Direct Design Method

[DDM]
This method (DDM) is restricted to vertical loads only. For lateral
loads the Equivalent Frame Method (EFM) should be used.

DDM consists of certain steps for distributing moments to slab and

beam sections to satisfy safety requirements and most serviceability
requirements simultaneously.

Limitations of t he Direct Design Method

The slab system, to be designed using the DDM, should conform to

the following limitations as given by ACI Code 13.6.1:
1. Minimum of three continuous spans in each direction.
2. Panels must be rectangular (L / S ≤ 2.0).
3. Successive span in each direction must not differ by more than 1/3
the longer span (Ln/Ln-1 ≤ 1/3).
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
Limitations of t he Direct Design Method (contd.)

4. Columns must not be offset more than 10% of the span in the
direction of offset from either axis between centerlines of successive
columns.
5. Loads must be due to gravity only and uniformly distributed over
the entire panel. The live load must not exceed 2 times the dead load.
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
Limitations of the Direct Design Method (contd.)

6- For a panel with beams between α’1

supports on all sides, the relative l2 α’2 α’4

stiffness of beams in two perpendicular α’3

1l2 2 l1
directions [  ]l 2is not to be less than
2 1  '  '  '  '4
0.20 and not greater than 5.0. 1  1 3 &  2  2
2 2
Eb I b
where flexural stiffness of beam where  
 Es I s
flexural stiffness of slab E b  Modulus of elasticity of beam
 '  '
1  in direction of l1  1 3 Es  Modulus of elasticity of slab
2
 '  '4 Ib  Moment of inertia for beam
 2  in direction of l2  2
2 Is  Moment of inertia for slab
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
Design Procedure

1- Determination of the total factored static moment [M o]

Total factored static moment for a span is determined in a strip

bounded laterally by centerline of panel on each side of centerline of
supports, as shown in Figure

l1
l2 B A
ln1
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
1- Determination of the total factored static moment [Mo] (contd.)

Total factored static moment for a span is determined in a strip

bounded laterally by centerline of panel on each side of centerline of
supports, as shown in Figure.

ln l1
1

l2
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
1- Determination of the total factored static moment [Mo] (contd.)

MA MB wu l2 (ln1 ) 2
Mo   MC 
2 8

Where
Wu is the factored load per unit area

ln1 is clear span in the direction moments are

being determined, measured center-to-center
of supports / column.
L2 is taken as the average of adjacent transverse spans.
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
2- Distribution of Mo to negative and positive moments
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
2- Distribution of Mo to negative and positive moments

In an interior span
Total factored static moment Mo is distributed in such a way that the
negative factored moment at face of support is taken as 0.65 Mo , and
positive factored moment at mid span is taken as o 0.35 Mo .

Interior span

Mo 0.65

Mo 0.35
To Example
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
2- Distribution of Mo to negative and positive moments (contd.)

In end span
Total factored static moment Mo is distributed as shown in the
following figures.

1- For exterior edge unrestrained,

e.g., supported by masonry wall
End span

Mo 0.75

To Table Mo 0.63
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
2- Distribution of Mo to negative and positive moments (contd.)

2- For slab with beams between all supports,

End span
Interior beam
Edge beam

Mo 0.7
Mo 0.16

Mo 0.57
3A- For slab without beams,
e.g., Flat Plate End span

Mo 0.7
Mo 0.26 To Example

To Table
Mo 0.52
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
2- Distribution of Mo to negative and positive moments (contd.)

3B- For slab without beams between interior supports but with edge
beam, End span
Edge beam
Mo 0.7
Mo 0.3

Mo 0.5
4- For exterior edge fully restrained,
Monolithic concrete wall
End span

Mo 0.65 Mo 0.65

To Table
Mo 0.35
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
2- Distribution of Mo to negative and positive moments (contd.)

Distribution factors applied to static moment Mo for positive and

negative moments in end span.

Case 1 Case 2 Case 3A Case 3B Case 4

Slab without Beams
Slab with between Interior Exterior
Exterior Beams supports Edge
Edge between Fully
Without With
Unrestraine All Edge Beams Edge Beams Restraine
d supports` d
Interior
0.75 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.65
negative
moment
Positive moment 0.63 0.57 0.52 0.50 0.35

Exterior 0.16 0.26 0.30 0.65

0.00
negative
moment
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
3- Distribution of the positive and negative factored moments to the
column and middle strips

Columns strip: l2A l2B

is a design strip with a l2A / l2A / l2B / l2B /
min.( l1 /4, 2 min.( 2
l1 /4, 2
min.( 2
l1 /4,
width on each side of a l2A /4)
l2A /4) l2B /4)
column centerline equal
to smaller of 0.25 l1

column strip
Interior
column strip
Exterior
l1
0.25 l2

Middle strip ½

Middle strip ½
Middle strip ½
Column strip includes
beams, if any.
Middle strip:
is a design strip
bounded by two column
strips.
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
3- Distribution of the positive and negative factored moments to the
column and middle strips (contd.)

a- Factored moments in column strips

For Interior Panel

For interior negative moment, column strips have to be proportioned
to resist the following portions in percent of the interior negative
factored moments with linear interpolation made for intermediate
values.
l2 / l 1 0.5 1.0 2.0
α1 l2 / l1 = 0 75 75 75
α1 l2 / l1 ≥ 1.0 90 75 45

α1 is the ratio of flexural stiffness of beam to stiffness of slab in

direction l1.
E cb I b Ib
α1  
To Example E cs I s Is
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
a- Factored moments in column strips (contd.)

For Exterior Panel

For exterior negative moments, column strips should be proportioned
to resist the following portions in percent of the exterior negative
factored moments with linear interpolation made for intermediate
values.
l2 / l 1 0.5 1.0 2.0

α1 l2 / l1 = 0 β1 = 0.0 100 100 100

Ib β1 ≥ 2.5 75 75 75
α1  100 100 100
Is α 1 l2 / l1 ≥ 1.0 β1 = 0.0
β1 ≥ 2.5 90 75 45
&
β1 is the ratio of torsional stiffness of edge beam to flexural stiffness
of a width of slab equal to beam length EcbC C
βt  
To Example 2 Ecs I s 2I s
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
a- Factored moments in column strips (contd.)

Ecb I b Ib EcbC C
α1   , βt  
Ecs I s Is 2 Ecs I s 2 I s
where , C is cross - sectional constant to define torsional properties
 0.63 x   x 3 y 
C   1    
 y  3 
Where
x is the shorter overall dimension of rectangular part of cross section
y is the longer overall dimension of rectangular part of cross section.
The cross section is to be divided into
y1 y1
Separate rectangular parts and carrying
x1 x1
out the summation given in previous y2
y2
Equation in such away to give the largest
x2
value of C. x2
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
a- Factored moments in column strips (contd.)

For Positive Moments

For Positive moments, the column strips have to be proportioned to
resist the following portions in percent of the positive factored
moments with linear interpolation made for intermediate values.

l2 / l 1 0.5 1.0 2.0

α1 l2 / l1 = 0 60 60 60
α1 l2 / l1 ≥ 1.0 90 75 45

α1 is the ratio of flexural stiffness of beam to stiffness of slab in

direction l1. E cb I b I
α1   b
E cs I s Is
To Example
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
b- Factored moments in middle strips

The portion of the negative and positive factored moments not

resisted by column strips shall be proportionately assigned to
corresponding half middle strips.

-ve Mmiddle= negative factored moment–negative column strip moment

+ve Mmiddle= positive factored moment–positive column strip moment

Each middle strip shall be proportioned to resist the sum of the

moments assigned to its two half middle strips.
 Direct Design Method
[DDM]
c- Factored moments in beams caused by slab loads

Beams between supports are to be designed to resist 85 % of column

strip moments if 1l2 / l1≥ 1. For values of 1l2 / l1between 1.0 and
zero, proportion of column strip moments resisted by beams is
obtained by linear interpolation between 85 and zero.
l2
Beams 85% of Mc for 1 1.0
l1
l2 l
85% x 1 of Mc for 0 1 2 1.0
l1 l1
Slabs Remainder of Mc “column strip moments”

In addition to these moments, beams are to be proportioned to resist

moments caused by factored loads applied directly on these beams.
 Depth limitations of the ACI
Code
a- Slab without interior beams

According to ACI Code, for slabs without interior beams spanning

between the supports and having a ratio of long to short span not
greater than 2, the minimum thickness shall be in accordance with
the provision of the following table, and shall not be less than the
following values:
a. Slabs without drop panels -------------------------------- 12.5 cm
b. Slabs with drop panels ------------------------------------ 10.0 cm
To Example

fy
)kg/cm2(

4200 ln /30 ln /33 ln /33 ln /33 ln /36 ln /36

 Depth limitations of the ACI
Code
b- Slab with beams on all sides

As specified by ACI Code, for slabs with beams spanning between the
supports on all sides, the minimum thickness (hs, min) shall be as follows:
a- For (αm ≤ 0.20),
ln α1
hs , min  , and not less than 12.5 cm α2 α4
33
α3
b- for (0.20
1  < αm ≤ 2.0),
2 3 4
ln (0.80  fy / 1500) l long m 
hs , min  , where   n 4
36  5 ( m  0.20) ln short
E I
and not less than 12.5 cm where   b b
Es I s
E b  Modulus of elasticity of beam
c- for (2.0 < αm),
ln (0.80  fy / 1500) l long Es  Modulus of elasticity of slab
hs , min  , where   n
36  9  ln short Ib  Moment of inertia for beam
and not less than 9.0 cm To Example Is  Moment of inertia for slab
 Depth limitations of the ACI
Code
b- Slab with beams on all sides (contd.)

d- At discontinuous edges, an edge beam shall be provided with a

stiffness ratio α not less than 0.80; other wise the minimum thickness
required by Equations in branch b or c shall be increased by at least
10 % in the panel with a discontinuous edge.

The following figure shows dimensions of interior and edge beams that need to
be considered in relative stiffness calculations.


 
flexural stiffness of beam b a 3 / 12 f

flexural stiffness of slab Is
Example # 1
 Example # 1

m7
Design the two-way flat
plate , given the following:
interior columns are

m7
40×40cm, exterior columns
are 30×30cm, covering

m7
materials weigh 2.0 kN/m2,
equivalent partition load 0.5
kN/m2 and the live load is m7

2.5 kN/m2.
Use fc’ = 28 MPa,
fy = 420 MPa. m6 m6 m6
Solution
1- Evaluate slab thickness

m7
ln1 = 7-0.20-0.15= 6.65 m
ln2 = 7-0.20-0.20= 6.60 m

m7
ln3 = 7-0.15-0.15= 6.70 m
The larger of the three values
will be used for thickness
calculation.

m7
For flat plates with no edge
beams, min. slab
thickness
m7

hmin =6600/30= 220.0 mm

m6 m6 m6
Solution
2- Check limitations for slab analysis

m7
by the DDM:
The first five conditions are
satisfied, while the sixth

m7
condition does not apply due
to the nonexistence of beams
See the limitation of DDM

m7
3- Calculate the factored load on the
slab
Wu = 1.2[0.22 (25)+ 2.0+0.5] m7

+1.6 [ 2.5] = 13.6 kN/m2

m6 m6 m6
Solution
4- Check slab thickness for shear
davg =220−20−14=186mm, assuming φ14mm reinforcing bars.

For example, take Interior columns

**** Punching shear ****
bo =4(400+186)= 2344mm= 2.344m [ 400+186 = 586]
Vu =13.6 [ 7(6) - (0.586)2]= 566.53 kN [ Vu = WuxA]
C1+d=

C2+d=586m
586mm
d/2
ΦVc = φ 4√ fc bo d

m7
d/2
ΦVc = 0.75x4√ 28000 x 2.344 x 1.86

m
= 2188.62kN
Therefore, m6

ΦVc > Vu ok (no need of shear reinforcement)

( 1Mpa = 1000 kN)
Solution
5- Calculate the factored static moment
Column and middle strips in the short direction
Solution

Width of intermediate strip = 7000 mm and width of column strip is

the smaller of ( l1/ 2) and (l2 / 2), taken as (6/2) = 3 m.
Total factored static moment:
Clear span for exterior panels = 6.0 – 0.15 – 0.2 = 5.65 m
Clear span for interior panels = 6.0 – 0.2 – 0.2 = 5.60 m
The larger of the two values will be used in moment calculations.
Mo =wu l2 ln2 /8 = 13.6 (7) (5.65)2 / 8 = 379.9 kN.m

6- Distribute the total factored static moment into positive and negative
moments
End Span Interior Span
Mo=266 0.7 Mo= 247 0.65 Mo= 247 0.65
0.26
Mo=98.8
Mo= 133 0.35
Mo=197.5 0.52
Solution
7- Distribute the positive and negative moments to the column and middle
strips
For Exterior Negative Moment End Span
l2/l1 = 7/6 =1.17, α1 = 0 and βt = 0, 266.0
98.8
there is no beams between supports
Mc(column) = 100% MT = 1 * 98.8 = 98.8 kN.m
197.5
MM(middle) = 98.8-98.8 = 0.0 Total Moment
For Interior Negative Moment 199.5
98.8
l2/l1 = 7/6 =1.17 and α1 = 0
Mc =75% MT =0.75*266=199.5 kN.m 118.5
Column strip Moment
MM = 266 – 199.5 = 66.5 kN.m
66.5
For Positive Moments
0.0
l2/l1 = 7/6 =1.17 and α1 = 0
Mc =60% MT =0.6*197.5=118.5 kN.m 79
Middle strip Moment
MM = 197.5 – 118.5 = 79 kN.m
Solution
7- Distribute the positive and negative moments to the column and middle
strips (contd.)
For Interior Negative Moment Interior Span
l2/l1 = 7/6 =1.17 and α1 = 0 247.0 247.0
Mc =75% MT =0.75*247=185.25 kN.m
MM = 247-185.25 = 61.75 kN.m 133.0
Total Moment
For Positive Moments 185.25 185.25
l2/l1 = 7/6 =1.17 and α1 = 0
Mc =60% MT =0.6*133=79.8 kN.m 79.8
Column strip Moment
MM = 133-79.8 = 53.2 kN.m
61.75 61.75

53.2
Middle strip Moment
Solution
7- Distribute the positive and negative moments to the column and middle
strips (contd.)
199.5 185.3 185.3 199.5
98.8 98.8

118.5 79.8 118.5

Column strip Moment

66.5 61.3 61.3 66.5

0.0 0.0

53.2 79.0
79.0

Middle strip Moment

Solution

8- Design the reinforcement

a - Column strip reinforcement
Design sections at maximum +ve and -ve moments as rectangular
sections where, d = 186 mm, and b = 3000 mm.
Use fc ′ = 28 MPa , and fy= 420 MPa

0.85 fc '  2 x 106 M u 

 1  1  2 
fy   (0.85) b d fc ' 

)mm2(
98.80 0.00259 1445 6Φ12.7 mm 5Φ12.7 mm
118.5 0.00312 1741 8Φ12.7 mm 6Φ12.7 mm
199.5 0.00537 2997 12Φ12.7 12Φ12.7 mm
79.8 0.00208 1161 mm mm
5Φ12.7 4Φ12.7 mm
Solution

8- Design the reinforcement (contd.)

b - middle strip reinforcement
Design sections at maximum +ve and -ve moments as rectangular
sections where, d = 186 mm, and b = 4000 mm.
Use fc ′ = 28 MPa , and fy= 420 MPa

0.85 fc '  2 x 106 M u 

 1  1  2 
fy   (0.85) b d fc ' 

)mm2(
0.00 0.00 - - -
79.0 0.0018 1339 6Φ12.7 mm 5Φ12.7 mm
66.5 0.0018 1339 6Ф12.7mm 5Φ12.7 mm
53.2 0.0018 1339 6Φ12.7 mm 5Φ12.7 mm
Solution

9- Design the reinforcement (contd.)

5Φ12. 5Φ12. 5Φ12.

7 7
6Φ12. 7 6Φ12.
6Φ12.
7 7 7
6Φ12. 12Φ12 12Φ.7 6Φ12.
7 8Φ12. .7 12 8Φ12. 7
7 4Φ12. 7
8Φ12. 7
5Φ12. 8Φ12.
7 7 7

5Φ12. 5Φ12.
7 5Φ12. 7
6Φ12. 7
6Φ12. 6Φ12.
7 7 7
Solution
5- Calculate the factored static moment
Column and middle strips in the long direction
Solution

Width of intermediate strip = 6000 mm and width of column strip is

the smaller of ( l1/ 2) and (l2 / 2), taken as (6/2) = 3 m.
Total factored static moment:
Clear span for exterior panels = 7.0 – 0.15 – 0.2 = 6.65 m
Clear span for interior panels = 7.0 – 0.2 – 0.2 = 6.60 m
The larger of the two values will be used in moment calculations.
Mo =wu l2 ln2 /8 = 13.6 (6) (6.65)2 / 8 = 451.1 kN.m

6- Distribute the total factored static moment into positive and negative
moments
End Span Interior Span
Mo=315.8 0.7
Mo= 293.2 0.65 Mo= 293.2 0.65
0.26
Mo=117.3
Mo= 157.9 0.35
Mo=234.6 0.52
Solution
7- Distribute the positive and negative moments
to the column and middle strips
For Exterior Negative Moment End Span
l2/l1 = 6/7 =0.86, α1 = 0 and βt = 0, 315.8
117.3
there is no beams between supports
Mc = 100% MT = 1 * 117.3 = 117.3 kN.m
234.6
MM = 117.3-117.3 = 0.0 Total Moment
For Interior Negative Moment 236.9
117.3
l2/l1 = 6/7 =0.86 and α1 = 0
Mc(column) =75% MT =0.75*315.8=236.9 kN.m 140.8
Column strip Moment
MM(Middle) = 315.8 – 236.9 = 78.9 kN.m
78.9
For Positive Moments
0.0
l2/l1 = 6/7 =0.86 and α1 = 0
Mc =60% MT =0.6*234.6=140.8 kN.m 93.8
Middle strip Moment
MM = 234.6 – 140.8 = 93.8 kN.m
Solution
7- Distribute the positive and negative moments
to the column and middle strips (contd.)
For Interior Negative Moment Interior Span
l2/l1 = 6/7 =0.86 and α1 = 0 293.2 293.2
Mc =75% MT =0.75*293.2=219.9 kN.m
MM = 293.2-219.9 = 73.3 kN.m 157.9
Total Moment
For Positive Moments 219.9 219.9
l2/l1 = 6/7 =0.86 and α1 = 0
Mc =60% MT =0.6*157.9=94.7 kN.m 94.7
Column strip Moment
MM = 157.9-94.7 = 63.2 kN.m
73.3 73.3

63.2
Middle strip Moment
Solution
7- Distribute the positive and negative moments to the column and middle
strips (contd.)
236.9 219.9 219.9 199.5
219.9 219.9 236.9
117.3 98.8 117.3

140.8 94.7 94.7

118.5 140.8
Column strip Moment

78.9 73.3 73.3 73.3 73.3 78.9

0.0 0.0

63.2 63.2
93.8 93.8
Solution
8- Design the reinforcement
a - Column strip reinforcement
Design sections at maximum +ve and -ve moments as rectangular
sections where, d = 186 mm, and b = 3000 mm.
Use fc ′ = 28 MPa , and fy= 420 MPa
0.85 fc '  2 x 106 M u 
 1  1  2 
fy   (0.85) b d fc ' 

)mm2(
117.3 0.00309 1724 7Φ12.7 mm 7Φ12.7 mm
140.8 0.00373 2081 8Φ12.7 mm 8Φ12.7 mm
236.9 0.00645 3599 14Φ12.7 14Φ12.7 mm
1383 mm
94.7 0.00248 6Φ12.7 mm 5Φ12.7 mm
219.9 0.00597 3331 13Φ12.7 13Φ12.7 mm
mm
Solution
8- Design the reinforcement
b - middle strip reinforcement
Design sections at maximum +ve and -ve moments as rectangular
sections where, d = 186 mm, and b = 3000 mm.
Use fc ′ = 28 MPa , and fy= 420 MPa
0.85 fc '  2 x 106 M u 
 1  1  2 
fy   (0.85) b d fc ' 

)mm2(
- - - - -
93.8 0.00245 1367 6Φ12.7 mm 5Φ12.7 mm
78.9 0.0018 1005 - 8Φ12.7mm
63.2 0.0018 1005 4Φ12.7 mm 4Φ12.7 mm
73.3 0.0018 1005 - 8Φ12.7mm
Example # 2
 Example # 1

m6
For the two-way solid slab
with beams on all column
lines. All columns are

m6
30cm×30cm, all beams are
30×60cm, covering
materials weigh 2.0 kN/m2,
and the live load is 3.0 m6

kN/m2. m 7.5 m 7.5 m 7.5

Use fc’ := 28 MPa,

Required
fy =slab
Evaluate 420thickness
MPa. and moments acting on any of the internal
beams, using the DDM.
Solution 7.5 m 3.75
m
A trial value of h = 0.20 m (by l/36)

0.6-(0.30+2 0.6-(+0.30

m6
1.1=)0.2 0.7=)0.2
0.2 0.2

0.4 0.4 0.4

6
m
For Beams 0.30 0.30
a/h = 0.6/0.2=3.0 , b/h = 0.3/0.2=1.5

m3
For the edge beam, I =( b a3 /12) f
f = 1.45
I =(0.3(0.6)3/12) 1.45= 7.83(10)-3 m4
For the interior beam, I =( b a3 /12) f
f = 1.72
I =(0.3(0.6)3/12) 1.72= 9.29(10)-3 m4
Solution 7.5 m 3.75

For the slab strips m

For 3.9 m edge width

I= 3.9*0.23/12 = 2.6 (10)-3 m4

m6
For 3.15 m edge width
I= 3.15*0.23/12 = 2.1 (10)-3 m4
For 7.5 m edge width Typical

6
m
I= 7.5*0.23/12 = 5.0 (10)-3 m4 Exterior
Panel
For 6 m edge width
I= 6*0.23/12 = 4.0 (10)-3 m4

m3
For Typical Exterior Panel
α1= 7.83/2.6 =3.01, α3= 9.29/5.0 =1.86,
α2= α4= 9.29/4.0 =2.32, α4=
2.32
αm = (3.01+2(2.32)+1.86)/4 = 2.38 >2.0 α1= α3= 1.86
(7.5  0.3)(0.80  420 / 1500)
hs , min   0.165 m 3.01
7. 2 α2=
36  9( )
5. 7 2.32
Solution 7.5 m 3.75
m
For Corner Panel α4=
α1= 7.83/2.6 =3.01, 3.73 Typical
α1= α3= 1.86 Corner

m6
α2= 9.29/4.0 =2.32, Panel
3.01
α3= 9.29/5.0 =1.86, α2=
α4= 7.83/2.1 =3.73, 2.32

6
m
αm = (3.01+2.32+1.86+3.73)/4 = 2.73 >2.0

α4=
For Interior Panel 2.32

m3
α1= α3 = 9.29/5.0 =1.86, α1= α3= 1.86
1.86
α2= α4= 9.29/4.0 =2.32, α2=
2.32
αm = 2(1.86+2.32)/4 = 2.09 >2.0

slab thickness is adequate #