Structural Slab Design- Best method/programs 1

[xkcstructural]

I was looking at different structural slab design programs like RISA Floor ES, and was wondering what everyone out there uses? Are there any other good options? I've done some research. Currently, the way it's done is by running column strips in enercalc but you cant use that if your house is not rectangular cause of the limitations of the Direct Design Method. Any guidance/resources on an efficient way to design a two-way slab. I am considering making a mathcad sheet this weekend to try to tackle this.


Thanks!

 

[JoelTXCive]

Check out Concrete Bending by IESWeb. It's cheap and easy to use... $250 per year.

https://www.iesweb.com/cb/

 

[milkshakelake]

When Direct Design Method doesn't work, I use SAFE (or expensive version of ETABS). Both are expensive AF. I also tried spSlab; it's nice and gets the job done, and I hesitate to say bad things about them because their customer support is nice, but it doesn't beat SAFE for how many situations it can handle. The learning curve for SAFE is pretty high though, on the order of months to years. I used to use pcaMats (I think it's spMats now) and it's not nearly as good in terms of usability.

 

[skeletron]

IESWeb kind of does the trick. Their demo videos are also pretty good. I did find it a bit quirky and needing a second gut check for how the results appeared.
I'd like to try SAFE at some point, but just don't have enough slab work coming through the door to justify the cost. I fear that taking the trial version with the intent to learn would be a bit of a struggle.

 

[milkshakelake]

@skeletron The good thing about SAFE is that it integrates nicely with ETABS. I was already using ETABS, so it was a synergy thing (thus more money for CSI). ETABS Ultimate version also does slab design; I think the latest version also does nonlinear stuff like long term deflection. But your cost should also include the learning curve, and it has TONS of little quirks that you get used to with experience, or talk to customer support to resolve. Meshing can be a chore, even with the new auto general mesh. There's also a crap ton of trial and error, and back checking with hand calcs, to get used to it. If IESWeb does the trick, no need to change it, unless it's missing something crucial. My office is just too used to it to consider switching to a cheaper option.

 

[CConrad]

Be careful when applying the Concrete Beam module in ENERCALC SEL to anything that is actually a slab. The module is programmed for beams, and does not take slab provisions into consideration.

ENERCALC SEL does include ENERCALC 3D, which has the ability to analyze slab meshes and determine reinforcing requirements based on Wood-Armer moments.

Director of Engineering
ENERCALC, LLC
Web:

http://www.enercalc.com

 

[xkcstructural]

Ill have to check out the Enercalc SEL, The concrete bending was a good start, but not as intuitive as RISA floor ES and I just skipped looking at the expensive versions : )

 

[EZBuilding]

RAM Concept is the best slab design package I have had experience with.

 

[centondollar]

Any program that applies Wood-Armer (or the German method similar to it, the name of which I now forget) should be fine, assuming that design bending and twisting moments are obtained by elastic plate FE analysis.

 

[Trenno]

RAM Concept for me.