Flat Slab with Perimeter Beams

Use the Flat Slab with Perimeter Beams form to define the size, thickness, and load for the slab, the size and height of the columns, the width and depth of perimeter beams, and the size and thickness of the drop panels, if any.

• Plan Dimensions.

• • Along X Direction. The Left and Right Edge Distance edit boxes can be used to specify the extents of the slab beyond the outside grid lines. The Number of Spans and the Spacing edit boxes can be used to specify the grids in the X direction. Accept the defaults or specify values by typing directly in the edit boxes.  

  • Along Y Direction.  The Top and Bottom Edge Distance exit boxes can be used to specify the extents of the slab beyond the outside grid lines. The Number of Spans and Spacing edit boxes can be used specify the grids in the Y direction. Accept the defaults or specify values by typing directly in the edit boxes.

• Slab Thickness. Specify the thickness of the slab as either a fraction of the longest clear span length plus some additional value, or input the thickness directly.

• Column Dimensions. Input the Column Size and the Column Height Below the model datum plane. A column property will be created based on the square column size specified.

• • Model Column Intersection as Stiff Slab check box. Check this check box if a stiff slab object should be added at the column location to account for the increase in slab stiffness over the column.

• Load. Input surface loads for both dead (in addition to self weight) and live load patterns.

• • Create Auto Live Load Patterns check box. Check this check box if the program should automate the generation of pattern (skip) loading.

• Beam  Dimensions. Input the Depth and Web Width for the beams in each direction. Depth is specified from the top of slab, typically the elevation of the model datum. Rectangular beams will be created along each slab edge, and will be located using an insertion point of top center at the model datum.

• Drop Panel Dimension. Check the Include drop panels check box if the model should include drop panels at the interior columns. Input the Size and Thickness of the desired drop panels.

TIP: The Calculator feature can be used to assist with mathematical operations during data entry. Place the mouse pointer/cursor in an edit box, hold down the Shift key and double click the left mouse button to access the form.