Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Column Staggering in Flat Slabs Systems
Mohammad Adil1*, Muhammad A. Khan2, Naveed Ahmed1, Edward Bromhead3, Muhammad A. Arshad1, Muhammad Fahad1, Shahid Ullah1 and Khan Shahzada1
ABSTRACT
In frame structures having beam supported cast in-situ concrete slabs, there is no flexibility in repositioning columns without compromising structural framing plan, to conserve space. Although, column repositioning is achievable in flat slabs, it is difficult to practice because of non-availability of design guidelines taking care of haphazardly placed columns or staggered column arrangement. Providing staggered columns under flat slab may reduce the labor as well as the material cost of the structure without affecting the structural performance of the slabs as well as columns. Wide parking and halls could be constructed and architects will have more freedom and flexibility in their designs with reduced reliance on structural design. This study is focused on the basic flat slab analyses and design with the help of finite element software along with manual method of analyses and design called “yield line method” applied to staggered column arrangement. To analyze more patterns in less time, finite element results has been validated with yield line method. Based on the analyses and design results for different case studies, column staggering guidelines have been developed and presented. To prove the concept, a numerical case study of a building with staggered columns arrangement has also been presented. As expected, it has been discovered that providing a column or eliminating a column at one location may disturb the deflection and moment of flat slab at other location, while it’s possible to reduce the number of columns by staggering. The provided guidelines can be used to reduce risks of punching shear, bending moment and deflection at extreme corners and edges, while avoiding edge beams in flat slabs for staggered column arrangement.
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