Waffle Slab Design Sofware

[ajk1]

I am about to start checking an old waffle slab design and about to start doing it manually with the old PCA moment distribution coefficients for non-prismatic members, but I am wondering if there is any waffle slab design software available. I think perhaps the old ADOSS used to be able to do waffle slabs, but it is no longer supported by PCA. Any other software?

 

[KootK]

SAFE can auto generate waffle slabs.

A waffle slab design really isn't all that different from a flat plate design. With some fudging regarding weight etc, you can probably just use whatever software you've got.

My first stop is always the CRSI manuals if they can be made to apply.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[ajk1]

Yes the CRSI Manuals all the way back to 1963 were the first thing I looked at a month ago but the dimensions of our waffle are odd-ball. It is interesting info that it can readily be done by SAFE. I had suggested that to one of our engineers on Monday and he said it was not so simple to model a waffle slab on SAFE. Have you done a waffle on SAFE? I will revisit that now. Thanks.

 

[KootK]

I have done a waffle slab analysis in SAFE. Initially, we tried to model the ribs in their actual locations. This was difficult as our slab was irregular like yours. I came to the conclusion that this wasn't necessary and that it would be sufficient to model the ribs in pretty much any location so long as the spacing, orientation, etc was correct.

On subsequent projects, I decided not to explicitly model the ribs at all. I just model the slabs as flat plates and mess with the property modifiers to get appropriate results. It's much faster this way and plenty accurate.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[ajk1]

To Kootk - yes, thanks for the idea. I will try that Friday.