force is used in the design calculations.
The design shear stress ‘v’ at any cross-section of the beam should not exceed a value of the lesser of fcu or 4.75 MPa. (Refer to SABS
0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.4.1.1)
V
bd
(25) ( b d ) (400
d )
0.75 fcu ⅓ 100As ⅓ ¼
ym v
In the above equation, it is generally accepted that the value of 0.75 may be increased to 0.79 for design purposes.
The value of 0.75 is used throughout in this Concrete Design Guide.
In the above equation, it is recommended that the value of 0.75 is increased to 0.79 for design purposes
( b d ) should not be taken as greater than 3 (refer SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.4.1.2)
100As
Where
v
The design shear stress must be less than the maximum design shear stress, if not, either additional shear reinforcement must be added or the
cross-section of the beam should be altered.
To determine the required ratio of shear reinforcement to rebar spacing, apply the following equation:
Asv b(v – vc)

≥
sv 0.87fyv
Where:
fyv is the characteristic strength of the stirrup reinforcement (R16 = 250 MPa = 250 N/mm2)
Example:
Span length ‘L’ = 12375 mm (From Step 6)
wl 99.085 kN/m x 12375 mm 99.085 kN/m x 12.375 m

Then, design shear force V = = = = 613.088 kN (At external support)
2 2 2
Design shear force V = 2 x 613.088 kN = 1226.176 kN, assuming that lengths are the same on either side of the internal support.
The designer should do a proper beam analysis to determine the reaction forces on each support, preferably using a specialist software package
V 1226.176 kN 1226.176 x 103 N

Design shear stress v = = = = 1.830 N/mm2 = 1.830 MPa
bd 1050 mm x 638 mm 1050 mm x 638 mm
As.prov = 7236.0 mm2 (From Step 19)
100As 100 x 7236.0 mm2

bvd 1050 mm x 638 mm
54
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( ) (638400mm)
0.75 30 N/mm2 ⅓ ⅓ ¼
vc = (1.080) = 0.520 N/mm 2 = 0.520 MPa
1.4 25
v > vc therefore additional shear reinforcement must be designed.
To determine the required ratio of shear reinforcement to the reinforcing bar spacing, apply the following equation:
Asv b(v – vc)

≥
sv 0.87fyv
Asv 1050 mm (1.830 N/mm2 – 0.520 N/mm2)

≥ = 6.324 (This ratio will be used in Step 22 to determine the spacing of the stirrups).
sv 0.87 x 250 N/mm2
Step 22: Determine the spacing of stirrups.

sv is the spacing of the stirrups along a beam.
Asv b(v – vc)

≥
sv 0.87fyv
Where:
fyv = the characteristic shear strength of the link reinforcement (R16 = 250 MPa)
Example:
Sv.max = 0.75d = 0.75 x 638 mm = 479 mm
sv = 450 mm (Assumed stirrup spacing)
Number of R16 stirrups = 4 No. (From Step 20)
Therefore the number of legs = 4 No. x 2 legs per stirrup = 8 No.
iAsv.prov = 8 No. x 201 mm2 = 1608 mm2
Asv
= 6.324 (From Step 21)
sv
Asv.req = 6.324 x 450 mm spacing = 2845 mm2

Asv.prov < Asv.req therefore not okay.
Asv.prov 1608 mm2

Sv.max = = = 254.3 mm = 250 mm rounded down
(Asv ÷ sv) 6.324
New Asv.req = 6.324 x 250 mm = 1581 mm2
Asv.prov > Asv.req therefore okay
Provide 4 No. R16 stirrups at 250 mm spacing along the full length of the beam as per Figure 28.
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Step 23: Determine the maximum support bending moment for the beam.
Scenario 1:
External support on continuous beam
Mu.sup = 0
Scenario 2:
1st Internal support on continuous beam
wl2
Mu.sup = –
9
Scenario 3:
2nd Internal support on continuous beam
wl2
Mu.mid = –
12
Scenario 4:
Simply supported beam
Mu.mid = 0
Example:
Beam is continuous one end only (Determined from the layout drawing, refer to Figure 25)
Scenarios 1 and 2 are both applicable, but since the moment on the external support is 0, for this example, only design for the 1st internal
support on the continuous beam (Scenario 2)
Span Length ‘L’ = 12375 mm = 12.375 m (From Figure 25)
Calculate the maximum support bending moment for Beam B1:
wl2 99.085 x (12.375 m)2

Mu.sup = – = = – 1685.993 kN.m.
9 9
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Step 24: Determine the area of tension reinforcing steel required for the beam at the support.
Check if only tension reinforcement is required for the beam or if compression reinforcement is also required.
This is done be checking the ‘K’ value with the applied bending moment, where:
Mu.sup
bd2fcu
If K > 0.156, then compression reinforcement is required in addition to the tension reinforcement.
If this is the case, the designer should increase the width of the beam as it is not ideal to design for compression reinforcement.
This Design Guide will not discuss the design for compression reinforcement at mid-span.
Example:
1685.993 kN.m 1685.993 kN.m

K= = = 0.131
Mu.sup
As.req =
0.87fyz
Example:
1685.993 kN.m 1685.993 x 103 kN.mm

As.req = = = 8203 mm2
0.87 x 450 MPa x 525 mm 0.87 x 450 x 10-3 kN/mm2 x 525 mm
As.min = 0.13 x Ac ÷ 100 = 0.13 x 735.0 x 103 ÷ 100 = 956 mm2
As.max = 4% x (b x tbeam) = 0.04 x (1050 mm x 700 mm) = 29.4 x 103 mm2
As.max > As.req > As.min therefore As.req = 8203 mm2.
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Step 25: Select the spacing and type of tensile reinforcing steel to be used for support bending.
The designer can assume the spacing and number of reinforcing bars to be the same as the spacing for the reinforcement at mid-span as
determined in Step 19 to simplify the fixing of the reinforcing bars.
The required cross-sectional area of each reinforcing bar (As.req) can be determined by dividing the total required area of reinforcement by the
number of reinforcing bars provided.
To meet the minimum cross-sectional area requirements, this cross-sectional area must be compared to the values given in Table 7 to determine
the diameter of the reinforcing bar required.
y 1 + y2 As.req 1
y3 + y4 As.prov βb
Where:
Example:
Beam width b = 1050 mm (From step 15)
Spacing of reinforcing bars = 120 mm (From Step 19)
Number of reinforcing bars = 9 No. Y32 (From Step 19)
From Table 7, a Y32 reinforcing bar has a smaller cross-sectional area (804 mm2 ) than the required reinforcing bar area of 912 mm2
Increase the number of bars to increase the cross-sectional area of reinforcing steel to 9 No. Y32 bars plus 2 No. Y25 bars.
Bundle each outer Y32 reinforcing bar with 1 No. Y25 bar.
The total area As.prov = (9 No. bars x 804 mm2 ) + (2 No. bar x 491 mm2) = 8218 mm2 which is greater than 8203 mm2, therefore reinforcing steel is
okay
1.1 + 1.0 8203 mm2 1

1.2 + 1.6 8218 mm2 1.0
Check that the maximum reinforcing bar spacing is the smaller of 300 mm or 47000 ÷ fs
47000 ÷ fs = 47000 ÷ 293 N/mm2 = 160 mm
Therefore, to cater for the moment, use 9 No. Y32 bars at a spacing of 120 mm plus 2 No. Y25 bundled bars (Refer to Figure 29).
The designer can choose a different spacing than the spacing calculated above and re-check the diameter of the reinforcing bars required.
To determine the most economical reinforcing steeI, it all depends on the maximum spacing allowed for specific diameters of reinforcing bars.
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Step 26: Check the deflections based on the basic allowable span.
To prevent damage to finishes and partitions for beams with spans up to 10 m, the deflection must be limited to span divided by 250.

477 – fs
( )
Mu
120 0.9 +
bd2
The actual span/effective depth ratio can now be calculated using the beam layout shown in Figure 25.
If the actual span/effective depth ratio is bigger than the allowable span/effective depth ratio, the beam fails due to deflection.
Example:
Assume end span condition = continuous one end only (Beam B1 from Figure 25)
Determine the serviceability load:
Where:
DLbeam = 18.750 kN/m2 x 1.050 m wide = 19.688 kN/m (From Step 10)
LLbeam = 5.0 kN/m2 x 1.050 m wide = 5.250 kN/m (From Step 12)
Beam load = (1.1 x 19.688 kN/m) + (1.0 x 5.250 kN/m) = 26.907 kN/m
l = length of Trough acting on Beam B1 = 3500 mm (From Step 13)
DLslab = 9.300 kN/m2 x 3.5 m = 32.550 kN/m (From Step 9)
LLslab = 5.0 kN/m2 x 3.5 m = 17.500 kN/m (From Step 12)
Slab Load w = (1.1 x 32.550 kN/m) + (1.0 x 17.500 kN/m) = 53.305 kN/m
Total serviceability load w = 26.907 kN/m + 53.305 kN/m = 80.212 kN/m
Calculate the service stress:
Where:
As.prov = 7236.0 mm2 (From Step 19)
Total ultimate load wtotal = 99.085 kN/m (From Step 15)
80.212 kN/m 7191 mm2 1 80.212 x 106 N/mm 7191 mm2 1

Service stress = 0.87(450 MPa) x x x = 0.87(450 N/mm 2) x x x = 315 N/mm2
99.085 kN/m 7236 mm2 1 99.085 x 106 N/mm 7236 mm2 1
Where:
Mu = 1517.394 kN.m = 1517.394 x 106 N.mm (From Step 16)
477 – fs 477 N/mm2 – 315 N/mm2

( ) ( )
Mu 1517.394 x 106 N.m
120 0.9 + 120 0.9 N/mm2 +
bd2 1050 mm x (638 mm)2
The modification factor of 0.853 is smaller than 2.0, therefore take the modification factor as 0.853
Where:
(Modification factor) x (Basic span/effective depth ratio) = 0.853 x 24 = 20.472
Span length ‘L’ = 12375 mm (From Step 6)

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19.397 < 20.472 therefore the beam is okay. (Increase the beam width or depth if the actual > allowable)
Step 27: Calculate the actual long-term deflections of the support beams.
The designer needs to determine the Moment of Inertia for the cross-sectional area of the concrete beam.
This is done by taking the width and the thickness of the beam into consideration using the following formula:
bh3
Ix =
12
The short-term modulus of elasticity for the specified strength of the concrete can be determined from Table 8.
5wl4
384EcIx
wl4
EcIx
wl4
EcIx
Example:
Span Length ‘L’ = 12375 mm (From Figure 25)
bh3 1050 mm x (700 mm)3

Ix = = = 30.013 x 109 mm4
12 12
Ec = 28 GPa (From Table 8), therefore Ec = 28 GPa ÷ 2 = 14 GPa
End span condition = One end continuous
δ = 0.0099 = = = 44.322 mm
Span 12375 mm
250 250
44.322 mm < 49.5 mm therefore the long-term deflection of the slab is okay.
If the long-term deflection exceeds the recommended limit, the excessive deflection may be offset by specifying a pre-camber for the beam.
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Step 28: Steel detailing of mid-span tension reinforcing steel for the support beams.
Rule 1. Span:




Example (Beam B1 from Figure 25, non-continuous end):
From Rule 4.4, at the non-continuous end, 50% of the tension reinforcement should extend to the supports and terminate in an effective anchorage
as in Rule 2 above and the remainder should extend to within 0.05L of the centre line of the support
Number of reinforcing bars = 9 No. Y32 bars at a spacing of 120 mm (From Step 19)
In this case, 5 No. Y32 must extend past the centre line of the supports by at least 12 mm x 32 times the diameter = 384 mm
The support is not wide enough to accommodate this, thus ensure that there is at least 384 mm anchorage past the centre line of the support and
that the bend is located at least the cover distance of 30 mm away from the end of beam (For example, extend the two outermost bars on each face)
The remaining reinforcing bars must extend to within 0.05L of the centre line of the support
Support width = 450 mm (From Figure 25)
d = 638 mm (From Step 17).
From Rule 1, Span Length ‘L’ = the lesser of (11925 mm + 638 mm) = 12563 mm and (11925 mm + 225 mm + 225 mm) = 12375 mm
The remaining reinforcing bars must extend to within (0.05 x 12375 mm) = 619 mm of the centre line of the supports.
Example (Beam B1 from Figure 25, continuous end):
Rule 4.1:
30% of the 9 No. reinforcing bars = 2.7 bars
To balance the configuration of the reinforcing bars across the width of the support beam, increase the number of reinforcing bars from 2.7 to 4 bars
These 4 reinforcing bars must extend to the face of the supports.
Rule 4.2:
Half the remainder of the reinforcing bars = (4 bars – 2 bars) = 2 No. bars
Therefore, 2 No. reinforcing bars, shall extend to within 0.2L of the centre line of internal supports, where:
Rule 4.3:
The remaining 2 No. reinforcing bars shall extend to within 0.1L of the centre line of supports
Note:
Although Rules 4.2 and 4.3 are generally applicable, due to the stirrup configuration, all the reinforcing bars should at least extend all the way up to
the inside face of the supports so that the bottom corners of the stirrups can be secured in position.
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Figure 27 below shows the bottom tension reinforcement for Beam B1 (Refer to Figure 23).
5 No. reinforcing bars with a

bend equivalent to 12 x the
bar diameter extended past 5Y32-01-120 B + 4Y32-02-120 B (Alt)
the centre line of the support Non-continuous beam
B
Beam B1
Inside face of Inside face of 450 x 450

support support Columns
450 11925 450
L = 12375
Section A - A
5Y32-01-120 B (Alt) 4Y32-02-120 B (Alt)

(As per rules in Step 28) (As per ‘Note’ in Step 28) Troughs
B
A A
Beam B1
12 x bar diameter L = 12375 12 x bar diameter

(Bent bars) = 384 mm
Plan View
1050
Concrete Beam B1
Note:
Bar Mark 01 = Shape Code 37
700
Bar Mark 02 = Shape Code 20
01 02 01 02 01 02 01 02 01
9Y32-120 B
Section B - B
82 Figure 27 – Bottom Tension Reinforcement For Beam B1

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Step 29: Steel detailing of the stirrups for the support beams.
Provide R16 stirrups type A, B, C and D at a 250 mm spacing (From Step 22), along the full length of Beam B1 (Refer to Figure 25).
In addition to the bottom tension reinforcement, Figure 28 shows the reinforcing stirrups for Beam B1.
5Y32-01-120 B + 4Y32-02-120 B (Alt) 49R16-250 Stirrups type A, B, C and D Non-continuous

beam
B
Beam B1
Inside face of Inside face of 450 x 450

support support Columns
450 11925 450
Section A - A
5Y32-01-120 B (Alt) 4Y32-02-120 B (Alt) 49R16-250 Stirrups Type A, B, C and D

Troughs (As per rules in Step 28) (As per ‘Note’ in Step 28)
A A
Beam B1

Plan View
Concrete Beam B1
A B B C C D D A
01 02 01 02 01 02 01 02 01
9Y32-120 B
Section B - B
Figure 28 – Bottom Reinforcement And Stirrups For Beam B1

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Step 30: Steel detailing of support beam tension reinforcing steel over the supports and nominal top reinforcement at mid-span.
The following rules must be taken into consideration when detailing mid-span tension reinforcement for the support beams of a Trough slab:
Rule 1. Span:
1.1 The assumption is made that the Span Length ‘L’ equals the lesser of the clear span plus the effective depth, and the distance from centre

2.1 No tension reinforcement is required in the top of the beam at the support.


4.1 At least 20% of the top reinforcement in tension over the supports of a continuous beam should be made effectively continuous through
the spans. This is also the percentage of reinforcing steel that must extend to the center line of the non-continuous support.
4.2 Of the remainder, half should extend to a point at least 0.25L from the face of the support, and the other half to a point at least 0.15L from
the face of the support, but no bar should stop at a point less than 45 bar diameters from the face of the support.

Example (Beam B1 from Figure 25, continuous end):
Apply Rule 4 to Beam B1
Tension reinforcement = 9 No. Y32 bars at a spacing of 120 mm plus 2 No. Y25 bundled bars (From Step 25)
Beam B1 is continuous one end only (From Figure 25)
Supports = 450 mm (Assumed)
L = lesser of (11925 mm + 638 mm) = 12563 mm and (11925 mm + 225 mm + 225 mm) = 12375 mm.
Rule 4.1:
20% of the 9 No. reinforcing bars = 1.8 reinforcing bars
To balance the configuration of the reinforcing bars across the width of the beam, increase the number of reinforcing bars from 1.8 to 2 bars
These 2 No. top reinforcing bars must be continuous through the spans.
Rule 4.2:
The remainder of the reinforcing bars = (9 bars – 2 bars) = 7 No. bars
These 7 No. Y32 bars plus 2 No. Y25 bundled bars make up the 80% balance of the top reinforcing bars
Allow the remaining 7 No. reinforcing bars to extend past the face of the support by the larger of 0.25L or 45d from the face of the support
(0.25 x 12375 mm) = 3094 mm and (45 x 32 mm) = 1440 mm
Therefore, extend the remaining 7 No. top reinforcing bars 3094 mm (3100 mm rounded up) past the face of the support.
Note:
To assist with the fixing of the reinforcing bars, it may be prudent to have the same number of top and bottom reinforcing bars
The 7 No. remaining top reinforcing bars may be made continuous, through the length of the beam, using a reduced reinforcing bar diameter
The designer can use any reduced reinforcing bar diameter because the minimum required area of steel is already in place
In this case, it would be the most economical to use 2 No. Y32 and 7 No. Y12 top reinforcing bars over the length of the beam.
Example (Beam B1 from Figure 25, non-continuous end):
Apply Rule 4.1 to Beam B1
20% of the 9 No. reinforcing bars = 1.8 reinforcing bars
To balance the configuration of the reinforcing bars across the width of the beam, increase the number of reinforcing bars from 1.8 to 2 bars
These 2 No. top reinforcing bars must terminate at the center line of the non-continuous support.
64
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In addition to the bottom tension reinforcement and stirrups, Figure 29 shows the top reinforcing bars for Beam B1 (Refer to Figure 25).
2Y32 T (EF) + 7Y12-120 T 9Y32-120 T + 1Y25 T (Bundled bar EF)
Non-continuous 5Y32-01-120 B + 4Y32-02-120 B (Alt) 49R16-250 Stirrups

beam
(As per rules in Step 28) Type A, B, C and D
B
Beam B1
0.25L = 3100
B
Inside face of 450 x 450

support Columns
Inside face of
support
450 11925 450
Section A - A
9Y32-120 T + 1Y25 T (Bundled bar EF)
5Y32-01-120 B (Alt) 4Y32-02-120 B (Alt) 49R16-250 Stirrups

Troughs (As per rules in Step 28) (As per ‘Note’ in Step 28) Type A, B, C and D
A A
Beam B1
2Y32 T (EF) + 7Y12-120 T

Plan View
9Y32-120 T + 1Y25 T EF (Bundled bars)

(As per Step 25)
Concrete Beam B1
A B B C C D D A
01 02 01 02 01 02 01 02 01
9Y32-120 B
Section B - B
Figure 29 – Top And Bottom Reinforcement And Stirrups For Beam B1 85

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PART 3 – Trough slab design – ribs and structural topping (Steps 31 to 50)
Step 31: Identify and name the Trough portions between the beams.
All the beams should be designed as per Steps 1 to 30, before starting the design of the Trough portions of the slab.
Identify all the Trough portions between the support beams, for example A1/B1, A2/B2, etc. as shown in Figure 30.
The identification of each Trough portion will be used as a cross reference during the design phase and later when scheduling the reinforcing steel.
K L M N
L = 12375 L = 6175 L = 6200
450 x 450
Columns Ribs between Troughs Internal support External support
(Ribs ‘X’) beams beams
450
Beam A1 Beam A2
1
Beam E1
Beam G1
Beam F1
le = 4250
3500
A1/B1 A2/B2
E1000
1050
2 Beam B1 Beam B2
le = 4250
Beam E2
Beam G2
Beam F2
M1500
3500
B1/C1 B2/C2
1050
3 Beam C1 Beam C2
E1000
le = 4250
Beam E3
Beam G3
Beam F3
3500
C1/D1 C2/D2
900
Beam D3
Beam D1 Beam D2
Beam G4
Beam H1
450 13 x 900 mm wide Troughs = 11700 900
1050 6 x 900 mm wide 450

Troughs = 5400
Figure 30 – Typical Beam And Trough Layout Showing

Various Trough Portions In-between Beams
Step 32: Select a Trough portion and identify the specific details from the drawing.
Select a Trough portion, for example portion A1/B1 in Figure 30 and determine the Trough length, width of the support beams, effective length and
supporting conditions.
Example:
Trough length = span length of ribs between supports beams = 3500 mm
Support Beam A1 = 450 mm wide (Discontinuous ribs)
Support Beam B1 = 1050 mm wide (Continuous ribs)
The effective length le = 3500 mm + ((450 mm + 1050 mm) ÷ 2) = 4250 mm
End span condition = continuous one end over Beam B1.
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Step 33: Determine the minimum structural topping thickness due to deflection, for the selected Trough height.
The total slab thickness will remain the same as previously determined in Step 9.
Example:
Trough height + topping = 625 mm Trough + 75 mm Topping (From Step 9)
Refer to Figure 24 and Table 19 for the minimum structural topping thickness for the different Trough sizes.
Step 34: Determine the self-weight of the Trough slab and imposed loads on the Trough slab.
The self-weight and imposed loads acting on the Trough slab will be the same as determined in Steps 9 & 12.
Example:
Trough slab self-weight = 9.300 kN/m2 (From Step 9)
Trough slab imposed load = 5.0 kN/m2 (From Step 12)
wslab = (1.2 x 9.300 kN/m2) + (1.6 x 5.0 kN/m2) = 19.160 kN/m2
Step 35: Determine the span end conditions and maximum moments of the Trough slab.
Every slab will have ribs as shown in Figure 30.
Table 20 may be used to determine the maximum moments and maximum shear loads, but it is advised that the designer verifies the results using
specialist beam analysis software.
Table 20 - Ultimate Bending Moments And Shear Forces In

One-way Spanning Slabs
Position Moment Shear
At outer support 0 0.4F
Near middle of end span 0.086Fl 0
At first internal support 0.086Fl 0.6F
At middle of internal spans 0.063Fl 0
At internal supports 0.063Fl 0.5F
Where F = The total ultimate load (1.2Gn + 1.6 Qn)
Example:
le = 4250 mm (From Step 32)
wslab = 19.160 kN/m2 (From Step 34)
wrib = 19.160 kN/m2 x 0.9 m per rib = 17.244 kN/m per rib
F = wl
Msup.outer = 0 kN.m
Msup.inner = -0.086Fl = – 0.086 x 17.244 kN x (4.250 m)2 = – 26.786 kN.m per rib
Mmid-span = 0.086Fl = 0.086 x 17.244 kN x (4.250m)2 = 26.786 kN.m per rib.
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Step 36: Determine the moment of resistance for each Trough rib.
The effective depth of the reinforcing steel is required to determine the moment of resistance.
SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.3.
Assume the concrete cover to reinforcing steel = 30 mm (From Step 7).
The relevant cover to reinforcing steel must be chosen depending on the requirement of structure.
Assume the width of the rib to be the width at the bottom of the rib and not the width at the top of the rib where the rib and the structural topping
meets.
The width brib.bot of the rib used in the moment of resistance calculation will then always be taken as 180 mm (Refer to Figure 24).
Assume the redistribution of moments do not exceed 10%, therefore K = 0.156 (Refer SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.4.1).
Assume concrete strength = 30 MPa.
If the moment of resistance is substantially bigger that the actual maximum bending moments over the complete design, an option would be to
increase the concrete strength.
The moment of resistance is determined using the following equation:
Mr = Kbd2fcu (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.3.4.1)
Example:
brib.bot = 180 mm (From above)
K = 0.156 (Moment distribution smaller than 10%)
Cover = 30 mm (From above)
Tension reinforcing steel = Y20 (Assumed)
Stirrup = R8 (Assumed)
d = tbeam – cover – half bar diameter – diameterstirrup = 700 mm – 30 mm – (20 mm ÷ 2) – 8 mm = 652 mm
Mr = Kbd2fcu = 0.156 x 180 mm x (652 mm)2 x 30 MPa ÷ 1 000 000 = 0.156 x 0.180 m x (0.652 m)2 x 0.03 x 106 kN/m2 = 358.108 kN.m.
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Step 37: Determine the area of tension reinforcing steel required for each rib at mid-span.
Mu.mid
bd2fcu
Example:
This example will only consider the largest mid-span moment
brib.bot = 180 mm (From Step 36)

26.786 kN.m x 1000000 26.786 kN.m
K= = = 0.012
180 mm x (652 mm)2 x 30 MPa 0.180 m x (0.652 m)2 x 30 kN/m2
K < 0.156, therefore only tension reinforcement is required
Mu.mid
As.req =
0.87fyz
The minimum percentage of reinforcing steel for a flanged beam with the web in tension is given in Table 12.
Determine the required area of tension reinforcement:
fy = 450 MPa (From Step 18)
Msx.mid-span 26.786 kN.m 26.786 x 103 kN.mm

As.req = = = = 111 mm2 per rib
Ac = brib.ave x tbeam = 258 mm x 700 mm = 180.6 x 103 mm2 per rib
As.min = 0.13 x Ac ÷ 100 = 0.13 x 180.6 x 103 ÷ 100 = 235 mm2 per rib
As.max = 4% x Ac = 0.04 x (180.6 x 103 mm2) = 7224 mm2 per rib
As.req < As.min therefore As.req = 235 mm2.
49
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Step 38: Select the spacing and type of reinforcing steel to be used for the ribs to cater for mid-span bending.
The required area of reinforcing steel for the ribs has been established.
The ribs are spaced at 900 mm (As shown in Figure 30), and assuming that only 1 No. reinforcing bar is used per rib, a reinforcing bar spacing of
900 mm is accepted.
The total width of a rib at the bottom is 180 mm (From Table 19).
If it is not be possible to have only one reinforcing bar (due to the imposed moments), the designer can use more reinforcing bars, but the spacing
within the rib must be checked to ensure that there is adequate space for concrete to flow around the reinforcing bars.
The required cross-sectional area (As.eq ) per reinforcing bar can be determined by dividing the total area of reinforcing steel required per metre by
the number of reinforcing bars provided at a spacing of 900 mm.
Table 7 must be used to determine the diameter of the reinforcing bars that are required to meet the minimum cross-sectional area requirements.
The designer must now check that the assumed calculated spacing is smaller than the maximum spacing allowed for the specific section if more
than one reinforcing bar is required.
The maximum spacing of reinforcing bars is the smaller of 300 mm or 47000 ÷ fs (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.11.8.2.1.4).
(Note that this only applies to slabs and beams).
By default, the ribs aret spaced at 900 mm center to center which is allowed for in the reinforcement calculation.
y 1 + y2 As.req 1
The service stress fs = 0.87fy x x x (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.6.3.1)
Where:
(Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.6.3.1; SANS 10160-1, Table 3, and SANS 10160-1, clause 8.3.1.1).
Example:
Number of reinforcing bars = 1 No. per rib (Reinforcing bar spacing is not applicable because only 1 No. reinforcing bar is used)
brib.bot = 180 mm (From Table 19)
Area of 1 No. Y20 reinforcing bar = 314 mm2 (From Table 7)
As.prov = 314 mm2 which is greater than the required area of 235 mm2, therefore 1 No. Y20 reinforcing bar is sufficient to cater for the moment
1.1 + 1.0 235 mm2 1

1.2 + 1.6 314 mm2 1.0
47000 ÷ fs = 47000 ÷ 220 N/mm2 = 214 mm
By default, the spacing of 214 mm will not be applicable in the rib calculation due to the ribs being at a spacing of 900 mm centre to centre.
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Step 39: Selecting the number of stirrups for the ribs.
It is good practice to have longitudinal bars in the corners of each stirrup.
The number of stirrups is based on the number of longitudinal tension reinforcing bars present in the rib under consideration.
Each stirrup in the ribs has 2 vertical legs (As shown in Figure 31) which provides a central position at the bottom for 1 No. longitudinal tension
reinforcing bar.
The intervals or spacing at which the stirrups are positioned along the length of the rib, is based on the shear resistance required for the rib as
discussed in Step 40.
Assume all stirrups are R8 mild steel reinforcing bars.

200
75
R8 Stirrup
700
625
Longitudinal tension reinforcing bar
180
Figure 31 – Typical Cross-Section Showing Stirrup In Trough Rib
Step 40: Check the shear resistance of the rib.

The design shear force due to the design maximum loads for the ultimate limit state must be determined.
Example:
wrib = 17.244 kN/m per rib (From Step 35)
le = 4250 mm (From Step 32)
Vsup.outer = 0.4F (From Table 20) = 0.4 x 17.244 kN x 4.250 m = 29.315 kN
Vsup.inner = 0.6F (From Table 20) = 0.6 x 17.244 kN x 4.250 m = 43.972 kN
The design shear stress ‘v’ at any x-section of the rib shall not exceed a value of the lesser of 0.75√(fcu) or 4.75 MPa
V
bd
(25) ( b d ) (400
d )
0.75 fcu ⅓ 100As ⅓ ¼
ym v
100As
shall not be taken as greater than 3. (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.4.1.2)
bvd
The design shear stress should be less than the maximum design shear stress, if not, additional shear reinforcing steel must be added.
The cross-section of a rib cannot be altered to allow for increased shear capacity as was the case in the design of the support beams.
To determine the required ratio of shear reinforcement to reinforcing bar spacing, apply the following equation:
Asv b(v – vc)

≥
sv 0.87fyv
Where:
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Example:
Partial safety factor for materials for shear strength without shear reinforcement and shear taken by concrete in combination with shear
reinforcement ym = 1.40 (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 3.3.3.2)
Vsup.inner = 0.6F = 0.6 x 117.244 kN x 4.250 m = 43.972 kN
Therefore, design shear force V = 43.972 kN per rib
(The designer should prepare a proper beam analysis to determine the reaction forces on each support using specialist software packages)
brib.ave = 258 mm (From Step 37)
V
bd
v = 43.972 kN = 43.972 x 103 N = 0.261 x 10 3 N/mm2 = 0.261 MPa

258 mm x 652 mm 258 mm x 652 mm
As.prov = 1 No. Y16 reinforcing bar = 314 mm2 (From Step 38)
100As 100 x 314 mm2

bvd 258 mm x 652 mm
( ) (652400mm)
0.75 30 MPa ⅓ ⅓ ¼
vc = (0.187) = 0.288 MPa
1.4 25
v < vc therefore no additional shear reinforcement is required
Determine the required ratio of shear reinforcement to reinforcing bar spacing:
Asv b(v – vc)

≥
sv 0.87fyv
Asv 258 mm (0.261 MPa – 0.288 MPa)

≥ = – 0.032 (This ratio will be used in Step 41 to determine the spacing of the stirrups)
sv 0.87 x 250 MPa
The negative value is a further indication that no shear reinforcement is required and that the longitudinal tension reinforcement is sufficient to
cater for the shear.
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Step 41: Determine the spacing of the stirrups in the ribs.
sv is the spacing of the stirrups along a rib.
Asv b(v – vc)

≥
sv 0.87fyv
Where:
Example:
Sv.max = 0.75d = (0.75 x 652 mm) = 489 mm
Assumed stirrup spacing sv = 450 mm
Number of R8 stirrups = 1 No. (From Figure 31)
Thus number of legs = 1 No. stirrup x 2 legs per stirrup = 2 No. legs
Asv
= – 0.032 (From Step 40)
sv
Asv.req = – 0.032 x 450 mm = – 14.41 mm2. The area required cannot be less than 0, therefore accept R8 stirrups at a spacing of 450 mm
Step 42: Determine the area of nominal reinforcement at mid-span and at the supports for the Trough slab.
A single layer of mesh reinforcement should be provided to control cracking in the structural topping.
The mesh should have a cross-sectional area of at least 0.12% of the cross-sectional area of the topping, in each direction, and the spacing of
the bars in the mesh should not exceed half the centre to centre distance between the ribs.
Example:
btopping = 900 mm per rib
As.mesh = 0.12 % x 67.5 x 103 mm2 = 81 mm2 per 900 mm wide structural topping over each rib
Referring to Table 13, Mesh Ref 193 = 98.4 mm2 > 81 mm2
Use Mesh Ref 193 for the nominal reinforcement.
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coffers and troughs
Step 43: Determine the area of tensile reinforcing steel required for the rib at the support beam.
Mu.sup
bd2fcu
Example:
brib.ave = 258 mm (From Table 19)
26.786 kN.m 26.786 kN.m

K= = = 0.008
258 mm x (652 mm)2 x 30 MPa 0.258 m x (0.652 m)2 x 30 x103 kN/m2
Mu.sup
As.req =
0.87fyz
The minimum percentage of reinforcing steel for a flanged beam is given in Table 14.
Msx.support = – 26.786 kN.m per rib (From Step 35)
fy = 450 MPa (From Step 18)
26.786 kN.m 26.786 x 103 kN.mm

As.req = = = 111 mm2
0.87 x 450 MPa x 619 mm 0.87 x 450 x10-3 kN/mm2 x 619 mm
As.min = 0.26 x Ac ÷ 100 = 0.26 x 67.5 x 103 ÷ 100 = 176 mm2
As.max = 4% x Ac = (0.04 x 67.5 x 103 mm2 ) = 2700 mm2
As.max > As.req > As.min therefore As.req = 176 mm2 per rib (Or every 900 mm center to center of ribs).
54
94
Coffers and Troughs
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 44: Select the spacing and type of tensile reinforcing steel to be used at the rib support for bending.
The required area of tensile reinforcement required for the rib at the support beam has been established.
The designer can assume the spacing between top tensile reinforcing bars to be 900 mm centre to centre, because this is the spacing of the
ribs.
Compare the cross-sectional area determined in Step 43 to the values given in Table 7, to determine the minimum diameter of the reinforcing
bars required.
Note:
If there is a marginal shortfall of top reinforcement, the mesh reinforcing in the structural topping should be taken into account, as calculated
in Step 42.
Example:
As.req = 176 mm2 per 900 mm rib spacing (From Step 43) due to the minimum cross-sectional area of the concrete structural topping
As.req = 111 mm2 per 900 mm rib spacing (From Step 43) due to the actual support moment
As.mesh = 98.4 mm2 per 900 mm wide structural topping over each rib (From Step 42)
Therefore, the new area of steel required As.req.new = 176 mm2 – 98.4 mm2 = 77.6 mm2
From Table 7, 1 No. Y12 reinforcing bar with a cross-sectional area of 113 mm2 in the structural topping is sufficient
The total area As.prov = 98.4 mm2 + 113 mm2 = 211.4 mm2
As.prov > As.req therefore tension reinforcing steel okay
1.1 + 1.0 176 mm2 1

1.2 + 1.6 211.4 mm2 1.0
47000 ÷ fs = 47000 ÷ 244 N/mm2 = 193 mm
The mesh reinforcing bar spacing of 200 mm for is larger than the maximum spacing of 193 mm.
In this case, the 1 No. Y12 provided (113 mm2) is larger than the actual area of steel required due to the moment (111 mm2), therefore the
spacing can be ignored.
95
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 45: Check the deflections based on the basic allowable span of the ribs.
To prevent damage to finishes and partitions for beams of spans up to 10 m, the deflection must be limited to span divided by 250.

477 – fs
( )
Mu
120 0.9 +
bd2
The actual span/effective depth ratio can now be calculated from the rib layout shown in Figure 30.
If the actual span/effective depth ratio is bigger than the allowable span/effective depth ratio, the rib fails due to deflection.
Example:
End span condition = Continuous one end over Beam B1 (Trough slab A1/B1 from Figure 30)
DLrib = 9.300 kN/m2 x 0.9 m per rib = 8.370 kN/m per rib
LLslab = 5.0 kN/m2 (From Step 12).
LLrib = 5.0 kN/m2 x 0.9 m per rib = 4.5 kN/m per rib
Rib Ultimate Load wrib.ult = (1.2 x 8.370 kN/m) + (1.6 x 4.5 kN/m) = 17.244 kN/m per rib
Rib Serviceability load wrib.ser = (1.1 x 8.37 kN/m) + (1.0 x 4.5 kN/m) = 13.707 kN/m per rib
Determine the service stress:
y1 + y 2 As.req 1
The service stress fs = 0.87(450 MPa) x x x (Refer to SABS 0100-1 Ed.2.2, clause 4.3.6.3.1)
y3 + y4 As.prov βb
13.707 kN/m 235 mm2 1 13.707 x 106 N/mm 235 mm2 1

Service stress fs = 0.87(450 MPa) x x x = 0.87(450 N/mm 2) x x x = 232.9 N/mm2
17.244 kN/m 314 mm 2 1 6
17.244 x 10 N/mm 314 mm2 1
Mmid-span = 26.786 kN.m (From Step 35)
477 – fs 477 N/mm2 – 232.9 N/mm2

( ) ( )
Mu 26.786 x 106 N.mm
120 0.9 + 120 0.9 N/mm2 +
bd2 258 mm x (652 mm)2
The modification factor of 2.327 is larger than 2.0, therefore take the modification factor as 2.0
Where:
(Modification factor) x (Basic span/effective depth ratio) = 2.0 x 24 = 48
le = 4250 mm (From Step 31, Figure 30)
6.518 < 48, therefore the rib is okay.
96
Coffers and Troughs
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 46: Calculate the actual long-term deflections for the ribs.
Determine the Moment of Inertia for the cross-sectional area of the rib.
This is done by taking the width and the thickness of the rib into consideration using the following formula:
bh3
Ix =
12
The short-term modulus of elasticity for the specified strength of the concrete can be determined using Table 8.
5wl4
384EcIx
wl4
EcIx
wl4
EcIx
Long term deflections can then be determined using the following formula:
Example:
Rib Serviceability Load wrib = 13.707 kN/m per rib (From Step 45)
I = lex = 4250 mm (From Step 32)
bh3 258 mm x (700 mm)3

Ix = = = 7.375 x 109 mm4
12 12
Ec = 28 GPa (From Table 8), therefore Ec = 28 GPa ÷ 2 = 14 Gpa
End span condition = One end continuous
Actual long-term deflection
δ = 0.0099 = = = 0.4 mm
Span 4250 mm
250 250
0.4 mm < 17.0 mm therefore the deflection of the rib is okay.
97
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 47: Steel detailing of mid-span tension reinforcing steel for the ribs.
Rule 1. Span:



Only the reinforcement required for the short span needs to be determined.
The same reinforcement configuration can then be applied to the ribs in the long span.
Example:
b = 180 mm (From Table 19)
Tension reinforcement = 1 No. of Y20 reinforcing bar (From Step 38)
The Trough section is non-continuous at Beam A1 and continuous over Beam B1 (From Figure 30)
Supports = 450 mm (Beam A1) and 1050 mm (Beam B1)
L = lesser of (3500 mm + 652 mm) = 4152 mm and (3500 mm + (450 mm + 1050 mm) ÷ 2) = 5000 mm.
It is further recommended that bottom steel is detailed to pass the centre line of the supports by the anchorage length given in Rule 2.1 above.
In this case, Y20 reinforcing bars are used for bottom steel, therefore each reinforcing bar should pass the centre line of the supports by at least
20 mm x 12 times the diameter = 240 mm.
98
Coffers and Troughs
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Figure 32 shows the bottom tension reinforcement for the Trough ribs.
1 No. reinforcing bar with a

bend equivalent to 12 x the
bar diameter extended past 12 x bar diameter
the centre line of the support = 240 mm
B
700
B
1Y20 B (Each Rib)

450 x 450
columns
Section A - A
Support beam
1Y20 B (Each Rib)
B Beam F1 Beam F2
CL Troughs
A A
900
Beam B1
Beam A1
CL Troughs
B Trough ribs
12 x bar diameter
= 240 mm
4250
Plan View
700
Beam F1
Trough ribs
1Y20 B (Each Rib)
Section B - B
Figure 32 – Bottom Tension Reinforcement For Trough Ribs 99

TROUGH SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 48: Steel detailing of the stirrups for the ribs of the Trough slab.
Provide R8 stirrups at a 450 mm spacing (From Step 41), along the full length of the Trough rib.
For this example, no additional reinforcement will be provided at the top of each stirrup, other than the layer of mesh Ref 193.
In addition to the bottom tension reinforcement, Figure 33 shows the reinforcing stirrups for the short span ribs.
9R8-450 Stirrups 12 x bar diameter

(Each Rib) = 240 mm
B
700
B
1 No. reinforcing bar per
rib with a bend equivalent
to 12 x the bar diameter
1Y20 B (Each Rib)
extended past the centre
line of the support 450 x 450
columns
Section A - A
Support beam
1Y20 B (Each Rib)
B Beam F1 Beam F2
CL Troughs
A A
900
Beam B1
Beam A1
CL Troughs
B Trough ribs
9R8-450 Stirrups (Each Rib) 12 x bar diameter

= 240 mm
4250
Plan View
700
9R8-450 Stirrups Beam F1

(Each Rib)
Trough ribs
1Y20 B (Each Rib)
Section B - B
100 Figure 33 – Bottom Tension Reinforcement And Stirrups For Short Span Ribs
Coffers and Troughs
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

Step 49: Steel detailing of nominal reinforcing steel at mid-span and the supports for the Trough slab.
Nominal reinforcement = Mesh Ref 193 (From Step 42).
Therefore, install 1 layer of mesh Ref 193 over the complete area of Trough beams and ribs to control cracking and to act as nominal reinforcement
within the Trough slab areas.
In addition to the bottom tension reinforcement and stirrups, Figure 34 shows the mesh reinforcement.
9R8-450 Stirrups 12 x bar diameter Mesh Ref 193

(Each Rib) = 240 mm
B
700
B
1 No. reinforcing bar per
1Y20 B (Each Rib)
columns
Section A - A
1Y20 B (Each Rib) Support beam
B Beam F1 Beam F2
3
f 19 CL Troughs
Re
sh
A Me A
900
Beam B1
Beam A1
CL Troughs
B Trough ribs
9R8-450 Stirrups (Each Rib) 12 x bar diameter

= 240 mm
4250
Plan View
Mesh Ref 193

700

(Each Rib)
Trough ribs
1Y20 B (Each Rib)
Section B - B
Figure 34 – Bottom Reinforcement, Stirrups And Mesh For Trough Ribs
101
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN

coffers and troughs
Step 50: Steel detailing of tension reinforcing steel at the support and the nominal top reinforcing steel at mid-span.
Rule 1. Span:

2.1 No tension reinforcing steel in top of beam required at support.


4.1 At least 20% of the top reinforcement in tension over supports of a continuous beam should be made effectively continuous through the
spans.
4.2 Half the remainder shall extend to within 0.25L from the face of the support.
4.3 The remaining reinforcement shall extend to a point at least 0.15L from the face of the support, but no bar should stop at a point less than
45 bar diameters from the face of the support.
(Refer to SABS 0144 Ed.3, clauses 7.10.4 and 7.10.5.3.3).
Example:
btopping = 900 mm (From Step 42)
Tension rebar = 1 No. Y20 reinforcing bar at a spacing of 900 mm (From Step 38)
The Trough section is non-continuous at Beam A1 and continuous over Beam B1 (From Figure 30)
Supports = 450 mm (Beam A1) and 1050 mm (Beam B1)
L = lesser of (3500 mm + 652 mm) = 4152 mm and (3500 mm + (450 mm + 1050 mm) ÷ 2) = 5000 mm.
At least 20% of the top tension reinforcing steel should be continuous through the spans.
It is recommended that the remaining 80% of the top reinforcing steel extends to within 0.25L or 45 x bar diameter from the face of the support,
whichever is the larger length.
In this case, 1 No. Y20 is used for the top reinforcing steel.
This reinforcing bar should extend past the face of the support by the larger of (0.25 x 4152 mm) = 1038 mm and (45 x 20 mm diameter) = 900 mm.
Extend the reinforcing bar 1038 mm (Rounded off = 1050 mm) past the face of the support (Refer to Figure 35).
102
Coffers and Troughs
TROUGH SLAB DESIGN
coffers and troughs

In addition to the bottom tension reinforcement, stirrups and mesh, Figure 35 shows the top tension reinforcement.
Mesh Ref 193 0.25L = 1050 mm
9R8-450 Stirrups 1Y20 T (Each Rib)

(Each Rib)
B
Stirrups
700
B
1 No. reinforcing bar per Bottom reinforcement
1Y20 B (Each Rib)
columns
Section A - A
1Y20 B (Each Rib)

Support beam
Beam F1 B Beam F2
3
f 19 CL Troughs
Re
sh
A Me A
900
Beam B1
Beam A1
CL Troughs
B Trough ribs
9R8-450 Stirrups (Each Rib) 1Y20 T (Each Rib)
4250 12 x bar diameter

= 240 mm
Plan View
Mesh Ref 193

700

(Each Rib)
Trough ribs
1Y20 T & B (Each Rib)
Section B - B
Figure 35 – Top And Bottom Reinforcement, Stirrups And Mesh For Trough Ribs
Work through Steps 1 to 50 until all the Trough beams and ribs are designed. 103
INTRODUCTION Coffers and Troughs
SUMMARY
coffers and troughs
Concrete design for Coffer and Trough slabs
Prior to starting a Coffer or Trough slab design, it is recommended that the designer works in conjunction with the architect/structural engineer to
establish the required overall parameters of the project (such as the minimum clearance height between floor levels, overall height of the structure,
fire resistance requirements, etc.).
In addition, the designer should:
Refer to the architectural and design considerations shown on Pages 3 and 4 of this Concrete Design Guide.
Refer to the Form-Scaff Technical User Guide which provides technical information regarding the various formwork components that make up
the Coffer and Trough systems.
Contact Form-Scaff to confirm the availability of the Coffer or Trough equipment and the support work required for the concrete structure.
For the design of a Coffer slab, follow Steps 1 to 50 shown on pages 10 to 54 for worked examples.
For the design of a Trough slab, follow Steps 1 to 50 shown on pages 61 to 103 for worked examples.
Final analysis, reinforced concrete detailing and the checking of drawings and bending schedules for the Coffer and Trough slabs, must be carried
out by a suitably qualified professional, competent in reinforced concrete design.
As previously mentioned, this Concrete Design Guide should be used as a guide only.
Note:
This Concrete Design Guide may be also used in conjunction with the ‘Coffer and Trough Concrete Design Programme’ which is available from
Form-Scaff on request.
104
64
ABBREVIATIONS Coffers and Troughs
REFERENCE TABLES PAGE
coffers and troughs

Table 1 - Concrete And Mass Reduction Values 04
Table 2 - Step By Step Design Procedure For Coffer Slabs 06
Table 3 - Coffer Dimensions And Approximate Displacement Values 08
Table 4 - Basic Span/Effective Depth Ratios For Rectangular Beams 11
Table 5 - Structural Topping Thickness For Coffers 12
Table 6 - Minimum Percentage Of Reinforcing Steel 19
Table 7 - Cross-Sectional Area Of Reinforcing Bars Per m Width (mm2) 20
Table 8 - Modulus Of Elasticity Of Concrete 29
Table 9 - Minimum Structural Topping Thickness For Coffers Due To Deflection 36
Table 10 - Bending Moment Coefficients For Rectangular Panels Supported On Four Sides With Provision For Torsional 37
Reinforcement At The Corners
Table 11 - Bending Moment Coefficients For Slabs Spanning In Two Directions At Right Angles And Simply Supported 38
On Four Sides
Table 12 - Minimum Percentage Of Reinforcement (For Flanged Beam With Web In Tension) 40
Table 13 - Mesh Reinforcement 44
Table 14 - Minimum Percentage Of Reinforcement (For Flanged Beam With Flange In Tension Over Continuous Support) 45
Table 15 - Step By Step Design Procedure For Trough Slabs 56
Table 16 - Trough Middle Sections Dimensions And Approximate Displacement Values 58
Table 17 - Trough End Dimensions And Approximate Displacement Values 59
Table 18 - Preferred Trough Combinations 62
Table 19 - Minimum Structural Topping Thickness For Troughs Due To Deflection 65
Table 20 - Ultimate Bending Moments And Shear Forces In One-way Spanning Slabs 87
105
ABBREVIATIONS Coffers and Troughs
ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS

coffers and troughs
Ac Area Of Concrete (mm2) MPa Megapascal
Alt Alternating m Metre
As Area Of Tension Reinforcement (mm2) m3 Cubic Metres
As.max Maximum Area Of Tension Reinforcement (mm2) m2 Square Metres
As.mesh Maximum Area Of Mesh Reinforcement (mm2) mm Millimeter
As.min Minimum Area Of Tension Reinforcement (mm2) Max Maximum
As.prov Area Of Tension Reinforcement Provided (mm2) Mmid-span Max. Moment At Mid-Span (kN.m)
As.req Area Of Tension Reinforcement Required (mm2) Mr Moment Of Resistance
As.req.new New Area Of Tension Reinforcement Required (mm2) Msup.outer Max. Moment At Outer Support (kN.m)
Asv Area Of Shear Reinforcement (mm2) Msup.inner Max. Moment At Inner Support (kN.m)
Asv.prov Area Of Shear Reinforcement Provided (mm2) Msx Max. Moment In x-x Direction (kN.m)
Asv.req Area Of Shear Reinforcement Required (mm2) Msy Max. Moment In y-y Direction (kN.m)
αsx, αsy Bending Moment Coefficient Msx.sup Max. Moment At Support For Short Span (kN.m)
βb Ratio Of Resistance Moment At mid-span Msx.mid-span Max. Moment At Mid-Span For Short Span (kN.m)
βsx, βsy Bending Moment Coefficients Msy.sup Max. Moment At Support For Long Span (kN.m)
B Bottom Msy.mid-span Max. Moment At Mid-Span For Long Span (kN.m)
b Width, Effective Width (mm) Mu Ultimate Moment (kN.m)
brib.ave Average Rib Width (mm) Mu.mid Ultimate Moment At mid-span (kN.m)
brib.bot Rib Width At Bottom (mm) Mu.sup Ultimate Moment At Support (kN.m)
brib.top Rib Width At Top (mm) n Load On Slab (kN)
btopping Width Of Beam Flange (mm) No. Number Of
bv Width Of Section (mm) R Mild Steel
bwh Cross-sectional Area (mm2) SLS Serviceability Limit States
d Effective Depth (mm) sv Stirrup Spacing (mm)
CL Centre Line sv.max Maximum Stirrup Spacing (mm)
δ Deflection (mm) T Top
diameterstirrup Diameter Of Stirrup (mm) t Concrete Or Slab Thickness (mm)
DL Dead load tbeam Concrete Beam Thickness (mm)
DLbeam Dead Load On Beam (kN/m2) ttopping Structural Topping Thickness (mm)
DLrib Dead Load On Rib (kN/m) UDL Uniformly Distributed Load (kN)
DLslab Dead Load On Slab (kN/m2) ULS Ultimate Limit States
Ec Modulus Of Elasticity Of Concrete (GPa) V Design Shear Force (kN)
EF Each Face v Design Shear Stress (MPa)
F Total Ultimate Load (kN) Vsup.inner Shear Force At Inner Support (kN)
fcu Characteristic Strength Of Concrete (MPa) Vsup.outer Shear Force At Outer Support (kN)
fs Service Stress In Tension Reinforcement (MPa) vmax Mazimum Shear Stress (MPa)
fy Characteristic Strength Of Reinforcement (MPa) vc Design Ultimate Shear Stress (MPa)
fyv Characteristic Strength Of Link Reinforcement (MPa) w Load (kN)
GPa Gigapascal wbeam Self Weight Of Concrete Beam (kN/m2)
> Greater Than Wrib.ult Ultimate Load Of Rib (kN)
≥ Greater Than Or Equal To Wrib.ser Serviceability Load Of Rib (kN)
h Depth, Thickness (mm) wslab Self Weight Of Concrete Slab (kN/m2)
Ix Moment Of Inertia (mm4) wtotal Total Ultimate Load (kN/m)
K Deflection Coefficient Y High Yield
kN Kilonewton ym Partial Safety Factor
L,l Length Or Span Length (m), (mm) y1 Self-weight Load Factor for SLS
LL Live Load y2 Imposed Load Factor for SLS
LLbeam Live Load On Beam (kN/m2) y3 Self-weight Load Factor for ULS
LLrib Live Load On Rib (kN/m) y4 Impose Load Factor for ULS
LLslab Live Load On Slab (kN/m2) z Lever Arm (mm)
Lx, Ly Length Of Ribs
le Effective Length Of Span (mm)
lex Effective Length Of Short Span (mm)
lx Length Of Short Side Of Slab (mm) Conversions
ley Effective Length Of Long Span (mm)
1 GPa = 1000 MPa = 1000000 kPa
ly Length Of Long Side Of Slab (mm)
1 MPa = 1000 kN/m2 = 0.001 kN/mm2
< Less Than
1 kN = 100 kg = 0.1 ton
≤ Less Than Or Equal To
1000 mm = 100 cm = 1m
106
NOTES
coffers and troughs
107
108
coffers and troughs NOTES
NOTES
coffers and troughs
109
coffers and troughs
For Engineering & Design, please contact:
Waco Engineering Services:

181 Barbara Road, Elandsfontein, 1600
+27 11 842 4000
[email protected]
www.wacoengineering.co.za
For Product Information & Pricing, please contact:
Form-Scaff:
181 Barbara Road, Elandsfontein, 1600
+27 11 842 4000
[email protected]
www.formscaff.com

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Concrete Design

Guide coffers and troughs

Mesh Ref 245

Short Span Rib

The WES team of

Working with Form-Scaff, WES

By getting WES involved from

coffers and troughs

Page 03 Architectural considerations and advantages

Page 04 Structural considerations and advantages

Page 05 Coffer slab design:

Page 06 Design procedure

Page 10 PART 1 - Coffer beam identification (Steps 1 to 12)

Page 15 PART 2 - Coffer support beam design (Steps 13 t0 30)

Page 55 Trough slab design:

Page 56 Design procedure

Page 61 PART 1 - Trough and beam identification (Steps 1 to 12)

Page 68 PART 2 - Trough support beam design (Steps 13 t0 30)

Page 104 Summary

Page 105 Reference Tables

Page 106 Abbreviations and conversions

Page 109 Branch Contact Details

Edition 1 – November 2020 01

Design and drawings

Coffer and Trough Equipment:

Standards and compliance documentation

SANS 10400 The application of the National Building Regulations

SANS 0100-1 The structural use of concrete - Design

SANS 920 Steel bars for concrete reinforcement

SANS 10160-1 Basis of structural design

SANS 10160-2 Self weight and imposed loads

SANS 10144 Detailing of steel reinforcement for concrete

Other Compliance Documentation

Construction Regulations, 2014.

Coffer and Trough Technical User Guide.

ARCHITECTURAL CONSIDERATIONS AND ADVANTAGES

coffers and troughs

Coffer and Trough illustrations

Additional concrete beam Concrete beams Coffer slab

Coffer Panels Between Support Beams Coffer Panel on Column Head

Trough slab Concrete beams

Trough Panel With Beams On All 4 Sides

Figure 1 – Examples Of Coffer And Trough Configurations

STRUCTURAL CONSIDERATIONS AND ADVANTAGES

Concrete and mass reduction values

Table 1 - Concrete And Mass Reduction Values

Coffer/Trough Concrete *Concrete Dead Weight

525 0.286 - 7.150

425 0.248 - 6.200

325 0.207 - 5.175

225 0.144 - 3.600

625 - 0.370 9.250

525 - 0.332 8.300

425 - 0.278 6.950

325 - 0.214 5.350

225 - 0.152 3.800

Cover to reinforcing steel

coffers and troughs

COFFER SLAB DESIGN

Table 2 - Step By Step Design Procedure For Coffer Slabs