etabs

[shuja825]

Iam modelling a villa in Etabs.I hav two Slab panels of size 6mx3m.thickness 150mm,side by side but at different level. one slab panel is at 4m above ground level n other panel is at 5m above ground level.i want to use only one beam to take the loads from these two slabs instead of two beams for two slabs at different levels.i want to model the beam in such a way taht it should be connected to both slabs n take the loads.can this be possible in etabs. please help

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[sinu21]

I think you have to model a vertical slab in.It will act as a deep beam like stuff, Only thing you will have to provide horizontal intermediate reinforcement,I dont know it helped or not...

Regards

 

[Ashshamy8]

There two ways to solve your problem:
1. You can draw a spandrel between two elevations, its material is concrete with E=60%*Eco in order to consider cracks in this section (effective area becomes smaller).
2. Also you can use line constrains: first, draw the beam in one elevation connected to the slab side which is above the other slab side or under it (Its height should be equal to the distance between two elevations and also should reduce I22,I33,J to 50% at set modifiers option). Second, you have to mesh slabs and the beam at same spacing (at least 3 or 4 spaces). Third, select each two points from these two elevations and assign one kind of line constrains links according to the case (either you want to transfer the loads only or loads and displacement ..etc.)_ I'm not sure but I think you have to assign these two elevations at different diaphragms.

Mentioned values depends on your experience and safety factor you want.
I hope that could be helpful.