Two Way Slab

Use the Two Way Slab form to define the size, thickness, and load for the slab, the size and height of the columns, and the width and depth of beams.

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 edit 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 to 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 at interior grid lines, and will be located using an insertion point of top center at the model datum.

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.

Access the Two Way Slab form as follows:

Click the File menu > New Model command to access the New Model Initialization form.
Specify the Units that will be used to save the model file, select the Design Code as appropriate, and add Project Information by clicking the Project Information Modify/Show button.
Click the Two Way Slab button.