Limit Design of Slabs for Concentrated Loads

Yield Line Theory is used to derive expressions for the flexural limit loads of reinforced concrete slabs subjected to simultaneously acting concentrated and distributed loads. The concentrated loads are assumed to have a rectangular footprint of any reasonable size and aspect ratio. The slab reinforcement can be orthotropic, different over each supported boundary, and the positive and negative moment reinforcements can also be different. The slab boundaries may be rigidly supported or consist of beams whose bending and torsional strengths, and weight, can be incorporated into the analysis. One of the boundaries can also be unsupported. The geometrically admissible collapse mechanisms for the combined loadings are studies and results obtained by their use are compared with some presented in the literature for individual loadings.