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ANALYSIS OF TWO-WAY SLAB USING YIELD LINE METHOD

Conference Paper · December 2018

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 ANALYSIS OF TWO-WAY SLAB USING YIELD LINE METHOD

Fathelrahman M. Adam1, Hytham M. S1, Mohamed. G. S1

1
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Nile Valley University,
[email protected]
[email protected]

‫ســت َْخـلـَص‬
ْ ‫ُمـ‬

‫ اعتمد التحليل‬.‫تعنى هذه الورقة بتحليل خط الخضوع للبالطة اتجاهين من الخرسانة المسلحة تقع تحت تأثير الحمل الموزع بانتظام على مساحة البالطة‬
‫ تعتمد الصيغة العامة بشكل أساسي‬.‫ والتي استنتجت فيها صيغة عامة لحساب أقصى عزم انحناء موجب بالبحر الطويل‬،‫على الطريقة التي تبناها يوهانسون‬
.‫على األبعاد الهندسية الناتجة عن نمط االنهيار لخطوط الخضوع باإلضافة إلى معامالت العزوم التي استخدمت للربط بين العزم المحسوب والعزوم األخرى‬
‫ من خالل تبني تسع حاالت من الحاالت الحدودية باستخدام نسب أطوال بحور مختلفة‬STAAD-Pro ‫تم اشتقاق معامالت العزوم رقميًا باستخدام برنامج‬
.‫ تم حساب عزوم االنحناء الحدية باستخدام طريقة خط الخضوع‬،‫ بالنسبة للحاالت التسعة ومع استخدام نسب البحور المختلفة‬.2.0 ‫ إلى‬1.0 ‫تراوحت من‬
‫ باإلضافة إلى تلك التي تم الحصول عليها باستخدام برنامج‬BS8110 ‫وتمت مقارنة النتائج التي تم الحصول عليها مع نتائج استخرجت من المدونة‬
.STAAD-Pro

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with the yield line analysis of orthotropic reinforced concrete two-way slab under the effect of
uniformly distributed pressure load. The analysis was based on the method developed by Johansson, in which a general
formula was derived to calculate the ultimate positive bending moment for the long span. The general formula depends
mainly on the geometric dimensions resulting from the yield lines pattern as well as the moment's coefficients that have
been used to relate the calculated moments with other moments. The moment's coefficients have been derived
numerically using STAAD-Pro Software by adopting nine cases of boundary conditions with using different spans
ratios range from 1.0 to 2.0. For the nine cases and with using different spans ratios, the ultimate bending moments
have been calculated using yield line method. The results obtained were compared to that extracted from the BS8110
Code as well as those obtained using STAAD-Pro Software.

Keywords Yield line method, Two-way Slab, Analysis of slab, Slab moment's coefficients.

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1 Introduction In yield line the slab can be described as isotropic slab if

the same amount of bottom reinforcement both ways, or
The reinforced concrete slabs are important structural orthotropic slabs which have different amounts of
members because they carry the transverse loads of the reinforcement in the two directions [3].
buildings directly and in turn, it resists these loads by
bending action either in one direction or in two A 10% margin on the ultimate moments should be added
directions. Slabs are classified according to the to two-way slabs to allow for the effects of corner levers
supporting conditions and according to their composition [3,8].
to many different types. The analysis of slabs is
somewhat complex and there are many methods used in STAAD Pro is a general-purpose program for
the analysis of slabs, including analytical methods and performing the analysis and design of a wide variety of
numerical methods, based on the properties of concrete types of structures. The modeling and analysis of a slab
in terms of elasticity and/or plasticity. The ACI, BS8110 and other surface entities like walls are modeled using
and European Standards, established coefficients for plate elements which are using generation method for
calculating bending moments and shear forces for generating the finite element model.
various slab cases according to the supporting
conditions. But using these coefficients is subject to In this work, an analysis of two-way reinforced concrete
conditions that must be met prior to use. One method that slab has been done and the solution was carried out using
has recently been used and found acceptable in the virtual work method by adopting general case of slab
British, European and American Standards is the Yield probable different cases of slabs according to the
Line Method, which is the method classified as ultimate supporting conditions as reported by the BS8110 .
limit state method. The yield line is economically
advantageous because the moment calculated by it is less 1.1 Aims and Objective
than the calculated by any other methods. This paper aims to analyze two-way reinforced concrete
slab using yield line theory in order to:
Yield-line analysis for slabs was initiated by Ingerslev
(1923) and was extended greatly by Johansen (1943, 1. Express a general formula for bending moment
1949) [1]. Its main application to reinforced concrete through following the procedure of yield line
slabs whose structural characteristics are dominated by method.
yielding of the steel reinforcement [2]. The guidance 2. Deduce the moment's coefficients through
document produced by the U.K. Concrete Centre studying the relation between the two-way slab
(Kennedy and Goodchild 2004) discusses the many bending moments using STAAD-Pro Software.
benefits of yield-line design, in particular highlighting 3. Calculate the ultimate bending moments for the
the highly economic reinforcement layouts that can two-way slabs using the general formula and
result from its application [3] though it should be noted compared the results obtained with those
that the method considers flexural failure only, and obtained using STAAD-Pro and BS8110 Code.
serviceability considerations, which will sometimes
govern the design, are not considered [4]. Due to the 2.0 The Yield Line Theory
upper-bound behaviors of the yield-line method, a yield-
line patterns will often need to be explored, which can be At failure, the yield lines divide the slab into several
time-consuming. Furthermore, there is often the concern segments and all rotations take place in yield lines. By
that the critical pattern may have been missed, and choosing some convenient point as point of maximum
consequently that an unsafe load carrying capacity has deflection δ and normally is assumed as unit value and
been computed [5]. The basic assumption of the yield- according to the principal of virtual load, external work
line theory, first developed by Johansen, is that a done by applied loads is equated to the internal work
reinforced concrete slab, similar to a continuous beam or done along yield-lines as shown in Equation 1.
frame of a perfectly plastic material, will develop yield
hinges under overload, but will not collapse until a
mechanism is formed. [6,7]. ∑𝑤 𝛿 =∑ 𝑚 𝑙 𝜃 (1)
Where:
To get yield line solution, there may be several possible
valid yield line patterns that could apply to a particular w is the Load acting within a particular segment
configuration of a slab and loading. However, there is
one yield line pattern that gives the highest moments or δ is the vertical displacement of the load w on each
least load at failure [3]. The solution can be carried out segment expressed as a fraction of unity
by the equilibrium method, in which equilibrium
equations are written for each plate segment, or by the m is the moment or moment of resistance of the slab per
virtual-work method, in which some part of the slab is meter run represented by the reinforcement crossing the
given a virtual displacement and the resulting work is yield line
considered.

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l is the length of yield line or its projected length onto the L and L are the dimensions of slab, long span (Ly) and
axis of rotation for that segment short span (Lx) respectively.

θ is the rotation of the segment about its axis of rotation x1L, x2L, and Ly are unknown dimensions define the
location of yield lines.
The moment across the yield lines being a maximum
value, the correct yield pattern, corresponding to a load
k1, k2, k3, and k4 are the fixity ratios for the four edges
w will give a maximum value of m from Equation l as
also can be defined as the negative moment coefficients.
compared to other patterns. If a type of pattern is
assumed in accord with the support conditions and
k5 is the positive moment coefficient for short span
characterized by a number of unknown parameters x1,
x2,… xn Equation l can be written by:
M is the ultimate positive bending moment per unit
𝑚 = 𝑓(𝑥1 . 𝑥2 . … . 𝑥𝑛 ) (2) length for the long span.

The correct yield pattern then is formed by the maximum A, B, C, and D are the slab segments due to yield line
criteria: pattern.

𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑓 𝜕𝑓 is the axis of rotation for the positive

= 0. = 0. …. =0 (3)
𝜕𝑥1 𝜕𝑥2 𝜕𝑥𝑛 moment.

The final yield moment m is determined by substituting is the axis of rotation for the negative
the corresponding parameter values into Equation 2. moment.

3.0 General Cases for Uniformly Loaded Two- In order to generate the nine cases as stated by BS8110
Way Slabs code, the four edges can be altered between fixed and
simply supported. The case of a simply supported edge
The general cases of uniformly loaded two-way slabs can be obtained by putting the fixity ratio equal to zero.
will be considered. The slabs will be considered to be A fixed edge means continuous edge with a negative
orthotropically reinforced. The slab and the yield line moment. And a simply supported edge means
pattern are shown in Figure 1. All edges of slab are discontinuous edge with zero negative moment.
assumed to be fixed and the ultimate negative moments
and ultimate positive moment for short span are defined 3.1 Moment's Coefficients
in terms of positive moment for long span. According to Reference [3] and [6], the moment's
coefficients are assumed to be chosen by the designer
firstly. In this paper, the fixity coefficients at edges as
Ly = L well as the moment's coefficient for the short span are
)L k2M M estimated by studying results obtained using finite
k1,3M

k5M element method through using STAAD-Pro software.

Nine cases were adopted attempting different edges
B K2,4M conditions, as well as different ratios between the two
Lx = L

spans of the slab using parameter (α), ranged between 0.5

k1M

A C
k3M

and 1.0. The positive moment for the long span is the
lowest moment among others, so is taken as the base for
D Ly obtaining the moment's coefficients which are calculated
according to Equation (4).

k4M
x2L (1-x1-x2)L x1L
)L 𝑀𝑦 (𝑁𝑒𝑔) 𝑀𝑥 (𝑁𝑒𝑔)
𝑘1 = 𝑘3 = ; 𝑘2 = 𝑘4 = ;
𝑀𝑦 (𝑃𝑜𝑠) 𝑀𝑦 (𝑃𝑜𝑠)
Figure 1: Yield Line Pattern for the General Case of
Two-Way Slab
𝑀𝑥 (𝑃𝑜𝑠)
𝑘5 = (4)
𝑀𝑦 (𝑃𝑜𝑠)
Where:
Where:
 is the ratio between 0.5 – 1.0 used to calculate short
span as a ratio of long span. 𝑘1 𝑡𝑜 𝑘5 as shown in Figure (1).

𝑀𝑥 is the moment for the short span.

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𝑀𝑦 is the moment for the long span. The ultimate bending moment can be calculated
according to the values of parameters x1, x2 and y which
In order to express the values of the moment's have been estimated using the concept explained in
coefficients in an easy and practical way, a link was Equation (3). y is given by Equation (9) and totally is
obtained between them and spans ratios using a dependent on moment's coefficients. x1 and x2 are
specialized program CurveExpert, and the best model calculated simultaneously using Equation (10) and using
that has been found to relate them is a quadratic formula excessive calculation aided by spreadsheets in order to
as shown in Equation (5). give ultimate value of M.

−𝑏 − √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
𝑦= (9)
2𝑎
2
𝑘1 = 𝑘3 = 0.21 + 1.68𝑅 − 0.48𝑅
Where:
𝑘2 = 𝑘4 = −2.74 + 5.41𝑅 − 1.09𝑅2 (5)
𝑎 = 𝑘4 − 𝑘2 ; 𝑏 = −(2𝑘4 + 2𝑘5 ) ;
𝑘5 = −1.53 + 3.0𝑅 − 0.47𝑅2
𝑐 = (𝑘4 + 𝑘5 )

−𝑏 − √𝑏 2 − 4𝑎𝑐
Where R is span ratio for slab 𝑥1 = (10)
2𝑎
𝐿𝑦 𝐿 1 Where:
𝑅= = =
𝐿𝑥 𝛼𝐿 𝛼
𝑎 = (−𝑠(1 + 𝑘1 ) − 𝑥2 𝑦(𝑘2 + 𝑘5 )
3.2 General Formula for Bending Moment − 𝑥2 (1 − 𝑦)(𝑘4 + 𝑘5 ))
According to the yield line pattern shown in Figure 1, the
bending moment can be derived by applying the concepts
𝑏 = −2(𝑠𝑥2 (1 + 𝑘3 )) ; 𝑐 = 𝑠𝑥2 (1 + 𝑘3 )(3 − 𝑥2 )
of virtual work and substituting in Equation 1. The
internal and external work done can be obtained by
follow the same procedure stated in most of the 4.0 Calculation of the Ultimate Bending
References listed, at final the following expressions were Moments for the Different Cases of the Slab
obtained.
The cases taken here were the nine cases listed in
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐼𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝐷𝑜𝑛𝑒 BS8110, these cases are shown in Table 1. For the
𝑀(1 + 𝑘1 ) 𝑀(1 + 𝑘3 ) 𝑀(𝑘2 + 𝑘5 ) different values of the span's ratios (R) which ranged
= + +
𝑥2 𝑥1 𝛼(1 − 𝑦) between 1.0 and 2.0, the moment's coefficients have been
𝑀(𝑘4 + 𝑘5 ) determined covering the nine cases of the slab using
+ (6) Equation (5). Again, the Curvexpert program was used
𝛼𝑦
to relate the yield line dimensions x1, x2 and y with R and
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑥𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑊𝑜𝑟𝑘 𝐷𝑜𝑛𝑒 the Equations obtained were listed in Table 2. The
= ⅙𝑤𝐿2 (3 − 𝑥1 − 𝑥2 ) (7) positive bending moments for the long span can be
calculated using Equations (8), (9) and (10) and for
simplification, quadratic equations dependent on R have
By applying Equations (6) and (7) in Equation (1), the
been derived and listed in Table 2. The values of bending
bending moment is found as shown in Equation (8).
moments obtained were used to calculate the other
bending moments using Equation (11).
𝑤(𝛼𝐿)2 (3 − 𝑥1 − 𝑥2 )
𝑀= ( ) (8)
6 𝑡1 + 𝑡2 + 𝑡3 + 𝑡4 𝑀𝑥 (𝑃𝑜𝑠) = 𝑘5 𝑀𝑦 (𝑃𝑜𝑠);

where: 𝑀𝑥 (𝑁𝑒𝑔) = 𝑘2.4 𝑀𝑦 (𝑃𝑜𝑠) ;

𝛼 2 (1 + 𝑘1 ) 𝛼 2 (1 + 𝑘3 )
𝑡1 = ; 𝑡2 = 𝑀𝑦 (𝑁𝑒𝑔) = 𝑘1.3 𝑀𝑦 (𝑃𝑜𝑠) (11)
𝑥2 𝑥1

(𝑘2 + 𝑘5 ) (𝑘4 + 𝑘5 )
𝑡3 = ; 𝑡4 =
(1 − 𝑦) 𝑦

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Table 1: The Nine Cases of Slab According to BS8110

Case No. Description Figure

1 Interior panels (4-Edges Continues)

2 One short edge discontinuous

3 One long edge discontinuous

4 Two adjacent edges discontinuous (Corner)

5 Two short edges discontinuous

6 Two long edges discontinuous

7 Three edges discontinuous (one long edge continuous)

8 Three edges discontinuous (one short edge continuous)

9 Four edges discontinuous

Table 2: Equations for Calculating Yield Line Dimensions and the Ultimate Positive Moment for Long Span
for the Nine Cases
Case y x1 x2 M
𝑥1 = 1.050 − 0.717𝑅 𝑀 = 0.024 − 0.007𝑅
0.5 𝑥2 = 𝑥1
+ 0.153𝑅2 + 0.001𝑅2

𝑥1 = 0.874 − 0.692𝑅 𝑥2 = 1.230 − 0.900𝑅 𝑀 = 0.035 − 0.017𝑅

0.5
+ 0.165𝑅2 + 0.202𝑅2 + 0.004𝑅2

𝑥1 = 1.070 − 0.663𝑅 𝑀 = 0.020 + 0.003𝑅

0.62 𝑥2 = 𝑥1
+ 0.133𝑅2 − 0.001𝑅2

𝑥1 = 0.852 − 0.612𝑅 𝑥2 = 1.260 − 0.840𝑅 𝑀 = 0.036 − 0.009𝑅

0.62
+ 0.136𝑅2 + 0.175𝑅2 + 0.001𝑅2

𝑥1 = 0.954 − 0.760𝑅 𝑀 = 0.048 − 0.028𝑅

0.5 𝑥2 = 𝑥1
+ 0.179𝑅2 + 0.006𝑅2

𝑥1 = 1.080 − 0.581𝑅 𝑀 = 0.010 − 0.024𝑅

0.5 𝑥2 = 𝑥1
+ 0.103𝑅2 + 0.007𝑅2

𝑥1 = 1.05 − 0.813𝑅 𝑀 = 0.053 − 0.023𝑅

0.62 𝑥2 = 𝑥1
+ 0.190𝑅2 + 0.004𝑅2

𝑥1 = 0.884 − 0.572𝑅 𝑥2 = 1.31 − 0.776𝑅

0.5 𝑀 = 0.041 − 0.004𝑅
+ 0.118𝑅2 + 0.149𝑅2

0.5 𝑥1 = 1.15 − 0.84𝑅 + 0.19𝑅2 𝑥2 = 𝑥1 𝑀 = 0.053 − 0.007𝑅

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5.0 Verification of the Ultimate Bending STAAD-Pro Software and with those extracted from the
Moments produced by Yield Line Method BS8110. The comparison has been done using graphs
include all nine cases and samples of these graphs were
The ultimate bending moments obtained by using yield illustrated as shown in Figures (2-7).
line theory were compared with those obtained by using

Figure 2: Bending Moment for Interior Slab

Figure 3: Bending Moment for One Short Edge Discontinuous Slab

Figure 4: Bending Moment for Two Adjacent Edges Slab

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Figure 5: Bending Moment for Two Short Edges Discontinuous Slab

Figure 6: Bending Moment for One Long Edge Continuous Slab

YL.x, YL.y are referred to the moment calculated

according to the yield line theory along short span and
long span respectively.

BS8110.x, BS8110.y are referred to the moment

extracted from BS8110 Code along short span and long
span respectively.

STAAD.x, STAAD.y are referred to the moment

Calculated using STAAD Pro Software along short span
and long span respectively

6.0 Results and Discussion

As clear from the above figures, the bending moments

obtained using yield line theory, it is found always less
than those obtained by BS8110 and STAAD-Pro by an
Figure 7: Bending Moment for Four Edge amount range between 15% to 30%. This is consistent
Discontinuous Slab with the literature reviewed which emphasized that the
For the Figures 2-7, the notations used in the legends are moment obtained using yield line is more economical
defined as follow. than that obtained by any other method. The bending
moment for short span, it always increases with the span
ratio increased, while for the long span it found

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decreases, this is in line with the well-known concept of [5] Matthew Gilbert, Linwei He and Thomas Pritchard,
the two-way slab. It is optional to calculate the bending "The yield-line method for concrete slabs:
moments; either using the simplified equations listed in automated at last", The Structural Engineer, 93 (10),
Table 2 or extracted it directly from the figures.
44-48, 2015.
[6] K. W. Johansen,"Yield Line Theory", Cement and
7.0 Conclusion
Concrete Association, London, 1962.
The yield line theory has been conducted in this paper for [7] PEI-KAO HSUEH, "THE YIELD-LINE THEORY
the two-way reinforced concrete slab. A general case of FOR CONCRETE SLABS", MSc. Thesis, KANSAS
the slab has been analyzed and the calculations were STATE UNIVERSITY Manhattan, Kansas, 1966.
carried out to estimate the values of yield line dimensions [8] Adil. A. M., Fathelrahman. M. A, Izeldein. J. I.,
firstly and then the ultimate bending moments can be "Investigation of Ultimate Resisting Moment of
calculated. The bending moment for the long span is
Reinforced Concrete Slabs Systems using Yield Line
always is the less one. Because of this reason, all the slab
moments were taken as a ratio to this moment. The Theory, BS8110 and Computer Software", IJREAT,
calculated dimensions, as well as the bending moment, Volume 4, Issue 1, pp 37-44, 2016.
have been articulated with the span's ratios, by quadratic [9] BS8110, Part 1: "Code of practice for design and
equations which lead to simple calculations. construction", BSI, 2nd Second edition, 1997.

According to the results obtained, we concluded that:

• The Bending moment calculated using yield line

theory is more economical than the other methods.
• For the short span, the average percentage difference
between the ultimate positive moment obtained by
using yield line and by using BS8110 is about 22%
less.
• For the long span, the average percentage difference
between the ultimate positive moment obtained by
using yield line and by using BS8110 is about 30%
less.
• For the short span and long span, the average
percentage difference between the ultimate negative
moment obtained by using yield line and by using
BS8110 is about 15% less.

References

[1] Jinxin Gong; Yanqing Zhang; and Shi Han,

"Ultimate Bearing Capacity of Reinforced Concrete
Slab Carrying Concentrated Load", Journal of
Engineering Mechanics, ASCE, Vol. 137, No. 12,
pp 877–886 December 1, 2011.
[2] A. Thavalingam, A. Jennings, J.J. McKeown, D.
Sloan, "A computerised method for rigid-plastic
yield-line analysis of slabs", Computers and
Structures 68, pp 601-612, 1998
[3] Kennedy, G., and Goodchild, C. H., "Practical
yield-line design", Concrete Centre, Surrey, U.K.,
2004.
[4] Linwei He; Matthew Gilbert, M. ASCE; and Marcus
Shepherd, "Automatic Yield-Line Analysis of
Practical Slab Configurations via Discontinuity
Layout Optimization", J. Struct. Eng, ASCE, 143(7):
04017036, 2017.

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